2025 ASTech Award Winners

Genics Inc. – Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing Methods in Wood Durability: Founded in 1981, Genics grew from pole testing to a leading maker of wood-protection and fire-retardant products. Key products: CobraRods stop decay and insects in utility poles and later become a micronutrient; FireMesh, a wildfire-mitigation wrap proven in Northern Alberta, California Palisades and Australia; Genics CuB, a Class A fire retardant and a moldicide, fungicide and insecticide, approved for indoor use; and a dissolvable glass fertilizer cutting single-use growing media. Genics’ products have saved hundreds of thousands of poles, preventing outages and saving millions while benefiting the environment.

Presented by Debjyoti Sen, Director, Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation, Red Deer Polytechnic.

QinetiQ Target Systems Canada – Aerospace and Defence

Multi-Role Autonomous Boat Development for the Royal Canadian Navy. QinetiQ Target Systems Canada’s Multi-Role Autonomous Boat team of engineers, technologists, and program leads has brought Canada’s next-generation autonomous surface vessel to life. In formal collaboration with the Royal Canadian Navy and DRDC Atlantic, the team led every phase from concept and design to at-sea trials. The result is a flexible platform for diverse missions, strengthening QTSC’s capabilities and creating new opportunities for maritime autonomy and collaboration in Alberta.

Presented by Dr. Ian Gates, Associate Vice-President (Research & Innovation), University of Calgary.

Viresco Solutions Inc. -Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agri-Carbon Innovator Driving Sustainable Farming and Market Impact. Karen Haugen-Kozyra, President of Alberta-based Viresco Solutions, is a pioneer of climate-smart agriculture. With expertise in ag science, climate policy, and carbon markets, she led Alberta’s Conservation Cropping Protocol, the first large-scale agricultural carbon-offset system, enabling farmers to cut 17M+ tonnes of GHGs and earn $300M+ in credits while protecting soil health and food security. A champion for women in STEM, she mentors emerging leaders and advises global bodies, including the UN, turning complex science into practical tools.

Presented by Bob Schulz, Professor, University of Calgary.

Dr. Apostolos Kantzas – Digital Innovation

Digital Innovations in Energy and Environmental Stewardship. Dr. Apostolos Kantzas, Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering (UCalgary, since 1995), pioneered non-invasive imaging and oil-recovery technologies, including Canada’s first X-ray CT use in oilfields. Canada Research Chair in Energy & Imaging (2001–11) and NSERC AITF/iCORE Industrial Research Chair in Unconventional Resources (2012–18). Founder of PERM (1994) and the TIPM Lab. Now Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair (Geoenergy) and Director, Energi Simulation Centre for Geothermal Systems Research, leading teams to harness geothermal almost anywhere. The Centre’s mandate now spans all geoenergy.

Presented by Dr. Naser El-Sheimy, Board Member, METI.

fRI Research – Environment / Ecosystems

The Grizzly Bear Program(1999–2021). As lead of the fRI Grizzly Bear Research Program for 23 years (on secondment from the Government of Alberta), wildlife scientist Gordon Stenhouse united industry, government, and NGOs to tackle Alberta’s grizzly conservation. His team, including 64 graduate students, mapped bear range, built habitat and mortality-risk models, and produced the first scientific population estimate that informed the species’ provincial “threatened” listing. With 180+ papers and GIS-based GB Tools now used across Alberta, the program reshaped management; partners invested $29M.

Presented by Dr. Darren Fast, Associate Vice-President (Innovation, Knowledge Mobilization & Partnerships), University of Alberta.

Carbon OxyTech Inc. – Sustainability Solutions and Cleantech

Sustainable Conversion of Carbon Residues into High-Value Products. Carbon OxyTech, an Alberta cleantech spin-off (University of Calgary, 2020; GreenSTEM Fellowship), turns carbon-rich waste into high-value products with a patented, non-combustion process. It converts ag residues and low-rank coal into organic fertilizers, biosilica, and minerals (e.g., vanadium, zinc). Flagship SoilFul Plus can cut synthetic nitrogen use by up to 60% while improving soil health. Led by CEO Dr. Abdallah Manasrah and co-founder Dr. Nashaat Nassar, the firm has sold 1M+ litres and opened a Bassano, AB plant (60,000 L/day), backed by $5M+ from NRC-IRAP, AAFC, and partners.

Presented by Jennifer Chen, GHG Lead, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).

