The hydrogen industry is large and growing, but current methods of production are far not environmentally friendly.
The production of solid carbon, a valuable industrial material, is similarly pollutive.
A cleaner and more efficient way to produce hydrogen and solid carbon is the goal driving Vancouver’s VulcanX Energy, who addresses this pressing issue by producing hydrogen and solid carbon from natural gas with minimal to no emissions.
Originating from MéridaLabs at the University of British Columbia, the clean-tech startup has developed novel systems that enhance production efficiency while keeping costs low.
Unlike traditional methods, VulcanX’s proprietary approach process generates high-quality carbon without significant pollution—and at less expense. It’s a cleaner and more cost-effective solution, according to the company.
VulcanX was one of two Canadian startups included this year in The Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator, which helps seed-stage startups from around the world develop clean energy solutions, achieve technical and commercial milestones, establish market adoption, and expand reach.
In terms of funding, the company this year garnered a $75,000 non-dilutive investment from the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy as well as funding from FortisBC.
The regulated utility, which serves more than one million customers across British Columbia, is funding local upstart VulcanX through the Clean Growth Innovation Fund.
And as VulcanX continues to contribute to Canada’s energy transition, the startup has earned a slot in the final round of this year’s New Ventures BC Competition (NVBC).
The NVBC competition started in 2000 under the direction of Wal van Lierop to encourage regional innovation in tech and has been an icon of the local ecosystem ever since.
This year $250,000 in cash and prizes are at stake, with the winner taking home a $110K prize package.
On September 19, at an in-person event at the Stanley Park Pavillion, New Ventures BC will reveal the winner of this year’s competition.