Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.

Sarah Applebaum

Associate

Rob Barbara

Associate

Tony Bommel

Associate

Charles Conn

Associate

Todd Crescenzo

Associate

Mark Evans

Associate

Bernard W. Gray

Associate

Bettina Hamelin

Associate

Christophe Jurczak

Associate

Patrick Kappel

Venture Manager, Space stream

Sue Marks

Associate

Oliver Plunkett

Associate

Jay Rhind

Associate

KJELL SKAPPEL

Founding Partner and Associate

Katharine Tomko

Associate

Past deals in Nanotechnology

Soarce

Non Equity Assistance in 2022
Soarce is dedicated to decarbonizing the performance apparel industry through innovative material solutions derived from plants. The company specializes in developing high-performing, plastic-free fabrics and leathers made from seaweed and nanomaterials. These advanced materials not only replace traditional synthetic options but also provide protective features against fire, UV rays, and chemical exposure. By integrating nanotechnology with sustainable resources, Soarce enables apparel brands to reduce their environmental impact while meeting the evolving demands of modern consumers. The company's commitment to reimagining product creation at its source reflects its proactive approach to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

SunGreenH2

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
SunGreenH2 is a company focused on producing high-performance electrolysers for green hydrogen generation using advanced materials and nanotechnology. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in Melbourne and London, the company has developed a modular and scalable electrolyser stack that enables on-site hydrogen production at a low cost. By utilizing sunlight and water, SunGreenH2's patented technology facilitates the production of zero-emissions hydrogen, supporting sustainable practices across various industries, including transport, buildings, and specialty chemicals. With over a decade of research in electrochemistry and nanotechnology, SunGreenH2 aims to enable widespread adoption of green hydrogen, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Qurcan Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions for cancer treatment through advanced nanotechnology. The company is designing Manganescan®, a novel theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer. This agent enhances the early detection of brain tumors by providing improved imaging capabilities, being three times more sensitive than traditional Gadolinium-based contrast agents. Manganescan® also sensitizes cancer cells, which leads to better outcomes in radiation therapy. In addition to Manganescan®, Qurcan Therapeutics is developing a drug delivery platform that aims to enhance precision medicine for solid tumors. This platform addresses challenges associated with drug release and liver accumulation seen in lipid nanoparticles, allowing for the efficient delivery of drugs, antibodies, and RNA to difficult-to-reach tumors, including those in the brain. By improving the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics seeks to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival rates in cancer treatment.

Stockholm Water Technology

Series A in 2021
Stockholm Water Technology specializes in the development and design of innovative solutions for clean and sustainable water management. The company focuses on capacitive deionization-based water desalination technology, which employs nanotechnology-enabled materials and smart engineering. This patented approach offers a membrane-free alternative for water purification that is both cost-effective and energy-efficient. By integrating advanced hardware and software, Stockholm Water Technology enhances system intelligence while ensuring exceptionally high water recovery rates and minimal energy consumption. The company aims to provide clients with sustainable technologies for effective water cleansing and desalination.

Kraken Sense

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Kraken Sense is a developer of an automated pathogen detection platform that utilizes advanced nanotechnology and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. The company's innovative solution features autonomous sampling capabilities and cloud-based encryption, allowing for the detection of bacterial contamination across various sources, including liquids, solids, and aerosols. Kraken Sense's IoT-enabled dashboard and analytics tools facilitate low-cost and user-friendly monitoring, empowering clients to identify a wide range of biological and chemical entities in real time. Through its cutting-edge technology, Kraken Sense aims to enhance safety and efficiency in pathogen detection for diverse applications.

Nfinite Nanotech

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Nfinite Nanotechnology is an advanced materials company specializing in open-air atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology to produce functional nanomaterials. The company focuses on enabling innovations in various sectors, including sustainable packaging, batteries, and photovoltaics. Nfinite has developed a rapid open-air nanocoating system that delivers large-area, high-quality ultrathin films at speeds up to 100 times faster than traditional ALD methods, significantly reducing costs. This technology sets new industry standards by providing packaging manufacturers with the ability to create cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions that are fully compostable, recyclable, and capable of preserving product freshness and shelf life. Through its innovative approach, Nfinite aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of transformative technologies for a sustainable future.

