Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Evercloak Inc. is an innovative cleantech company commercializing a manufacturing platform for producingcontinuous, large-area, nano-film coatings. Their nano-coating technology is a unique manufacturing process toapply a thin layer of graphene oxide material to a commercial membrane support structure. The graphene oxidelayer blocks all gas but allows water vapour to pass through quickly (as if nothing is there). The marketpotential for this material includes air dehumidification, natural gas dehydration, and purifying solvents.However, Evercloak has not adapted the membrane to a specific commercial function in order to monetize thetechnology.The proposed collaborative project with Lambton College and Evercloak Inc. aims to develop a prototype for adehumidification system that will test the effectiveness of the nano-coating technology in real-worldapplications. The project will focus on developing a rapid prototype system to assess energy savings ofEvercloaks (EVC) membrane-based dehumidification technology. Further, developing that system withcontrols/automation that will allow adaptive operation based on the system employed and the ambientconditions. Evercloak will work with Lambton College to design, build, and test the prototype humidificationsystem based on initial trails from EVC.The success of this project will provide Evercloak with specific instrumentation and control abilities along witha novel de-humidification system that will set it apart from its competitors. It is expected that the sales of themembrane dehumidification technology will take off in two years after the successful commercialization of theresults, which will lead to potentially $1.7 to $3 million in sales. With increased production, it is estimated tocreate new or supporting existing employment of up to 8 full-time equivalent positions over 2-3 years.