Aurora Hydrogen Inc. – Hydrogen and Alternative Energies

Microwave Methane Pyrolysis for Clean and Distributed Hydrogen. Aurora Hydrogen is commercializing low-cost, distributed, water-free, CO₂-free hydrogen via microwave methane pyrolysis which converts natural gas to H₂ and solid carbon. First proven by U of T and U of A engineers, the modular system avoids major new pipelines or grid upgrades, leverages existing gas infrastructure, and uses ~80% less electricity than electrolysis with lower overall GHG impact. No plasma or catalysts required. A 150 kg H₂/day demo is operating in Fort Saskatchewan, with 2, 10, and 30 t/day units in development.

Award Presented by Lindsay Dodd, Board Chair, and Tom Viinikka, CEO, Edmonton Unlimited.

Dr. Shengnan (Nancy) Chen, University of Calgary – Energy, Petrochemicals, and Resource Industries

Employing AI/ML to Advance Smart and Sustainable Subsurface Energy Development. Dr. Shengnan (Nancy) Chen, Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary, pioneers AI/ML for subsurface energy. She advances development of unconventional reservoirs across Western Canada by fusing machine learning with core science (geology, geomechanics, and fluid-flow physics) to overcome scarce, costly data and the limits of purely data-driven models. Her physics-informed methods yield more accurate, dependable results in data-poor settings, enabling smarter, more sustainable resource development and reinforcing Canada’s energy-innovation leadership.

Award Presented by Chris Godwaldt – Director, Water, Pathways Alliance.

Dr. David Wishart and Team, University of Alberta – AI, ML and Quantum

Transforming Metabolomics Globally through AI and Digital Innovation. Dr. David Wishart, Distinguished University Professor (U of A), Tier-1 Canada Research Chair in Computational Metabolomics and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, helped launch metabolomics in 1999. He co-founded Chenomx, started the Human Metabolome Project, and created the Human Metabolome Database which is now core to research and diagnostics worldwide. As Scientific Co-Director of The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, this Métis scholar advances Canada’s leadership. Recent honours include the 2024 NSERC Brockhouse Prize.

Award Presented by Nik Patel, Senior Manager, Data Science, ATB Financial.

Dr. Mustafa Gül, University of Alberta – Construction and Smart Cities

Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Energy-Efficient Smart Cities for the Future. Dr. Mustafa Gül, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering (U of A) and CEO of CityScan Technologies, advances smart, sustainable, resilient cities. He leads CoMBiNE (crowdsensing-based monitoring of built and natural environments) and research on integrating solar PV from buildings to city scale. He has led 30+ major projects, published 90+ journal and 100+ conference papers, and trained 50+ highly-qualified personnel and 5,000+ students. CityScan delivers end-to-end smart-city solutions using AI/IoT to turn data into safer, cleaner communities.

Award Presented by Tony Wigglesworth, Interim Dean, Academic Innovation and Pathways, Bow Valley College.

CardiAI Inc. – Medical, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals

Rapid Detection of Heart Failure Markers. CardiAI, led by founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor and VP Research & Innovation Dr. Raja B. Singh, advances AI-powered, biomarker-driven cardiology.
Their precision diagnostics make cardiac testing faster, more accurate, and more accessible. The team has developed AI analysis of cardiac biomarkers, genomic/microbiome services, and point-of-care devices, including the BParo 24-hr ambulatory BP monitor and NT-proBNP testing for heart failure. By translating cutting-edge science into real care, they help deliver personalized, equitable cardiovascular health for Canadians and beyond.

Award Presented by Mark Perschon, Manager, Group Sales Corporate South, Alberta Blue Cross.

Kristian Bainey and Team, K-PIC Systems Inc. – Social Innovation and Educational Technologies

Leadership in AI-Driven Project Management Innovation. Kristian Bainey advances AI-Driven Project Management by combining human decision-making with intelligent systems to improve planning, execution, and results. Author of the international best-seller AI-Driven Project Management (Wiley), used in universities worldwide, he co-developed PMI’s global AI training and created the first formal curriculum now taught at NAIT and the University of Colorado. A past president of PMI Northern Alberta, he shares this work at global summits, empowering professionals and students.

Award Presented by Neeraj Gupta, Founder, ChapterAI.

