WC133 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 14
WASTEWATER
While Canada’s landscape is ripe with opportunities, it’s evident
that collaboration, adaptability, and a deep understanding of
local and global markets are critical for success.
Northern Pulse
Canadian water tech companies
take the stage
BY JEN SMITH
O
N THE BUSTLING SHOWROOM floor
of WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago, a dynamic
group of industry leaders came together to
discuss the exciting landscape of water industry innovation in Canada. In partnership
with The Consulate General of Canada in Chicago,
Water Canada and experts Dr. Patrick Kiely, CEO of
SENTRY, Juntao Li, Business Development Team
Lead with Technologies Ecofixe, Amir Sohrabi, CEO
of Roshan Water Solutions, and Tristan Walker,
Global Business Development Specialist with Deep
Trekker, brought a wealth of knowledge and unique
perspectives, shedding light on the strengths and
challenges faced by Canadian water innovators.
Growing success
The panel discussion focused on the unique factors
that make Canada a conducive environment for
innovation in the water industry. Patrick Kiely highlighted three key aspects: Canada’s diverse and highly
skilled immigrant population, robust federal government support for research and commercialization,
and the fragmented nature of water utilities, which
allows early-stage companies to win local contracts
without bureaucratic hindrance.
Jen Smith
is the editor of
Water Canada
14
WATER C AN ADA • NOV EMBER/ DECEMBER 2023
Li expanded on this, emphasizing the role of
organizations in fostering communication between
utilities and innovators. He also noted the relatively
strict and uniform wastewater regulations in Canada
that drive high-performance solutions, making Canadian companies competitive globally. He added that
initiatives like the Clean Technology Accelerator offer
additional support for companies looking to expand
internationally.
Walker underscored the significance of Canada’s
“world-class universities” in driving innovation and
the burgeoning technology hubs and accelerators in
Canada that help local companies gain a foothold on
the global stage.
According to Li, the smaller size of the Canadian
market, the lengthy process for technology approval,
and proximity to the U.S. market make exportation
essential for growth and remarked that, “It always
comes as a surprise to [U.S. end users] that [Canadians] are providing money for us.” Canada’s support