Seppure Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Seppure Technologies is focused on transforming the energy-intensive processes of chemical separation and purification utilized across various industries. The company has developed innovative chemical-resistant nanofiltration membranes that replace traditional methods such as distillation and evaporation. By implementing this sustainable technology, Seppure enables clients to significantly reduce their energy consumption, emissions, and pollution. This approach not only enhances the efficiency of industrial-scale chemical separations but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly manufacturing landscape.

NanoTess

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
NanoTess is a company specializing in the commercialization of nanotechnology solutions aimed at addressing various health-related challenges. The company develops nanotechnology-based medical products, specifically focusing on biocompatible and bio-selective wound dressings. By targeting chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, NanoTess provides clinicians with innovative tools designed to meet unmet health needs. Their approach underscores the potential of small-scale technological advancements to deliver effective solutions in the health and decontamination sectors.

Nanochon

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Nanochon is a medical device company focused on developing innovative solutions for treating cartilage damage in joints. Utilizing 3D printing technology and proprietary nanomaterials, the company aims to create implantable devices that replace lost or damaged cartilage and stimulate new tissue growth. This approach enables healthcare providers to offer cost-effective, on-demand treatments tailored to young and active patients suffering from knee injuries or diseases.

En Solución

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
En Solución is a company that focuses on enhancing food safety through the integration of innovative nanotechnology and advanced sensing and control systems. The company's current initiatives involve the development of a high-concentration nanobubble generating device, which operates with recirculating and regenerative functions to produce effective nanobubbles in a wash water bath. This technology aims to improve the efficacy of pathogen elimination by utilizing powerful agents in a safer and more controlled manner. By offering novel cleaning and sanitizing methods, En Solución enables clients in the agriculture industry to replace traditional post-harvest chlorine washes with more advanced and effective solutions.

Summit Nanotech

Seed Round in 2020
Summit Nanotech Corporation is a cleantech company based in Calgary, Canada, focused on revolutionizing lithium extraction to support the global energy transition. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in a patented direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology that aims to provide sustainable and economically viable solutions for lithium producers. By collaborating with mining companies and lithium asset owners in regions such as Chile and Argentina, Summit Nanotech seeks to optimize operations and conserve natural resources while minimizing environmental impact. The company's innovative approach positions it as a leader in developing cost-effective solutions for the growing demand for battery-grade lithium.

Edgehog

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Edgehog is a technology company that specializes in anti-reflection solutions for electronic displays. It has developed a scalable method for fabricating bio-inspired nanostructures directly on glass or plastic substrates, which significantly reduces glare and enhances visibility in various lighting conditions. This innovative approach ensures uniform anti-reflectivity across the visible spectrum, improving the viewing experience for devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. By lowering the brightness required for clear visibility while maintaining high contrast, Edgehog's technology also contributes to energy efficiency, extending battery life for users. The company aims to provide consumers with optimal display performance, even in bright outdoor environments.

Arylla

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Arylla Inc. specializes in developing nanotechnology-based invisible ink aimed at combating counterfeit goods in the luxury market. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, the company partners with luxury brands to integrate its invisible ink during the production process, allowing resellers to verify the authenticity of items such as leather goods, footwear, and clothing. Arylla's innovative platform offers a tiered security system for printing invisible labels, which also supports food authentication. Additionally, the company produces scanners that authenticate fluorescent signatures. By enabling luxury brands to monetize their resale markets while reducing the prevalence of counterfeits, Arylla is positioned as a leader in the fight against fraud in the luxury goods sector.

FluoretiQ

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
FluoretiQ Limited is a medical device company based in Bristol, United Kingdom, established in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative technologies for the rapid detection of bacterial infections. FluoretiQ's proprietary solutions integrate advanced nanomaterials and optical sensing technologies, allowing for the identification of harmful bacteria in as little as 15 minutes. Their flagship product, the NANOPLEXa, is a rapid diagnostic platform that enables healthcare professionals to accurately identify and enumerate bacterial pathogens, facilitating timely and effective antibiotic treatment. By providing easy-to-use systems, FluoretiQ empowers clinicians to make informed decisions for same-day diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic selection, ultimately enhancing patient care in the management of infectious diseases.

