An Ottawa company is working to execute decarbonization projects in Canada’s Far North.
TerraFixing was founded by two PhD Chemical Engineers from the University of Ottawa, Sean Wilson and Vida Gabriel.
The pair have reason to believe that the frozen, dry, windswept regions of the Far North provide optimal conditions for direct air capture.
The cold climate—which makes for efficient CO2 separation—combined with strong winds for renewable energy and minimal competition for land use set a promising stage for TerraFixing’s DAC tech stack.
Since launching in 2021, the direct air capture upstart focusing up North has been increasingly garnering recognition—and cash—for its clean energy technology.
For example, in 2024, TerraFixing secured a $1.6M Seed Round of capital as well as multiple customers and partners, including carbon removal credits sold to MaRS and a $10M agreement with Tugliq Énergie to deploy two carbon capture units in northern Canada.
In the same year, TerraFixing also collected several accolades, including being named to XPRIZE’s top 100 and The Cleantech Group’s latest annual Cleantech 50 to Watch list, which highlights innovative companies tackling environmental challenges.
Gabriel is currently in MaRS’ RBC Women in Cleantech Accelerator, which launched to help females overcome challenges in the cleantech sector through the availability of a support system including collaboration opportunities and tools for success. The two-year intensive program is designed to scale women-led Canadian climate change solutions globally.
Her Canadian cleantech was also recognized by Foresight Canada in the annual Foresight 50, a list of investable climatech startups from across the nation.
Foresight Canada is now accepting applications for its fifth annual Foresight 50.
Since 2021, the Foresight 50 has helped alumni raise more than $2.25 billion in investment to accelerate Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy.
The deadline to apply is June 30.