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Powering the Future of Energy

The etc foundation is committed to Innovation, Connection, and Growth

Purpose

A catalyst for Calgary’s evolving energy sector

The etc foundation is a catalyst for Calgary’s evolving energy sector. By uniting startups, investors, industry leaders, and researchers, we foster collaboration that drives breakthrough solutions for the energy sector.

Located in downtown Calgary, the etc foundation provides a dynamic convening space that enables direct engagement among emerging and established players in the industry. But we go beyond connection—we offer essential services to accelerate innovation and commercialization.

Our mission

To drive entrepreneurial growth and advance research commercialization, positioning Alberta as a global leader in energy innovation.

An etc foundation membership unlocks exclusive access to a one-of-a-kind network of talent, technology, and opportunity – because the future of energy is built together.

Strategy

The etc foundation empowers innovators through education, development, and strategic support.

  • Education & Thought Leadership

    Empowering ecosystem partners with industry insights and specialized knowledge.

  • Technology Development

    Supporting the creation and refinement of cutting-edge solutions.

  • Research Concierge

    Helping partners navigate the complex research landscape and access key resources.

  • Techno-Commercial Pathways

    Guiding innovations from concept to market with strategic commercialization support.

About Us

Bringing Canada's energy leaders together.

Fostering a prosperous future in energy, together.

The ETC Foundation is a dynamic hub, uniting stakeholders across industry, government, academia, and the broader innovation ecosystem to develop essential solutions to climate challenges and drive progress in energy systems.

The ETC Foundation will leverage existing programming within Alberta and create new initiatives designed to spur entrepreneurial investment, advance low-carbon innovation, and strengthen industry engagement.

Building on this foundation, we convene partners to accelerate the creation, development, and commercialization of transformative energy technologies—turning bold ideas into scalable solutions that shape a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Our 4 Pillars

The etc foundation will drive innovation, enable collaboration, and facilitate growth within the energy sector.

  • A Purposeful Space

    A highly connected space where cleantech startups, researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders can collaborate.

    A Purposeful Space

    The etc foundation is a state-of-the-art convening space, located on the 5th floor of Calgary’s Ampersand Building.

    This facility will serve as a central hub for the clean tech ecosystem, providing critical infrastructure to foster organic collaboration among startups, industry giants, researchers, and investors.

    The space will host frequent ecosystem events, offering a dynamic environment for knowledge-sharing, networking, and innovation.

  • Startup Support

    Ground-breaking entrepreneurial programming, connecting industry professionals, researchers and investors.

    Startup Support

    ETCF’s programming aims to enhance entrepreneurial capacity in Alberta by supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and startups in clean technology.

    While many existing programs focus on later-stage ventures, ETCF addresses the gap at the earliest stages of entrepreneurship. Through the Avatar Innovations program and the new CleanTech Mentorship Hub, the Centre will provide critical mentorship, funding opportunities, and entrepreneurial training.

  • Funding Connections

    Tools and funding to connect startups and corporations with Canada’s leading labs to increase IP and competitive advantage.

    Funding Connections

    The Centre will act as a central hub for researchers and innovators across Alberta to collaborate and present their ideas in an open, solution-oriented environment.

    This has been piloted within the Avatar Innovations program, in which PhD candidates, Post-Doctoral students, and Post-Grads from the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta have provided pieces of research they have conducted, for further commercialization.

    This has proven to be successful, with numerous demos/pilots launching from this initial outreach. The ETCF will expand upon this initiative, and include scoping beyond the Avatar program.

  • Pathfinding Advisory

    A world-class energy advisory service connecting individual, corporate and startup needs with funding and commercial structures.

    Pathfinding Advisory

    ETCF will play a leading role in helping Alberta’s cleantech startups overcome commercialization challenges.

    By leveraging its strong relationships with major energy players, investors, and financial institutions, the etc foundation will connect startups with the right resources to bring their products to market.

    ETCF will create a dedicated commercial concierge system, connecting startups with funding sources, commercial partners, and technology validators.

Our Board

  • Arlene Strom, Board Chair

    Arlene Strom

    Board Chair

    Arlene Strom

    Board Chair

    Arlene Strom, Board Chair

    Arlene Strom is a distinguished leader in sustainability and corporate governance. She has held key positions at Suncor Energy Inc., including Chief Sustainability Officer and General Counsel, where she focused on environmental responsibility, public policy, and Indigenous reconciliation.

