Environment and Climate Change Canada Phase 2 recipients and nine new Plastics and Clean Technology Challenges

Through the Innovative Solutions Canada Challenge Stream, the Government of Canada invites small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to propose innovations that address specific government challenges.

Innovative Solutions Canada Program

Through the Innovative Solutions Canada Challenge Stream, the Government of Canada invites small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to propose innovations that address specific government challenges. In Phase 1, successful applicants may receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of concept. If accepted into Phase 2, SMEs could receive an additional $1 million to develop a working prototype. By funding the development of new innovations, the government helps SMEs accelerate their journey to market and helps to create good middle class jobs across Canada.

ECCC 2018 Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenge Recipients

These winners will receive $1 million each to develop a prototype of their innovative solution over a two-year period.

Nine new Canadian Innovation Challenges

The government of Canada is pleased to launch nine new plastic and clean technology challenges:

1. Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Packaging

   Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative alternative reusable or recyclable products and/or product systems that can replace single-use plastic packaging products used for durable goods.

2. Textiles and Microfibres

   Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative solutions to address plastic waste from textiles in Canada. Solutions may include technologies or fibres that improve the value-recovery rate of the synthetic components of textiles; solutions for textile collection, processing, and recycling; or improvements to the design of textile products to limit microfibre shedding.

3. Diverting End-of-Life Vehicles Plastics from Landfills

   Funded by the National Research Council of Canada, and co-led with Environment and Climate Change Canada

   This challenge will seek environmentally acceptable and cost-effective technologies that will enable the diversion of end-of-life vehicles’ plastics from landfills, and their conversion into valuable materials.

4. Reduce E-waste

   Funded by Shared Services Canada, and co-led with Environment and Climate Change Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative solutions to address plastic waste and toxic substances from electronic waste. This may include technologies to separate or decontaminate plastics containing toxic substances, and/or improved potential for the repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of e-waste.

5. In-situ Sensing Technology for Monitoring Microplastics in the Marine Environment

   Funded by the National Research Council of Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative sensing technology for identifying and quantifying microplastics in waters, which will assist in the monitoring of microplastics in the Canadian environment.

6. Recycled Plastic Ceiling Tiles

   Funded by Global Affairs Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative solutions that will contribute to the circular economy by recycling plastic into ceiling tiles that meet a high safety standard.

7. Outdoor Air Purifier

   Funded by Global Affairs Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative solutions that will aid in the purification of air in areas with excessive smoke exposure.

8. Eco-friendly Waste Converter

   Funded by Global Affairs Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative solutions for self-managing garbage disposal that is self-fuelling and does not involve external transportation.

9. Energy-producing Window Coverings

   Funded by Global Affairs Canada

   This challenge will seek the development of innovative window covering solutions that will contribute to greater energy efficiency and convert solar energy to usable electrical energy.