Now more than ever countries are working hard to balance economic growth with sustainability and meeting environmental standards needed to combat the devastating effects of climate change. Public institutions like universities and research organizations have an important role to play through their portfolios of licensable green technologies.
By commercializing technological innovation, countries can help generate sustainable economic growth while soundly addressing climate change. Demand for green technologies has increased remarkably in recent decades.
To combat the environmental impacts of climate change, 43 countries have pledged to adhere to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These countries have agreed to implement measures to achieve the goal of reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases – generating the need for these various green technologies.
There are significant supports not only for researchers of green technology but also for businesses who pursue the commercialization of green technology. Environment and Climate Change Canada offers over 18 funding programs while provinces provide various grants and programs to businesses who are commercializing technologies or adapting their business to be Earth friendly.
Western has taken an active role in combatting climate changes by signing on to Investing to Address Climate Change: A Charter for Canadian Universities. The University joined more than a dozen research-intensive Canadian universities to battle climate change through sustainable investing – part of the university’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The University has also recently added a degree in climate change to its program offerings.
Western has also generated a number of green spinoff companies with the guidance of WORLDiscoveries like Renix, Western Maple Bio Resources, and RECAT Technologies to name a few.
If you have entrepreneurial aspirations or are looking to improve upon your existing business, consider licensing a green technology and be part of the solution to climate change. See a list of green technologies in our portfolio, and be aware that universities across Canada are also working towards solutions for climate change and have technologies available for licensing, some can be found at ExploreIP: Canada’s IP Marketplace.
Licensable green technologies
