CarbonRun and pHathom Technologies have captured the top prizes for companies at the inaugural 2025 Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards, organized by Foresight Canada.
The contest seeks to recognize ventures and ecosystem leaders that are advancing cleantech innovation and growth in the region.
B.C.-based Foresight Canada said the region's growing cleantech sector is well-positioned to increase efficiency and productivity of key industries and lead a more sustainable, economically prosperous future. It added that that In 2024, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invested $72 million in 166 cleantech projects, anticipated to generate 100,000 new clean energy jobs in Atlantic Canada by mid-century.
“We’re capturing CO₂ right at the source and using natural ocean chemistry to lock it away safely for thousands of years. It’s high-integrity carbon removal, rooted in science, and it’s happening right here in Atlantic Canada,” said winner Kim Gilbert, CEO of pHathom Technologies.
The winners are:
Startup Venture of the Year: pHathom Technologies
pHathom is advancing a breakthrough carbon removal technology through its Accelerated Weathering of Limestone process, which uses seawater and limestone to capture biogenic CO₂ while helping to reduce ocean acidification. The company aims to launch a commercial demonstration by 2027, with the potential to remove gigatons of carbon and unlock substantial revenue opportunities.
Scaleup Venture of the Year: CarbonRun
Dartmouth-based CarbonRun's innovative river restoration method permanently removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and improves river health simultaneously. By adding limestone to rivers, they enhance natural carbon absorption and restore salmon habitats. The venture has commitments from large corporate buyers for its credits, and a robust pipeline of projects that are being developed.
Funder of the Year: Carbon to Sea
Carbon to Sea is a nonprofit evaluating ocean alkalinity enhancement for CO2 removal at scale. Its work is aligned with key scientific bodies, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Carbon to Sea funds researchers to close knowledge gaps and build a responsible sector.
Adopter of the Year: City of Summerside
By expanding its smart grid, integrating renewable energy sources, and introducing innovative programs for energy efficiency and clean transportation, the city is paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Additionally, Summerside supports cleantech business growth through its Eco Park, a dedicated space that encourages clean economic development in the region.
Supporter of the Year: Dalhousie University
Researchers at Dalhousie University are developing clean, carbon-free technologies that will facilitate the transition to a more sustainable future. Their work encompasses engineering and commercializing innovative breakthroughs, including clean fuels, chemicals and materials, and long-life batteries for electric mobility. Dalhousie is playing a role in advancing battery innovation through the establishment of Canada's first university-based battery prototyping and testing facility, set to open in fall 2025.
