Meet the winners of the 2023 Alberta Cleantech Awards

Last night in downtown Calgary, five innovators from Alberta’s cleantech community were recognized by Foresight Canada for their leadership in building climate solutions. The winners’ work ranged from renewable energy to agritech and carbon capture, utilization, and storage.

“I continue to be amazed by the advancements being made across Alberta’s powerful cleantech ecosystem,” said Jeannette Jackson, CEO of Foresight Canada. “It’s a privilege to recognize the winners of our very first Alberta Cleantech Awards — their unwavering commitment to Canada’s net-zero future is truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that their work will have a significant impact on the global transition to a green economy.”

Of the five winners, four are based in Calgary and one in Edmonton. Nominations opened earlier this year with a callout for innovators, industry leaders, investors, government officials, and academics working towards net-zero. A top 20 list of innovators was released last month, and a panel of judges narrowed that down to the five winners.

Meet them below:

Venture of the year: Future Fields

Award criteria: A cleantech venture positioned to take a leadership role on the global innovation stage.

Funder of the year: Emissions Reduction Alberta

Award criteria: A funder, investor, government program, or VC championing a net-zero economy by investing in cleantech ventures.

Ecosystem supporter of the year: Energy Futures Lab

Award criteria: An organization championing the growth and development of cleantech in Alberta through the support of climate-focused entrepreneurs, programs, ecosystem development, thought leadership, and community building.

Adopter of the year: Enhance Energy

Award criteria: A leading organization, company, or group adopting or championing sustainable practices in their industry.

Sustainability Hero (People’s Choice Award): Ben Klepacki, co-founder and chief revenue ffficer of Westgen Technologies

Award criteria: An outstanding individual who has shown unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on Alberta's cleantech ecosystem.

Climate Champion Legacy Award (In-Memoriam): Simon Knight

Award criteria: A special award given to the late Simon Knight, who has had a lasting impact on Alberta's cleantech community.