Reducing Weight and Increasing Range
Carbon fibers are crucial for enhancing performance and efficiency across various technologies due to their exceptional strength and lightweight properties. However, the high cost of carbon fibers is limiting their widespread use, confining them to niche markets like high-end automotive applications.
Vancouver’s Fibernx is tackling this issue by transforming bitumen waste into carbon fibers and nanofibers. This solution addresses the high cost of carbon fibers and significantly reduces vehicle weight by up to 40% — potentially doubling the range of electric vehicles. The startup’s nanofibers also enhance energy storage technologies, extending EV range further and mitigating graphite supply chain issues.
In addition to automotive, Fibernx’s technology offers major potential across a variety of industries, including wind energy, sports equipment, energy storage, and smart buildings where their efficient and economical designs contribute to stronger, lighter, and more energy-efficient structures. Despite only being founded earlier this year, the cleantech startup has the potential to support sustainable advancements and improve industry standards across the globe.
Tell the World and Change the World
Fibernx has solved a 30-year problem by producing low-cost carbon fibers and manufacturing them at an industrial scale. They raised $6.5 million to develop their breakthrough technology, producing functioning prototypes and customizing products with industrial partners.The startup has also set itself up for success in both the short term and long term by securing their valuable IP and boasting a globally recognized leadership team in the advanced materials industry.
With a manufacturing process that’s 68% less emission-intensive than conventional practices, Fibernx is transforming the way hardware is built. However, one of the startup’s biggest challenges is raising awareness about the extensive capabilities of their platform technology. Fibernx’s products replace traditional materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass with versatile, multifunctional carbon fibers. Their technology also enhances structural integrity while conducting electricity and heat, serving as both a strong and lightweight material and an energy storage medium.
The impact of their technology has the potential to boost the Canadian economy, save resources by diverting bitumen waste from combustion, and attract top manufacturers that are reliant on low-cost carbon fiber. As the company continues to hone its tech, conveying the key benefits of their solution will be critical to their ability to scale.
Roadmap to Success
Fibernx has a clear path for growth, which includes raising additional capital, collaborating with sports equipment manufacturers to produce prototypes, and scaling up their technology to industrial levels. Competing in the 2024 NVBC Competition will provide valuable feedback, mentorship, and networking, helping the cleantech company validate their business and access new partners. The competition will also provide significant brand awareness for Fibernx, which will prove beneficial as they enhance their marketing and storytelling efforts over the next 18 months.
About the Founders
Omar Elnikheli, CEO & Co-Founder
Fun Fact: Omar coaches the Van United U8 girls’ soccer team and he loves seeing them compete against the boys’ team every time
Dr. Yasmine Abdin, President & COO / Co-Founder / Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering
Dr. Scott Renneckar, CTO & Co-Founder / Professor in the Department of Wood Science at UBC
Company Cheatsheet:
Location: Vancouver
Founded: 2024
Sector: New Materials (Carbon Fiber & Carbon Nanofiber)
