Who We Are
H2nanO was founded to evolve promising nanotechnology into valuable environmental solutions. Our team is determined bridge the gap from disruptive advances in nano-science to practical, economical and sustainable solutions for industry.
We bring a strong network of leaders, creators, consultants, investors and supporters to further this mission.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE & INNOVATION
H2nanO brings leading experience in designing advanced materials and process designs for environmental applications. Over past 9 years, our team has published multiple peer reviewed papers and patents with more in progress. Our team is enthusiastically committed to establishing new technologies to solve challenging water treatment problems.
Leadership
Dr. Frank Gu
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman
Frank is a co-founder of H2nanO and a leader at the frontier of applied nanotechnology for the environmental and life sciences. H2nanO is a spin-off from his research group, as a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto. Frank is the Chair of Institute of Water Innovation and is an NSERC Senior Industrial Research Chair for Nanotechnology Engineering, with multiple business ventures and industrial research partnerships.
Zac Young
Chief Operating Officer
Zac is a co-founder of H2nanO and leads our growth and company development, connecting innovative technology with market opportunity. Zac gained experience working with nanotechnology start-ups and through studies in water treatment technology as a Loran Scholar at the University of Waterloo. His exceptional management skills ensure efficient operations and strategic execution, propelling H2nanO towards continued success.
Dr. Tim Leshuk
Chief Technology Officer
Tim is a co-founder of H2nanO and the lead inventor and creator for our first-of-kind passive water treatment technologies. Tim is a leading expert in advanced materials and catalysis, and drives H2nanO’s passive and sustainable water technology innovation. SolarPass was created through his research as a Vanier Scholar and post-doctoral fellow at the Universities of Waterloo and Toronto.
EXPERTs
Matt Kerwin, P.Eng., CEM
Director, Operations and Commercial
Matt heads the engineering, operations, and commercialization of H2nanO’s water treatment and management technologies. Matt has a passion for innovative designs and optimization of systems, demonstrated through a decade of experience in oil and gas, water treatment, and energy management.
Jacey Walt, P.Biol., QWSP
Senior Biologist
Jacey oversees the environmental operations at H2nanO, specializing in environmental site assessments, regulatory compliance, biological treatment systems, and project monitoring. With a background in private consulting, Jacey brings advanced technical expertise in wetland ecology and environmental management, ensuring that H2nanO's projects not only meet but exceed environmental standards.
Gregory Lui, PhD
Manager, Technology Development
Greg leads the technological development of H2nanO's growing product portfolio and directs innovative, sustainable solutions from conception to full-scale production. Greg has over a decade of experience applying advanced materials across various disciplines including energy storage & conversion, catalysis, and wastewater treatment.
Jeffery Martin, MASc
Manager, Applications Development
Jeff leads the development of new applications and business opportunities for H2nanO’s nature-driven technology. With a diverse research background in advanced water treatment technologies, Jeff specializes in adapting H2nanO’s products to new customers with innovative and practical solutions.
Our Operations & Network
Our Ontario division is situated in the entrepreneurial corridor of Kitchener-Waterloo-Toronto, with access to the top talent from the University of Waterloo, Canada’s leading university for nanotechnology and water research. Our peers and mentors in the high tech start-up space are cornerstones to growing our skills and supporting our mission.
H2nanO’s Alberta branch is located within the heart of industrial Edmonton, providing the space and operational support to complete large scale pilot demonstrations or facilitate smooth mobilization to client operating sites. Utilizing the extensive transportation industry surrounding us, H2nanO is able to serve clients worldwide.
Velocity
H2nanO is a proud member of the largest free startup incubator in the world.
Imagine H2O
H2nanO was selected for Imagine H2O’s 2018 cohort, bringing together the world’s most exciting water start-ups .
Creative Destruction Lab
H2nanO is an alumnus of the CDL, Canada's largest high tech venture accelerator.