New Wave Technologies Moving from Innovation to Commercialization

Three-and-a-half years ago, Patrick Mah was challenged by his father to develop his own technology driven business. Mah, who holds a degree in Biotechnology from the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan, took the challenge and has since founded New Wave Environmental Technologies in Saskatoon.

New Wave is now in the process of the successful realization of one of its major technical milestones, which is proving its remedial platform technology.

“The remedial tests focus on accelerating the rate of degradation in contaminated soil,” says Mah. “New Wave's technology has the potential to degrade harmful hydrocarbons and solvents found in contaminated soil by using a proprietary technology platform.” Future applications include remediation of dry cleaning sites, oil wells, and service stations.

New Wave's remediation process has the potential for great environmental benefits. Mah notes that there are numerous properties throughout Saskatchewan that contain contaminated soil. These sites are most often treated by a “dig and dump” method. “The soil is simply excavated and shipped away to a more secure location. Rather than eliminating the harmful chemicals, this process only transports the contaminated soil to a new site,” says Mah.

With the remedial platform technology being developed by New Wave, Brownfield and other contaminated sites can be renewed to their original condition with less effort and cost. “This technology does not require soil excavation and ensures that the contaminants in the soil are destroyed,” says Mah.

Throughout the development of its remedial project, New Wave has been working closely with the Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster and has utilized the consulting services of Communities of Tomorrow (CT). Mah explains that CT, which has contributed $15,000 in funds to New Wave, is helping the company reach the stage of commercialization.

“All too often many innovative technologies die in the pre-commercialization phase because they are not generating revenue but incurring expenses,” says Mah. “CT and the National Research Council (NRC) have been two of the few organizations willing to assist New Wave in taking its idea from the innovation stage through to commercialization. These organizations recognize the importance of stepping away from the traditional paradigms by supporting innovation. CT and its partners are leading the way in supporting business innovation.”

New Wave is also making connections with another Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster partner, the City of Regina. Currently, New Wave and the City of Regina are discussing a potential future remediation project.