RAIC Centre for Architecture, Athabasca University – Regional Innovation Champions: Research

Innovations in Regenerative Design for the Built Environment. Athabasca University is Canada’s Open University, delivering flexible online degrees and professional learning. One of Alberta’s four CARUs, AU hosts 4 Canada Research Chairs, the UNESCO/ICDE OER Chair, and the COL Chair in Emerging Tech for ODL. First in Canada to move all digital infrastructure to AWS, enabling IDEA Lab.
RAIC Centre for Architecture at AU (est. 2012 with RAIC) advances regenerative design and virtual architectural tech. The team includes Dr. Henry Tsang with Drs. Douglas MacLeod, Trevor Butler, and Veronica Madonna, it serves 700+ learners in 26 countries and impacts communities worldwide.

Award Presented by Lindsay Spadavecchia, Executive Director, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Alberta Innovates.

Teacher Time Machine, Lethbridge – Regional Innovation Champions: Software

Saving Teachers’ Time and Reducing Burnout Through Customized Teaching Resources. Sharon Skretting, Dan Vanden Dungen, and Dr. Richelle Marynowskiare are Alberta educators turned innovators and co-founders of Teacher Time Machine Ltd. With 90+ combined years of K–12 experience, they built an AI platform by teachers, for teachers, that creates Alberta-curriculum-aligned lesson plans, performance tasks, assessments, and leveled resources in minutes. With mentorship and professional learning built in, it supports diverse learners and cultures, easing workload and improving outcomes, teacher well-being, and retention.

Award Presented by Gail Powley, President, Technology Alberta.

Landing Zones Canada Inc., Medicine Hat – Regional Innovation Champions: Technology

 Cutting-Edge Aerospace Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow. Landing Zones, a pan-Canadian centre of excellence based in Medicine Hat, AB, pairs aerospace innovation with environmental stewardship. Led by Spencer Fraser (CEO), Dylan Richards (CFO) and Jim Powell (CTO) – veterans with 20+ years’ experience – the company builds AI/ML-powered uncrewed systems known for reliability, reusability and ruggedness. Its GITPO Radiosonde RPAS replaces single-use weather sensors, tackling global e-waste. Beyond aircraft, Landing Zones delivers advanced engineering, training and evaluation with major OEMs worldwide.

Award Presented by Lindsay Spadavecchia, Executive Director, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Alberta Innovates.

2025 ASTech Award Winners for Regional Innovation Champions: Leadership

Co-Winner: Tracy Stroud, APEX Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta

 Fueling Alberta’s Future: Driving Rural Innovation. Tracy Stroud, the APEX Regional Innovation Network Manager, is a champion for innovation across rural Alberta. With her unwavering commitment to bridging the innovation divide between rural and urban areas, she has played an instrumental role in ensuring that rural businesses, particularly those in innovation and tech sectors, have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities that are crucial for their growth.

Co-Winner: Michael Kerr, Alberta Innovates

Championing Innovation Across Industries and Communities. Michael Kerr was an Executive Director, Advanced Hydrocarbons at Alberta Innovates, advancing cleaner production and new hydrocarbon products. In 12 years at AI he has served as Technology Development Advisor, Manager, and Director of Regional Innovation. Earlier: 8 years in chemical processing; 13 years with the National Research Council advising firms across energy and manufacturing; and Regional Director for Quality & Innovation at Northern Health. A community leader and educator, he has chaired the Prince George Chamber, served on the BC Chamber board, and taught at MRU and UNBC.

Awards Presented by Gail Powley, President, Technology Alberta.

Musap “Moose” Abdel – Change Maker (Early Career)

Community-Centered Design and Innovation. Musap “Moose” Abdel is the Founder & CEO of Struggle Is Your Success (SIYS) and QA Enterprises. He is a Calgary leader fusing entrepreneurship, education, and tech for social good. SIYS has mentored 375+ BIPOC and at-risk youth via Dream it, Plan it, Build it and a new digital LMS will reach ~800 youth/year. At QA Enterprises, Moose develops AI solutions, including a gamified app teaching kids AI. Centering accessibility and inclusion, he’s a trusted advisor and speaker, and was named Avenue Magazine’s Innovator of the Week.