    In 2024, Strom became a fellow in the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, further expanding her expertise in leadership and sustainability. She also serves on several boards, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Awards Foundation. Most recently, she was appointed as the second Chancellor of Mount Royal University, where she aims to foster community engagement and mentorship.

    Her career reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, education, and collaboration.

  • Kevin Krausert, Board Member

    Kevin Krausert

    Board Member

    Kevin Krausert

    Board Member

    Kevin Krausert, Board Member

    Kevin Krausert is a Canadian entrepreneur, scientist, and energy industry leader as the CEO and Co-Founder of Avatar Innovations. With over 20 years of experience in energy innovation, he has held numerous executive leadership roles. He began his career as a roughneck on oil rigs in Northern Alberta and worked his way up to become the Chief Executive of Canada’s oldest drilling company. His contributions to the industry include championing fully computerized drilling rigs and leading the first long-reach horizontal well in the Canadian Arctic.

    Krausert has been a strong advocate for unlocking energy transition solutions within the oil and gas sector. He has played a significant role in shaping public energy dialogue and policy frameworks in Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration from the Haskayne School of Business. Additionally, he serves on the steering committees of the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) and the Energy Futures Lab (EFL).

  • Nannette Ho-Covernton, Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton

    Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton

    Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton, Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions while fostering collaboration and inclusivity in the energy sector. As the Executive Director of the Energy Transition Centre, Nannette is passionate about supporting innovative technologies that empower communities to transition towards more resilient energy systems. With a longstanding dedication to supporting women in STEM, she has actively championed initiatives that create opportunities for underrepresented groups in science and technology. Her volunteer work on various post-secondary education committees reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and collective action to drive progress in the energy industry.

Leadership Team

  • Nannette Ho-Covernton, Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton

    Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton

    Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton, Executive Director

    Nannette Ho-Covernton is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions while fostering collaboration and inclusivity in the energy sector. As the Executive Director of the Energy Transition Centre, Nannette is passionate about supporting innovative technologies that empower communities to transition towards more resilient energy systems. With a longstanding dedication to supporting women in STEM, she has actively championed initiatives that create opportunities for underrepresented groups in science and technology. Her volunteer work on various post-secondary education committees reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and collective action to drive progress in the energy industry.

  • Bradley Wamboldt, Technology Development Director

    Bradley Wamboldt

    Technology Development Advisor In Residence

    Bradley Wamboldt

    Technology Development Advisor In Residence

    Bradley Wamboldt, Technology Development Director

    Bradley has over 30 years of experience in oil and gas operations, project development, commissioning, operations and technology advancement, with both Shell Canada and Suncor Energy. In his last role at Suncor, Bradley was responsible for standing up and leading the Enterprise Technology team, which was responsible for identifying and commercializing several energy transition technologies for deployment by the company.

    Bradley has a deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of the energy industry. His background equips him to navigate the complexities of energy transition and clean tech innovation. Additionally, his ability to identify and commercialize innovative energy transition technologies makes him an invaluable asset to the etc foundation.

  • Kristen Monzingo, Operations Manager

    Kristen Monzingo

    Operations Manager

    Kristen Monzingo

    Operations Manager

    Kristen Monzingo, Operations Manager

    Kristen brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategy development, and major project execution with over 15 years of experience in energy and commercial real estate. Kristen has held key roles building relationships with government, business groups, and communities across Alberta, and has led efforts in strategy, governance, and delivery for systematic external relations. A graduate of the Avatar Program and former leadership volunteer with Avatar Innovations, she is also involved in advancing energy innovation initiatives.

  • Sedigheh Mahdavi, Technology Validation Advisor

    Sedigheh Mahdavi

    Innovation Manager

    Sedigheh Mahdavi

    Innovation Manager

    Sedigheh Mahdavi, Technology Validation Advisor

    Sedi specializes in scaling clean-tech ventures, with extensive experience helping companies navigate the challenges of growth, innovation, and market expansion. She brings a strong background in the clean-tech and energy sectors, empowering startups and established organizations to enhance their impact, improve market positioning, and foster sustainable innovation. With over 15 years of combined industrial, academic, and research experience, Sedigheh has a proven track record of supporting energy-focused projects. Her scholarly research at the University of Calgary centred on leveraging nature-based solutions for the oil industry, reflecting her commitment to bridging traditional energy systems with sustainable practices.

    She earned her Ph.D. in Process Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2019 and previously served as a Project Engineer at the Petroleum Research Center at PUT University. Sedigheh also holds an M.Sc. in Reservoir Engineering and a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.

Funding Partners