Grafta
Location: Calgary, Alberta VC Investor: PillarFour Capital Partners Company URL: grafta.tech
Strategic Importance: Environmental remediation, energy and mining, Indigenous relations
Alberta has long been a global leader in natural resource exploration and development. GRAFTA Nanotech is proof that the province is also at the forefront of next-generation technological solutions to mitigate the impacts of industry on the environment.
GRAFTA Nanotech is a clean-technology company that has developed a new class of synthetic graphene nanotechnology, called GRAFTA™, which is used for cleaning and treating wastewater. It is dramatically advancing the ease, speed and efficiency required to remove harmful contaminants.
The technology is being used to remediate wastewater, groundwater contamination, and other hard-to-treat water streams – enabling customers to meet the strictest regulatory requirements. Applications include oil & gas, mining, industrial processing and manufacturing. It is being deployed across Canada and the US.
GRAFTA’s solution involves fewer moving parts and allows for easy integration with existing water-treatment systems. It is engineered for long-term stability with “near-zero leaching” of captured contaminants.
“As industries in Alberta face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, GRAFTA’s technology offers a homegrown solution with global impact.”
Venture Capital Supports Sustainable Growth
With its industrial base and wealth of STEM expertise, Alberta has provided the perfect laboratory for developing their technology and a direct market. The province’s ability to attract Venture Capital has proven to be a lynch pin for Alberta’s tech sector.
Investment from PillarFour Capital Fund II has supported GRAFTA’s efforts to pursue new opportunities to scale their business.
“PillarFour isn’t just a ‘money provider’. They bring experience in sustainable energy, tech, and environmental innovations,” explains Mark Bentsen, CEO of Grafta Nanotech.
“Having PillarFour onboard as an experienced and respected investor gives GRAFTA added credibility. It signals to customers, partners, and potential other investors that our technology and business model have merit.”
PillarFour Capital Partners was started in Alberta in 2015, with the goal of supporting Alberta innovation with an energy focus. They now have a second office in London, UK and have expanded their reach beyond Alberta’s borders. Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC) has supported their efforts and is a limited partner in their fund.
A Bright Future
GRAFTA Nanotech continues its ongoing efforts to transform the industry through a cost-effective, commercially viable solution. They’re now exploring in-situ applications, seeking to target new contaminants and optimizing their technology.
