Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association (OCTIA), a new not-for-profit organization, has been launched by clean technology leaders to promote Ontario’s growing cleantech sector.
“Ontario can have an even more transformative impact on climate challenges.”
OCTIA will represent Ontario as a member of CanadaCleantech Alliance, a national association that aims to advocate for cleantech companies and help brand Canada’s cleantech sector.
Founding members of OCTIA include Royal Bank of Canada, MaRS Discovery District, Silfab Solar, Smarter Alloys, Enbridge, CHAR Technologies, Clear Blue Technologies, S. Strashin and Sons, and Flow Ventures.
“It’s time for Canada’s largest and most industrialized province to champion the clean technology sector,” said OCTIA chairperson and senior account manager at RBC Peter McArthur. “OCTIA was created to ensure our sector has a seat at the table when we’re discussing the future of our environment and economy.”
“Ontario is home to a robust ecosystem that contributes significantly to clean and green growth globally,” McArthur added. “With our province’s talented workforce, innovative entrepreneurs, deep research and development infrastructure, and strong investment community, Ontario can have an even more transformative impact on climate challenges.”
The formal launch of OCTIA was held on November 5 as part of Export Development Canada’s Cleantech Export Week.
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“There is a strong need for a unified voice for Ontario’s cleantech sector,” said Ibraheem Khan, president and CEO of Waterloo-based Smarter Alloys. “Collectively, our companies represent an incredible economic opportunity for this province.”
OCTIA said it aims to build partnerships and networks to generate business opportunities and encourage industry and government leaders to act in support of the cleantech sector’s growth.
According to OCTIA, clean technology activity is expected to exceed $2.5 trillion by 2022 globally. The organization also noted that an analysis from MaRS Data Catalyst found that 131 Ontario-based cleantech ventures collectively reached revenue of nearly $500 million CAD in 2018.
It was not disclosed, whether OCTIA’s founding members are providing any monetary support to the organization and its efforts.
Image source Unsplash. Photo by Matthew Henry.
