Trent University is set to play a central role in propelling Ontario's evolution towards a clean economy, thanks to a recent grant of $475,000 given to Carbonix Inc., an Indigenous-led Canadian clean tech company, from Ontario’s Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF). 

The funding, aimed at fostering research and innovation in the critical minerals sector, will support advanced materials development efforts at Trent University. These initiatives will contribute to the building of the supply chain for critical minerals, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector. 

Trent University and Carbonix have been collaborating for several years on the development of processes and products that support environmental remediation using reprocessed waste. By harnessing Trent's expertise in research and innovation, Carbonix is set to transform locally and sustainably sourced high-carbon feedstocks into battery-grade materials that meet the demands of the blossoming EV industry. 

“At the Inorganic Materials Research Laboratory here at Trent, we are very excited for this opportunity to continue our collaboration with Carbonix to develop cleantech materials,” said Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil, a professor of Chemistry at Trent. “The area of critical minerals is so important for Ontario to develop, and we are delighted to be able to play a part.” 

The University’s project focuses on refining the processes that enable the conversion of mining waste into high-energy-density graphite used in anode and cathode production. 

“This collaboration is yet another example of Trent University being on the front lines of innovation in the critical minerals space," said Dave Smith '91 (Lady Eaton College), member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha and proud Trent alum. “By partnering with an amazing Indigenous-owned company like Carbonix, Trent is making Peterborough a vital part of the supply chain for the technologies of tomorrow including the EV revolution.” 

“Carbonix is an outstanding Indigenous-owned company that has a forward-thinking, strategic vision for the future of resource development within the province,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Northern Development. “We are confident our government’s investment in Carbonix will lead to substantial growth across key sectors in the North while making significant contributions to the EV supply chain across the province.”