EVERCLOAK

Co-founded by Evelyn Allen and Dr. Michael Pope, Evercloak produces thin-film, high-performance nanomaterials that range from single atomic layers to hundreds of nanometers in thickness — using a variety of materials including graphene oxide, graphene, carbon nanotubes, hexagonal boron nitride and other 2D nanomaterials — for use in industries like energy storage, smart packaging, electronic devices and more. The company has commercialized a manufacturing platform that can produce continuous, large-area nanofilms that are of exceptional quality without a high price point. The startup began at the University of Waterloo and has since been funded in part by a number of grants (including one from Spark Centre!).

The company’s goal is to integrate graphene breakthroughs for a healthier, more sustainable and comfortable world, transforming current technology with more advanced materials. In a practical sense, this means using their super-thin, high-tech nanofilms to significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the dehumidification and air cooling processes. Think: drastically more efficient commercial air conditioners, interior humidity control and other large-scale applications. A major disruptor in membrane technology, Evercloak nanofilms can cut the energy requirements associated with air conditioning in half. This makes commercial cooling systems both less expensive and far more environmentally friendly.

While the environmental implications of Evercloak’s technology are unlimited, the costs are surprisingly low. The company’s roll-to-roll coating process requires minimal energy and produces very little waste, and the applications are wide-reaching. “Our ultra-thin nanofilms can curb greenhouse gas emissions by radically reducing the energy required for commercial and residential air conditioning and dehumidification systems,” Evercloak explains. “They can transform seawater into drinking water in drought-prone areas. They can improve batteries and solar cells, making renewable energy more viable.”

“We’re creating advanced material manufacturing processes that can solve some of the world’s biggest environmental issues,” the company’s founders assert. This is going to become even more important as global warming, urbanization and rising incomes in developing countries contribute to an increased demand for air conditioning, both at home and in public spaces such as stores and offices.

Evercloak is proud to be on the forefront of cleantech and climate tech innovation in Canada, and they’re poised to grow. The company is ready to scale and looking to push forward in low-energy desalination efforts, which could have life-changing effects on at-risk communities around the globe. Just a few years post-launch, it’s incredible how much this startup has achieved — and now, we look forward to watching how far they’ll go.