CRINcast Cleantech Competition Conversations

In this episode, host Bill Whitelaw speaks with CRIN’s Director of Operations, Glen McCrimmon, about the launch of the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition and what it represents for Canada’s oil and gas innovation ecosystem. Glen reflects on how CRIN’s first three competitions helped build a stronger, more connected innovation landscape—enabling technology development, field validation and commercialization across the country. He breaks down CRIN’s seven technical theme areas and explains how they shape industry priorities, guide collaboration and open pathways for cross-sector applications. The conversation also explores Canada’s competitive position globally, the importance of de-risking first-of-a-kind technologies, and how CRIN’s model brings together operators, innovators, governments and researchers to accelerate adoption. Glen shares insights from CRIN’s engagement on the international stage, including COP, and highlights why coordinated national action and public funding have been critical to Canada’s progress.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

VL Energy: Digital Innovation, Methane Intelligence and Lessons from CRIN’s Competition In this episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw talks with Ling Bai, CEO of VL Energy, about how CRIN’s previous technology competition helped the company move from early concept to national credibility and commercial growth. Ling describes how participating in the competition provided more than funding. It created access to critical advisory support, intellectual property guidance, mentorship, and a strong network of ecosystem partners. VL Energy’s collaboration with Suncor became a turning point, allowing the company to test, refine, and scale its digital emissions intelligence technology. Through that partnership, VL Energy learned how to communicate across complex corporate structures, navigate technical and business needs, and accelerate its move from consulting to software and predictive analytics. This conversation highlights how participation in a CRIN competition can help innovators find the right operating partner, build credibility, and unlock commercialization opportunities. Ling’s key advice to prospective applicants is to be prepared, explore strategic alignment, understand regulatory and business drivers, and take full advantage of CRIN’s network and guidance. VL Energy now operates across oil and gas, power generation, and agriculture, demonstrating that Canadian clean technology can scale across sectors and across borders.For more information about VL Energy visit: https://vlenergy.ca/For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In this episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw speaks with Dr. Jacqueline Peterson, Chief External Relations Strategist at Kathairos, a company leading the way in methane emissions reduction. Jacqueline explains how Kathairos uses liquid nitrogen to eliminate pneumatic methane venting at well sites, and how this approach is creating reliable, scalable, and commercially viable results across North America. She shares how CRIN’s previous technology competition helped Kathairos move from concept to commercial deployment, secure partners like Cenovus and Ovintiv, and build credibility to support large-scale adoption. The discussion explores why industry partnerships matter, how real field data drives decision making, and why alignment with regulation, efficiency, and cost savings is so important.Jacqueline also reflects on lessons learned, including the importance of persistence, industry insight, and putting your technology in the right context. Kathairos is a strong example of how CRIN funding can help innovators demonstrate value, accelerate growth, and contribute to meaningful environmental and economic outcomes.For more information about Kathairos visit: https://www.kathairos.comFor information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

Accelerating Cleantech Innovation with MaRS In this special episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw sits down with Tyler Hamilton, Senior Director of Climate at MaRS Discovery District, to discuss CRIN’s upcoming Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition — with MaRS serving as the competition coordinator.Together, they explore how pan-Canadian collaboration is driving the next wave of clean technology solutions across energy, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Tyler shares how MaRS’ 25-year legacy as North America’s largest urban innovation hub connects startups, investors, and industries to accelerate commercialization and scale impact. The conversation also highlights why Canada’s oil and gas sector is uniquely positioned to lead the transition through innovation, storytelling, and collaboration. For innovators, producers, and entrepreneurs alike, this episode reveals how joining the competition connects you to a powerful national ecosystem — and helps position your technology for real-world success in Canada and beyond.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In Episode 6, host Bill Whitelaw sits down with Mark Godin, Director of Technology at the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), to discuss Canada's approach to climate innovation at COP29. As Mark attends his first COP, he shares insights on PTAC’s role in advancing collaborative climate solutions. Highlighting PTAC's Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (OPERF), he explains how this unique program addresses environmental challenges across air, water, and land—proving how Canada’s industry-led efforts make a global impact. From technology development to partnerships, Mark emphasizes PTAC’s commitment to promoting Canadian cleantech solutions on the international stage. As COP29 focuses on “enhancing ambition and enabling action,” PTAC’s presence brings attention to the progress Canada has made in sustainable energy practices. Tune in for a deeper look at the innovative initiatives shaping Canada’s climate leadership.