When it comes to clean technology, the mighty tree is a top contender.
While natural in origin, the tree is regardless a clean-tech powerhouse, with forests shown to temper climates, absorb massive volumes of carbon, and sustain myriad wildlife ecologies.
That’s why, while many firms are innovating machine-based and software-powered solutions, other entities are simply making it easier for the world to generate more forest.
It’s a concept known as Nature-Based Solutions: actions that employ Mother Nature herself to address climate-related concerns. And who better qualified for the position?
One Canadian firm innovating nature-based solutions is veritree Technologies.
The officially stated mission of veritree “is to make saving the planet simple by building trust through technology and making it easy for businesses to take real actions.”
That’s right—even though we’re talking trees, the company still deploys a thoroughly modern tech stack to achieve its goals. Veritree’s suite utilizes LiDAR, drone, AI, and even blockchain technology to help measure progress and monitor outcomes.
“Veritree leverages technology to capture real-time ground and satellite data to understand the evolution of an ecosystem over time,” the company explains online. “This data provides us with insight into the impacts of our restoration efforts, enabling us to plan and respond effectively to evolving environmental pressures.”
The B.C. startup’s platform connects businesses with verified restoration projects worldwide. They offer various integration models for businesses, such as linking tree planting to transactions, revenue, orders at checkout, or even workforce milestones. They promise “real impact [and] actual proof.” Over 20,000 businesses currently tap into the platform.
Veritree Techhnologies spun out of Vancouver sustainable apparel company tentree in 2021; it was originally launched as an internal tool for the org in 2019. Since then the upstart has helped plant more than 65 million trees so far, with a goal of planting a billion by 2030.
The company won the Innovation Start-Up Award at Davos in 2023 and more recently was named to the Foresight 50, an annual ranking of Canada’s most investible cleantech startups. This month, veritree was named a 2025 BC Cleantech Awards finalist in the “Startup of the Year” category.
Veritree was founded by chief executive officer Derrick Emsley, head of partnerships David Luba, and director of innovation Stephen Emsley. David and Derrick cofounded tentree alongside Kalen Emsley in 2012.