Sustainable cement technology takes top spot in inaugural challenge
October 1, 2021 – Calgary, AB – The Mayor of Calgary and a panel of experts selected ZS2 Technologies as the winner of the inaugural Mayor’s Innovation Challenge in the commercial-ready category.
ZS2’s submission surrounding advances in material science and using waste brines for a more sustainable cement was selected by Mayor Naheed Nenshi out of 130 entrants.
“Calgary is a city full of entrepreneurs and ideas, so to be selected as top innovators in this city is truly an honour,” said Scott Jenkins, CEO of ZS2 Technologies. “Success in this challenge is a testament to all the hard work the scientists on our research and development team have been doing for the past year. We’re excited to work the the city to start using cement products that have one third the carbon footprint of traditional cement.”
Over the past four months, finalists attended workshops and met with advisors at The City of Calgary and ENMAX to help them prepare their pitch. Yesterday afternoon, the teams presented their ideas at a virtual final Pitch Session attended by nearly 100 people. They were judged by Heather Campbell, the Executive Director for Clean Technology at Alberta Innovates, Brad Zumwalt, a leader and investor in the Calgary technology sector, and Mayor Nenshi.
“Choosing winners was not an easy task,” said Mayor Nenshi. “The enthusiasm of all of the teams, and their solutions to our planet’s energy issues were very compelling. Ultimately, the judges felt that these submissions were the ones that would most benefit from the opportunities offered by the Challenge. For the other finalists, their ideas held lots of merit and we intend on connecting them with strategic community partners who can help them continue their innovative work.”
More details on the Mayor’s Innovation Challenge can be found at www.calgary.ca/mayorschallenge.
About ZS2 Technologies
ZS2 Technologies Ltd. develops and manufactures proprietary advanced building technologies including proprietary fire-rated, non-toxic, low-carbon cementitious building materials and prefabricated structural panels. ZS2 markets and delivers high performance building solutions for the residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare and assisted living industry verticals in Canada and the United States both directly and through a growing network of TechPartners (distribution partners).
Media Contact
Matt Stuart
ZS2 Technologies
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