A Calgary company developing fire- and storm-resistant building materials has secured more than $2.7 million in federal funding through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, delivered by Prairies Economic Development Canada.

ZS2 Technologies, which says it is the first company in North America to domestically produce magnesium oxide cement at scale, makes panelized building materials designed to be more durable and climate-resilient than traditional construction materials. The company says its products enable faster build times and reduced labour costs, with particular advantages in wildfire-prone and climate-vulnerable regions.

The repayable investment will go toward new manufacturing equipment and expanded production capacity to meet what ZS2 describes as growing demand for its products.

"Made-in-Alberta housing innovations are leading the way in finding practical solutions to today's housing challenges," said Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. "By increasing housing supply, we're backing local expertise, creating good jobs, and helping build stronger, more resilient communities."

ZS2 CEO and co-founder Scott Jenkins said the funding has helped the company scale production while catalyzing private investment and strengthening partnerships. "This investment has helped catalyze private investment, strengthen key partnerships, and support our ability to bring made-in-Alberta innovation to communities across Canada," Jenkins said.

The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative allocated $50 million over two years starting in 2024, delivered through regional development agencies across the country. PrairiesCan's share across the Prairies totalled $9.59 million. The program closed to new applications on March 31, 2026.