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Breakthrough Energy Solutions Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Accelerating Canadian clean energy technology innovation and commercialization
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Overview
Breakthrough Energy Solutions Canada (BESC) provided over $21 million in funding to support the advancement of Canadian-made clean energy technologies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program targeted high-potential projects in manufacturing, electricity, transportation, and buildings sectors, supporting activities such as technology development, demonstration, and commercialization.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : May 27, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Activities funded
- Advancement of clean energy technologies targeting significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing, electricity, transportation, and buildings sectors.
- Development and commercialization of innovative solutions such as low-cost clean hydrogen production, energy-efficient membrane cooling systems, and ultra-fast charging technology for electric vehicles.
- Projects enabling the circular economy through CO2 utilization and other resource-efficient manufacturing processes.
- Implementation of long-duration energy storage systems and platforms promoting sustainable urban development.
- Collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship activities to accelerate the growth and readiness of Canadian clean energy ventures.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 850,000
Pilot deployment of energy-efficient membrane cooling in shopping mall
$ 2,000,000
Implementation of long-duration flow battery storage for renewable firms
$ 1,750,000
Commercial-scale demonstration of low-cost, clean hydrogen production process
$ 790,000
Circular economy platform for sharing and reusing building materials
$ 1,300,000
Development of ultra-fast charging hubs for electric transport fleets
$ 1,160,000
Pilot project for upcycling industrial CO2 into construction materials
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian company or innovator.
- The project must involve clean energy technologies with the potential to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
- The project should target advancements in the manufacturing, electricity, transportation, or buildings sectors.
- The applicant should be seeking to attract both public and private sector investment for high-risk, high-potential clean energy innovations.
Who is eligible?
- Canadian companies and innovators developing clean energy technologies
- Entrepreneurs and start-ups focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Businesses operating in the manufacturing sector
- Companies in the electricity sector
- Organizations in the transportation and buildings sectors
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
How to apply
1
Review program eligibility
- Review program background and eligibility for clean energy technology projects in the fields of manufacturing, electricity, transportation, or buildings
- Ensure your project aligns with the aim to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions
2
Prepare and document your project
- Prepare a project presentation showcasing your innovation, technology readiness, and potential impact
- Gather supporting documents and evidence to demonstrate your technology's viability and GHG reduction potential
3
Submit your application
- Apply to participate in the BESC cohort by submitting your project for consideration
- Follow application instructions provided by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and partners
4
Wait for results
- Await evaluation of your application and possible invitation to join the cohort of selected companies
- Respond promptly to any additional requests for information from the organizers
5
Engage in accelerator activities
- If selected, participate in accelerator events to present your innovation to potential investors and partners
- Engage in mentorship sessions and networking opportunities provided by the initiative
Additional information
- The BESC initiative fostered mentorship and peer-to-peer learning among selected companies through accelerator events and expert-led sessions.
- Cohort companies benefited from opportunities to network with private investors, business experts, and other innovation partners at dedicated events.
- The program promoted knowledge sharing and professional development, with a focus on advanced training for highly qualified personnel.
- Participating companies collectively filed numerous patents and licenses, advancing innovation commercialization globally.
