Scaling Climate Solutions How NorthX Climate Tech Accelerates Innovation and Decarbonization
- Wildfire Team
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In today's world, the urgency to combat climate change is greater than ever. NorthX Climate Tech, a Canadian nonprofit innovation hub, stands at the forefront, dedicated to fostering climate hard tech solutions that drive significant decarbonization and economic growth. In this post, we will explore what NorthX is, what they do, and why their mission is vital for a sustainable future.
What Is NorthX?
NorthX Climate Tech, previously the BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), is a catalyst for climate action. Launched in October 2021 and rebranded in May 2025, NorthX is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their mission is to support builders of climate hard tech and transform local strengths into global climate solutions.
The transition from CICE to NorthX marks a significant broadening of purpose. With a goal to scale climate tech innovations across Canada and beyond, NorthX emphasizes support for exceptional climate hard tech innovations, no matter their origin.
What They Do
NorthX focuses on key moments when the potential for climate technology is high but investment is lacking. They provide strategic funding and assistance to help innovators scale their solutions. So far, NorthX has successfully raised over $105 million by partnering with the Government of BC, Government of Canada, and Shell Canada, enabling them to fund projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To date, NorthX has backed over 65 projects featuring scalable technologies, including:
Clean fuels: Innovations in biofuels and hydrogen technology.
Carbon capture: Advanced methods to capture CO2 from industrial processes.
Industrial decarbonization: Strategies to reduce carbon emissions in heavy industries.
These initiatives are not only effective in lowering emissions but also play an essential role in job creation, generating over 800 jobs in the sector as a result of their support.
Focus Areas
NorthX places a strong emphasis on hard tech solutions, which are crucial for real progress in addressing climate change. Hard tech refers to tangible technologies that can be effectively scaled, and their focus includes crucial areas such as:
Clean fuels: Technologies that convert waste into energy or hydrogen.
Carbon capture technologies: Innovations that effectively reduce emissions from industries, potentially decreasing CO2 levels by up to 90% in some facilities.
Industrial decarbonization: Methods designed to lower emissions across sectors, with specific examples including using electrification in manufacturing processes that significantly lower carbon footprints.
By concentrating on these focus areas, NorthX tackles immediate climate challenges while promoting economic growth, leading to new industries and job opportunities that benefit both the environment and society.
Why the Rebrand?
The rebranding from CICE to NorthX signifies more than just a new name; it represents a strategic shift. As Sarah Goodman, President & CEO, expressed, “We’re broadening our focus to back the best climate hard tech innovations—period.” This reflects NorthX's dedication to supporting solutions with nationwide and global applicability.
The rebrand also recognizes the pressing need for climate action. The visible impacts of climate change are prompting organizations like NorthX to step up and provide necessary support for innovators creating sustainable solutions for today and tomorrow.
The Importance of Climate Hard Tech
Investing in climate hard tech is essential for meeting ambitious global decarbonization targets. Unlike soft tech, which may center on software or services, hard tech involves physical technologies that directly reduce emissions.
For instance, implementing a combination of carbon capture technologies and clean fuels could lead to industries achieving carbon neutrality faster. These hard tech solutions not only help decarbonize but also facilitate a circular economy, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
Final Thoughts on Climate Innovation
NorthX Climate Tech plays a key role in the fight against climate change by championing the development of climate hard tech solutions. Their strategic funding and support for innovators are crucial for scaling technologies capable of driving deep decarbonization and fostering economic growth.
As the world confronts serious climate challenges, organizations like NorthX are pivotal in supporting the builders of tomorrow's sustainable solutions. By focusing on practical, scalable technologies that make a direct impact, NorthX is creating a pathway to a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
In a critical time for global climate action, the work of NorthX Climate Tech becomes increasingly important. Their commitment to innovation and collaboration will significantly shape the sustainable landscape for generations to come.
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