Carbonova

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Carbonova is a company focused on the development of carbon nanofibers, leveraging a proprietary chemical process to convert carbon dioxide and waste heat from power plants into high-strength carbon fiber. This innovative technology not only enhances performance across various applications but also promotes sustainability by transforming greenhouse gas emissions into valuable solid commodities. By utilizing waste feedstocks, Carbonova aims to address environmental challenges while providing industries with economically viable solutions for their material needs.

BioHybrid Solutions

Seed Round in 2020
BioHybrid Solutions is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing advanced nanoarmored protein-polymer conjugates. The company focuses on tailoring the activity and stability of proteins and enzymes for various applications. Utilizing atom transfer radical polymerization chemistry, BioHybrid Solutions precisely grows polymers from the surface of proteins, enhancing their functionality. Through its research and development efforts, the company aims to provide innovative alternatives for therapeutics and protein engineering, ultimately contributing to advancements in medical treatments.

Evercloak

Seed Round in 2020
Evercloak Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Waterloo, Canada, specializes in the manufacturing of ultra-thin graphene and other two-dimensional nanomaterial films tailored for cleantech applications. The company employs an advanced, cost-effective manufacturing process that produces continuous coatings of single-layer nanomaterials. This innovative approach is designed to facilitate the development of disruptive clean technologies aimed at reducing costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including oil and gas, nuclear, energy, mining, and agri-food. Evercloak's vision centers on enhancing indoor comfort while minimizing energy usage and environmental impact, particularly in the context of building cooling solutions.

Nomic

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Nomic is a bioengineering company focused on enhancing access to the human proteome, similar to the accessibility of the human genome. The company is developing the next-generation ELISA platform, known as nELISA, which is designed for high-throughput protein measurement. Nomic's solutions enable scientists to conduct protein profiling efficiently, allowing them to determine the scope and scale of their experiments. The platform features a cost-effective reagent system that integrates seamlessly with existing industry cytometers, facilitating high-throughput analysis and the creation of custom protein panels. By leveraging advanced technology, Nomic aims to empower researchers and nanotechnology developers to utilize DNA as a flexible and programmable linker, effectively addressing challenges such as cross-reactivity in protein measurements.

Nanogrande

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Nanogrande is a Montreal-based developer of additive manufacturing systems that specializes in high-definition manufacturing for the 4.0 industrial revolution. The company has pioneered a patented process that enables the production of particle layers as thin as one nanometre, resulting in the world's first nanoscale 3D printer. This innovative technology allows for the creation of ultra-high-resolution and precision parts using a diverse range of materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics. By offering unparalleled design freedom and intricate detail, Nanogrande's solutions cater to industries needing complex objects while potentially reducing production costs by up to 50%. The company's advancements position it to capture significant opportunities in the rapidly growing markets of metal injection moulding, precision metal casting, and components for microelectromechanical systems. Through its unique approach, Nanogrande is effectively bridging the fields of nanotechnology and additive manufacturing.

Qurcan Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Qurcan Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions for cancer treatment through advanced nanotechnology. The company is designing Manganescan®, a novel theranostic agent that serves as both an MRI contrast agent and a radio-sensitizer. This agent enhances the early detection of brain tumors by providing improved imaging capabilities, being three times more sensitive than traditional Gadolinium-based contrast agents. Manganescan® also sensitizes cancer cells, which leads to better outcomes in radiation therapy. In addition to Manganescan®, Qurcan Therapeutics is developing a drug delivery platform that aims to enhance precision medicine for solid tumors. This platform addresses challenges associated with drug release and liver accumulation seen in lipid nanoparticles, allowing for the efficient delivery of drugs, antibodies, and RNA to difficult-to-reach tumors, including those in the brain. By improving the tumor microenvironment, Qurcan Therapeutics seeks to increase therapeutic efficacy and extend patient survival rates in cancer treatment.

