Case studies

Results our sponsors could act on.

Seven challenges across energy, mining, forestry and the bioeconomy — several delivered as Tessellate Inc., the firm that became Challenge Ventures.

7+challenges delivered
40+companies accelerated
$70M+investment secured
CAD$40M+follow-on from Waste Heat

BioChar Production

The need

Construction and demolition waste needed a higher-value, lower-carbon pathway than landfill, and the sector needed cleaner energy sources to support environmental stewardship.

The challenge focus

Challenge Ventures partnered with IRSI to design and run a field demonstration that tested the feasibility and effectiveness of biochar production from C&D waste streams.

The result

The demonstration proved biochar production from C&D waste and created a traceable claim for waste diversion. The pilot has moved to commercial production and is poised to scale.

Alternative Energy Solutions

The need

Mining operations face rising pressure to cut emissions and energy cost. IMII recognized the need for alternative energy systems across its member operations.

The challenge focus

A rapid Innovation Sprint, delivered by Octoco Inc., brought industry experts and solution providers together to design alternative energy systems that cut emissions and improve operational efficiency.

The result

The winning firm, Grengine, demonstrated a clear value case for an energy storage solution. An upcoming field demonstration will verify the value case and the feasibility of alternative energy at a mine site.

Waste Heat Recovery

The need

Unused waste heat is lost efficiency and avoidable emissions. Operators needed practical ways to capture and reuse it.

The challenge focus

Led by COSIA and supported by Challenge Ventures (then Tessellate Inc.), the program identified and advanced technologies and processes to optimize waste heat recovery.

The result

Over two years the program delivered new solutions for waste heat recovery in the energy sector — and catalyzed follow-on investment of more than CAD$40 million.

Hydrogen Production

The need

Hydrogen is central to energy operations, and demand for cleaner production methods was growing.

The challenge focus

A collaborative challenge, led by COSIA with industry leaders and supported by Challenge Ventures (then Tessellate Inc.), targeted more efficient and sustainable hydrogen production.

The result

The program identified significant early-stage opportunities and optimized methods that paved the way for further development toward lower-emission hydrogen.

Reclamation Technologies

The need

Abandoned energy sites carry environmental liabilities and a need for effective, lower-impact reclamation methods.

The challenge focus

Sponsored by NAL Resources and delivered with Tessellate Inc. (now Challenge Ventures), the challenge sought efficient, environmentally sound processes to reclaim and repurpose sites.

The result

The project was completed successfully, resulting in the reclamation of abandoned sites and advancing sustainable practices in the sector.

Remote Sensing for Forest Harvesting

The need

Traditional methods for assessing and monitoring harvesting were slow and error-prone, causing inefficiency and waste.

The challenge focus

Develop a remote sensing solution that delivers real-time data on harvesting activity to improve decisions, optimize allocation and minimize environmental impact.

The result

Real-time data improved monitoring and planning, reducing resource waste, improving sustainability practices and lifting overall productivity.

Autonomous Forklift

The need

Manual forklift operation in forestry poses worker risk and is time-consuming. The industry needed a safer, more productive option.

The challenge focus

Develop an autonomous forklift that navigates varied terrain, handles heavy loads and runs with minimal human intervention.

The result

Sponsored by FPInnovations and delivered with Challenge Ventures (then Tessellate Inc.), the system demonstrated autonomous operation, improving productivity and reducing risk.

Start here

Your challenge could be the next case study.

Tell us what is slowing your operations, your emissions targets or your technology pipeline. In a 30-minute scoping call we will map whether a challenge, a sprint or a targeted pilot is the right route — and what it would take.

Book a scoping call Email us

Not sure you're ready?

Take the 3-minute Innovation Challenge Readiness Check. You'll get a score across four dimensions and a recommended next step.

Take the readiness check