Award Presented by: Solange Gagnebin, Senior Manager, ISAIC

Eden Redman – Change Maker (Student/New Grad)

Connecting Interdisciplinary Innovators for Translational Impact through the Network for Applied Technology (NAT, formerly NeurAlbertaTech). NeurAlbertaTech began in 2019 as a student neurotech team and has grown into a nonprofit with provincial and national impact. We spark collaboration and solve real-world problems through programs like natHacks which is Alberta’s largest neurotech hackathon, as well as natChat, workshops, and now student chapters at University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge. Our platform tools (natKit, natPortal, natBoard) and an international consulting project showcase our growth. Since incorporation we’ve raised $1M+, built a 20+ person core team, and won the ASTech Community Initiatives Award.

Award Presented by: Cassy Webber, CEO, MindFuel

Loreen Wales – Women in Innovation: Company

Advancing Preventive Healthcare with My Viva Plan. Loreen Wales is a registered dietitian and founder of Revive Wellness and My Viva Inc. With nearly 30 years’ experience, she is reshaping chronic-disease prevention. After witnessing preventable illness at a local hospital, she launched Revive Wellness and later created My Viva Plan® – a digital platform that empowers patients and helps providers deliver efficient, evidence-based care. Now used across Canada, it builds healthy habits and improves outcomes. Her work earned national awards (Dietitians of Canada, Digital Health Canada), and she represents Canada in the Eureka ITEA4 TREAT consortium.

Award Presented by: Debra Greig – Director, Talent and Business Advisory Programs, Technology Alberta

Dr. Chelsea Benally -Women in Innovation: Research. 

Environmental Engineering with Indigenous Communities for Water Solutions. Dr. Chelsea Benally, an Indigenous environmental engineer and Assistant Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta, advances nature-based water treatment to improve water security in remote and underserved communities. Her community-partnered program centers Indigenous leadership and knowledge. She co-leads I-STEAM Pathways; serves on U of A’s Indigenous Advisory Council and Research Strategies Task Force; mentors IBET PhD scholars; and advises the Indigenous Students in STEM Association.

Award Presented by: Debra Greig – Director, Talent and Business Advisory Programs, Technology Alberta

Jerry Hanna – Indigenous-Led Entrepreneurship and Contributions to Knowledge

Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems with Clearflow Gel Flocculants. Jerry Hanna, founder/CEO of Clearflow Group (Canada & U.S.) and Métis Nation of Alberta/CCAB member, is a water treatment innovator. Inventor of Clearflow’s Gel Flocculant (12 patents), he leads solutions recognized with the ASTech Environmental Award and exceeding standards. Since 2005 he’s grown Clearflow to a Sherwood Park HQ, a U.S. plant, and distribution in 7 countries. In 2025 (20th year), Clearflow will launch a field kit detecting residual toxic polymers ~200x below current limits, with the University of Alberta and NRC, Alberta Innovates, and NSERC; he mentors PhDs and supports UAlberta’s I-STEAM Pathways.

Award Presented by: Ahmad Jawad – CEO, DOCEO.AI, and Edmonton Research Park (ERPBC) Board Member

Dr. Robert Burrell – Alberta-Wide Community Champion

Training Biomedical Engineers & Translating Ideas into Improved Healthcare Worldwide. Dr. Robert Burrell, Sorensen Chair in Commercialization of Biomedical Technology and Professor at the University of Alberta, is a global leader in metallic-film therapeutics for infection and inflammation. Over 40 years he has pioneered biofilm control and translated nanotech to wound care, inventing Acticoat™: the first therapeutic nanotechnology commercialized via Westaim/Nucryst and now marketed worldwide by Smith+Nephew. He also co-founded Alberta ventures, mentors future innovators, and holds diagnostics and stem-cell patents; with another 2025 Finalist, Dr. Hilal Gul, he co-invented a stem-cell technology (US 12,264,333) for MyStem Biotech and co-founded Colustra Inc. for dermal regeneration.

Award Presented by: Mark Summers, Vice President – Entrepreneurship, Digital, and Talent, Alberta Innovates

Nanoprecise Sci Corp – Innovation of the Year.

Advancing Industrial Health With AI-Powered Precision. Nanoprecise is building a future where machines speak before they fail. The company’s NLink™ sensor wirelessly captures vibration, temperature, and other signals from equipment, while its AI-powered Rotiply™ platform analyzes patterns to predict failures thereby preventing downtime, cutting costs, and improving safety. By enabling proactive maintenance across industries, Nanoprecise reduces waste and energy use, boosts reliability, and strengthens a more sustainable, efficient industrial economy.

Award Presented by:Mehadi Sayed, CEO, Clinisys; Board Member Technology Alberta