NoPo Nanotechnologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
NoPo Nanotechnologies is focused on revolutionizing space access through the development and mass production of single-walled carbon nanotubes. These advanced materials are designed to enhance spacecraft construction by significantly reducing mass while increasing payload capacity and safety during missions. Utilizing their proprietary NoPo HiPCO technology, the company consistently produces high-quality carbon nanotubes by processing carbon monoxide under high pressure and temperature. With an emphasis on high strength, low weight, and radiation resistance, NoPo aims to contribute to humanity's ambition of becoming a space-faring species.

SaluTech

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
SaluTech is a medical technology company specializing in the development of a conductive biomaterial (CBM) for treating atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. Their innovative, non-toxic, biocompatible, and long-lasting nano-membrane is designed to reduce and potentially eliminate arrhythmia, providing a safe and effective solution for healthcare professionals.

Graphite Innovation & Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Graphite Innovation & Technologies is a materials engineering firm dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable smart coating solutions for the shipping industry. By leveraging nanotechnology, the company produces environmentally friendly paints designed to enhance the efficiency of ocean-going vessels, significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. GIT's advanced marine coatings are hydrophobic and exceptionally hard, preventing marine life from adhering to hull surfaces, thereby minimizing drag as vessels navigate through water. With a growing portfolio of ocean-going ships utilizing its technology, the company is poised to expand production globally. GIT distinguishes itself in the marine coatings market by offering a full suite of products that do not rely on harmful leaching chemicals, positioning itself as a disruptive force committed to fostering a more sustainable maritime future.

Mekonos

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Mekonos Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the design, development, and production of gene and cell therapies. The company has created a proprietary cell-engineering platform that utilizes a silicon chip automated architecture to advance the field of genome editing. This innovative system-on-a-chip technology allows for the precise control of individual nanoneedles to inject single cells in a parallel architecture, enabling the industrial-scale production of engineered therapies for a range of genetic diseases, including cancers. Mekonos aims to provide healthcare providers with a reliable and reusable manufacturing system that can deliver various therapeutic molecules across different primary cell types, thus enhancing drug discovery and development processes.

NanoQuan

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
NanoQuan Inc. is a Canadian company based in Kitchener that specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced nanocomposite materials. The firm focuses on creating innovative materials with exceptional electrical, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties, catering to various industries, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Utilizing a proprietary dispersion-mixing technology, NanoQuan effectively incorporates nano-fillers into a diverse range of host materials, allowing for customized solutions to meet specific industry requirements at competitive prices.

Interface Fluidics

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Interface Fluidics is an international technology company specializing in reservoir fluid analysis services aimed at optimizing oil production. Utilizing a proprietary nanofluidic technology platform, the company enables oil and gas producers to gain deeper insights into their reservoirs, thereby enhancing their confidence in production decisions. Through its expertise in microfluidic reservoir modeling and fluid characterization, Interface Fluidics evaluates the effectiveness of new processes and provides critical fluid analysis services. This innovative approach helps clients visualize fluid interactions and ultimately increases productivity in the oil and gas sector.

ICSPI

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
ICSPI Corp. is a Canadian company, founded in 2007 and based in Waterloo, that specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced nanoscale imaging tools. The company utilizes a CMOS-MEMS technology platform to produce innovative scanning probe instruments, including its flagship nGauge Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). ICSPI's products cater to educational, research, and industrial applications, offering solutions that miniaturize and simplify the operation of nanoscale metrology instruments. Their product line includes various AFM models and components, which are aimed at enhancing the development of future materials and devices. Through its cutting-edge technology, ICSPI is committed to transforming the landscape of nanoscale imaging and measurement.

H2nanO

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
H2nanO Inc. is a Canadian company focused on developing innovative wastewater treatment technologies for municipal and industrial applications. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Kitchener, with an additional office in Waterloo, the company specializes in nonmaterial and nanotechnology products designed to enhance water treatment processes. H2nanO aims to provide sustainable, nature-powered solutions that address water treatment and emissions reduction challenges, particularly within the resources sector. Through its cutting-edge technology, the company seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater management while promoting environmental sustainability.
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