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In this episode, Bill Whitelaw hosts Nanette Ho-Covernton to discuss Canada's role at COP29 in Baku. They explore CRIN’s collaborative model, uniting industry, government, and academia to advance clean technologies. Reflecting on COP28, Nanette emphasizes showcasing Alberta’s climate innovation efforts and highlights CRIN’s $80 million investment in impactful projects. Through partnerships and the Alberta TIER program, CRIN fosters sustainable growth and technology deployment. She views CRIN as a replicable model for global networks, aligning with COP29's theme of "enhancing ambition and enabling action" for climate solutions.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Dagmar Knudsen, founder and chairman of the Ten Peaks Innovation Alliance, for an insightful conversation on transgenerational impact in climate action. Together, host Bill Whitelaw and Dagmar explore how fostering knowledge, training, and encouragement for younger generations is essential in tackling climate challenges. They discuss Canada’s unique approach to empowering future leaders and share inspiring stories set to be highlighted in Baku, illustrating how Canadians are working to drive long-term, sustainable change. For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In episode 3 of the CRIN@COP29 Podcast, we delve into the transformative role of universities as conveners of meaningful dialogue. Our guest, Dr. Ian Gates of the University of Calgary shares that the true power of a university lies in its ability to bring people together—both within its walls and beyond—creating spaces for understanding and innovation. With two decades of commitment to this mission, Ian shares his passion for continuous conversations that seek solutions to pressing challenges. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the importance of dialogue in driving progress and how education institutions can lead the way in addressing societal issues. Don’t miss this insightful exploration of partnership and shared vision!For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In Episode 2 of the CRIN@COP29 Podcast, our guest, Scott Volk of Tourmaline Oil, discusses the collaborative potential between Canada and the global community in tackling environmental and resource-related challenges. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and solutions, highlighting how Canadian technologies can be applied to international issues and, conversely, how successful strategies from around the world can be adopted to enhance sustainability efforts in Canada. This exchange fosters innovation and supports emissions reduction initiatives at home and abroad. Scott’s insights shed light on the benefits of global partnerships in driving progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

Join us as Bill Whitelaw speaks with Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), ahead of #COP29 in Baku. Justin shares insights on Alberta's progressive approach to emission reduction and the impact of ERA’s competitive funding model on cleantech innovation. From geothermal to smart electrification, ERA invests in later-stage tech projects with real emissions reduction results. Alberta is setting a global example, balancing economic growth with sustainability. For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, we sit down with Beth (Hardy) Valiaho, Vice President of Policy, Regulatory and Stakeholder Relations at the International CCS Knowledge Centre (and a CRIN board member) to discuss why this particular Conference of the Parties is of peak importance in the energy transition timeline. This insightful conversation offers a taste of Canada's story as a leader in CCS and why COP28 is an important opportunity to share our knowledge globally to help build the critical partnerships that will pave the way for CCS to take big bites out of the world's emissions.Covered in this episode:Why COP28 is a global stocktake year and an opportunity for us to evaluate how far we have come (or haven't come) in reducing emissions on a large scaleHow CCS has changed the landscape and conversation at COP now that the technology has been proven, making it more and more relevant to how we can achieve our net zero goals Why CCS just makes sense nowThe price of carbon being both a carrot and a stick to drive changeThe unique history of the International CCS Knowledge Centre and how it has evolved since its roots at the Paris COP What knowledge-sharing opportunities have emerged as a result of the learnings from the Boundary Dam and the work of the International CCS Knowledge CentreAs a COP veteran, what Beth sees as the opportunities to share and listen for as CRIN and its members attend COP28The exciting events Beth will be a part of at COP28 and why you won't want to miss themFor information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, we sit down with Kevin Krausert, CEO and co-founder of Avatar Innovations, for a fascinating look at the work Avatar Innovations does to advance the effective deployment of technology to help the industry improve its emissions reductions. How will we actually make a difference in solving our emissions challenges? According to Kevin, the path forward is not in regulation but in innovation. Covered in this episode:The changes Kevin has seen throughout his career in the oil and gas industry and how those changes and challenges inspired him to start working with the University of Calgary to develop the Avatar programThe goals of Avatar Innovations to build technical competencies and collaboration within the oil and gas process chain to deploy technology and innovation more effectively in the field, while also bringing emissions reduction technologies to market fasterHow Avatar Innovations' unique corporate ventures studio leads bright, emerging young leaders through its program to tackle some of the biggest challenges in different technology streams to unlock innovation fasterHow transformation may be the fastest, simplest and cheapest way to get to a net zero futureWhat Kevin hopes to achieve as he leads a couple of different multi-stakeholder panel discussions and a showcase of 18 exciting Alberta clean tech start-ups, all taking place as part of the CRIN Pavilion at COP28 For those who can't attend, what to watch for beyond the headlines of COP28 as the conversation unfolds.