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British Columbia can lead the rapid advancement of innovative solutions to destructive wildfires
VANCOUVER, B.C., May 16, 2024 – On May 30th, 2024, the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is launching Canada’s first call for innovation focused on wildfire technologies. Up to $3 million in non-dilutive investment will be awarded to innovators across British Columbia that are commercializing technology in the following areas to advance wildfire management solutions at scale:
- Prevention solutions: Predictive modelling tools, proactive land management practices, and fire-resistant materials
- Mitigation technologies: Early wildfire detection systems, communication and information technologies, firefighting technologies, spread halting, sustainable fire retardants, and the development of specialized equipment
- Adaptation innovations: Solutions to increase forest and community resiliency, post-fire recovery, and business model innovations to integrate climate change adaptation strategies into land/vegetation management practices
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Aaron Pawlick
Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation – BC Wildfire ServiceWith wildfire frequency, size and intensity growing annually, effective wildfire management is imperative. Canada’s forests store 30-40% of the world’s land-based carbon, playing a critical role in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation. In 2023, 18.4 million hectares of the country’s forests burned, exceeding the 10-year average by 6.5 times. These wildfires emitted 2.3 gigatonnes (Gt) of carbon dioxide, over three times the total emissions from Canada’s economy.
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Sarah Goodman
Chief Executive Officer at the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean EnergyApplications for the wildfire technology innovation call will be accepted from May 30th (9am PT) to August 7th, 2024 (5pm PT). CICE will prioritize solutions that have significant co-benefits such as integrating carbon sequestration and removal initiatives, promoting ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation, empowering Indigenous fire stewardship practices, and enhancing community resilience and socio-economic benefits through wildfire management efforts.
For inquiries related to the call for wildfire technology innovation, download the Wildfire Tech Applicant Guide, or contact CICE at wildfiretech2024@cice.ca. You can also watch the Q&A webinar below, or download the slides here.
About CICE
The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that provides early-stage investment to fast-track the commercialization of British Columbia’s most impactful clean energy and climate solutions – from Canada to the world. We match the urgency and efficiency of the companies we support, driving innovation like the planet depends on it. Because it does. Together with our climate-first community of innovators, industry leaders, investors, academia, government, and Indigenous partners, we advance future pathways to net zero – leveraging B.C.’s clean energy advantages to attract investment, create good jobs, and build a prosperous, clean economy for decades to come. www.cice.ca