Transforming Emissions into Valuable Materials: The Innovation of CERT Systems

Summary of CERT Systems: Innovating Sustainable Ethylene Production

CERT Systems, a Toronto-based startup co-founded by Christine Gabardo, is tackling the challenges of climate change through innovative ethylene production. Ethylene, a petrochemical integral to numerous industries—from automotive to healthcare— has a major environmental impact, accounting for nearly 13% of greenhouse gas emissions from the petrochemical sector. Recognizing the unsustainable methods prevalent in this field, Gabardo's company has developed a solution that merges carbon dioxide captured from industrial processes with renewable energy and water, employing electrolysis to create ethylene. This method effectively sequesters more than three tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of ethylene produced, offering a viable alternative to conventional practices.

Christine Gabardo's journey with CERT Systems began as a research initiative at the University of Toronto. With significant support from Breakthrough Energy Canada, this project transitioned into a startup by 2021 and gained recognition by reaching the semifinals of the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE competition. CERT Systems has established a base in Toronto's Stockyards neighborhood, participating in the MaRS Women in Cleantech program and scaling their operations from an initial prototype to a fully functioning model.

Gabardo highlights the critical need for sustainable ethylene production given the chemical industry’s substantial emissions. The product developed by CERT Systems remains chemically identical to traditional fossil-based ethylene, which mitigates barriers for potential users who already have invested in specialized machinery.

Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship posed its own set of challenges for Gabardo, particularly in adapting to a new mindset focused on monetization and market impact. She underscores the importance of adapting communication strategies to engage various stakeholders effectively.

Despite being a research spinoff, the team promotes a scrappy, creative spirit, necessary for problem-solving and innovative exploration. Gabardo acknowledges that scaling a hard-tech solution involves a lengthy and often costly commercialization process, which requires significant resources and collaboration across various domains.

The hiring philosophy at CERT Systems seeks individuals with a genuine passion for environmental benefits, recognizing the need for resilient team members who are able to navigate the frequent setbacks inherent in pioneering new technologies. The startup environment also fosters a collaborative culture through innovative practices like “hackathons,” encouraging team members to explore experimental ideas beyond their immediate projects. These initiatives facilitate cross-team interactions, allowing for the generation of fresh concepts that might enhance their technology.

Currently, CERT Systems is focused on the development of a pilot plant, which includes two 10-foot units designed to test their complete carbon capture and conversion process. This facility aims to produce a range of outputs including ethylene, methane, and syngas, with current production levels reaching tens of kilograms of ethylene daily. Future expansions are projected to yield hundreds of tonnes annually.

Gabardo is motivated by the uniqueness of their work and the daily challenges faced, often leaving each day feeling fulfilled by their progress. Through innovation and commitment, CERT Systems represents a promising step towards reducing the carbon footprint of vital industrial processes.