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, we sit down with Glen McCrimmon, CRIN's Director of Operations, and Lesley Coldham, Director of Public Affairs with the International Gas Union (IGU). This exciting conversation will delve into how these two powerful organizations have come together to develop a panel examining the Global Methane Pledge to be presented when the world comes together for COP28. What does a net zero future beyond 2050 look like? Through the conversations that will take place at COP28, the answer might just be found in the art of the possible and one that IGU and CRIN could jointly deliver. Covered in this episode:The global reach and impact the IGU has and why COP28 is an important opportunity for the organizationHow CRIN and IGU are similar as connectors and conveners of their areas of interestThe message IGU will bring to COP28 about the role gas will play in the world's energy future and what intelligence they are looking gather from the different countries and companies that will be attending COP28Why COP28 is a great two-way street for organizations like CRIN and IGUHow the interlocked diversity of this panel, with speakers representing the value chain of the energy industry, gives us the opportunity to work on the problem of methane emissions in a way that hasn't been done beforeA look at what the Global Methane Pledge is and what it is trying to achieveHow this is just a start to the marriage made in heaven between CRIN and IGU and what both organizations hope will come after COP28 to keep the conversation and progress moving forwardFor information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, we sit down with Stephen Buffalo, CEO of the Indian Resource Council (IRC), to discuss the forward-thinking new partnerships being developed with Indigenous communities related to resource development. Because of these incredibly important partnerships, we are accelerating a very inclusive energy transition by combining traditional knowledge, innovation, technology and collaboration from which we will all benefit. Covered in this episode:The IRC model and the inception of the organization and the Indian Oil and Gas Act to provide a means for First Nations to advocate the oil and gas industry and address regulatory concerns How the IRC's National Energy Business Centre of Excellence is building capacity and how traditional knowledge can be used to address reclamation and environmental progressThe Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation and it's purpose to provide First Nations that had no investment capital the ability to participate in resource projectsHow equity ownership in projects is a game changer for First Nations communities who are trying to stand up on their ownWhat message on behalf of Alberta and Canada Stephen would like to leave for the world at COP28How Indigenous communities can be an agent of change, creating a balance for energy progress while preserving traditional lifestylesFor information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, Dr. Aminah Robinson Fayek, VP of Research and Innovation at the University of Alberta, joins us to talk about the interdisciplinary innovation ecosystem that has emerged at the University and the great learning opportunities she is excited about while attending COP28 as part of the CRIN Delegation. Covered in this episode:How Aminah thinks about Canada's clean technology environment and how organizations like CRIN create a rich environment for stakeholders to be a part of the processThe role the University is playing in creating the human capital curriculum for students who will take us into the next 50 to 60 years of energy innovationThe nexus of collaboration between multi-disciplinary stakeholders to advance technology and overcome barriersThe diverse clean technologies the University is currently working onHow the energy industry isn't in isolation when tackling the big environmental and social challenges the world is facingWhat conversations Aminah hopes to advance through the panel she will be moderating at COP28 featuring speakers from the University of Alberta, Alberta Innovates, Cenovus and others.Post-Production Change: Rhona DelFrari (Cenovus) is no longer able to participate in the panel that is discussed in this episode. Arlene Strom (Suncor) will be participating in her place.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, we sit down with Scott Volk, Director of Emissions and Innovation at Tourmaline Oil Corp. to discuss what is driving emissions strategies at one of the top resource companies in Canada, and what message and learnings they will be taking to COP28 as part of the CRIN delegation. Why does Tourmaline have an important innovation story worth telling at COP28? Not only are they a leader in the energy industry, they have also gone through extensive work to become the first company in Canada to be certified by TrustWell. Covered in this episode:The four emissions reduction areas Tourmaline has been focused on as part of its strategyThe role collaboration and clean technology have played in methane reduction learnings, including their work with the Natural Gas Innovation Fund and the development of the NGF Emissions Testing CentreHow the drilling rigs of today are vastly more environmentally efficient than those of the past thanks to technology deploymentHow COP28 provides an opportunity to unlock the stories of the work being done in the industry to ensure everyone can benefit from emissions reduction innovation and learning, not just those in the energy industry but across sectorsCanada's advantages in this spaceThe role of corporate responsibility through all aspects of Tourmaline's work and how the cornerstone of building partnerships with First Nations is going above and beyond on environmental performanceWhat Scott and the Tourmaline team want to learn at COP28 to bring back to their organization and the sectorThe benefits Tourmaline has experienced so far working with CRINFor information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In our first episode of the CRIN @ COP28 podcast we introduce you to the network of networks and what CRIN aims to accomplish by hosting a pavilion in the UN Blue Zone at COP28.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com