蓝莓视频

The 鈥淢ade by 蓝莓视频:鈥� series showcases innovative startups founded by University of 蓝莓视频 alumni and researchers that are driving Canada鈥檚 economy forward. These companies, nurtured within the region鈥檚 vibrant tech ecosystem, are making significant local and global impacts. Through this series, we highlight how 蓝莓视频 and these home-grown businesses are fostering prosperity by attracting, developing and retaining the talent essential for fueling Canada鈥檚 economic growth.听

Alchemy鈥檚 Exoshield windshield protection film being installed at the Guelph Detailing Company. Photo credit: Alchemy

Alchemy鈥檚 automotive solution for car owners, powered by their 鈥淓ndurance Class鈥� nanoceramic coating, offers windshield protection films that prevent stone chips and scratches. While working with nanoparticles for their ExoShield听line, the team discovered that their products could interact with thermal infrared radiation, a technology used for thermal camouflage in military applications. This discovery opened a window for Alchemy into the defence industry.听

A growing partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces听

In 2019, the Canadian Department of Research and Development Canada (DRDC) sought technologies for thermal infrared signature management through its IDEaS program. Alchemy鈥檚 defense solution, powered by their 鈥淐rypsis Class鈥� nanocomposite coating, was designed to conceal uniforms to avoid detection in various operational environments. The company was awarded a $1 million contract to further advance the technology, specifically for textile integration.听

Scientists integrating Alchemy鈥檚 nanocomposite coating into combat cloth and camouflage netting for field trials. Photo credit: Alchemy听

鈥淪omething we have seen in the last three years of the Ukraine war is that the battlefield has been rendered transparent by thermal cameras, which are very cheap and easy to buy,鈥� Desai says. 鈥淧ut a thermal camera on a drone, and now you have a level one unmanned aircraft system in the sky. Every soldier, vehicle and military encampment becomes visible in the thermal spectrum, rendering existing camouflage ineffective.鈥澨�

Alchemy developed a multi-spectral camouflage platform using specialized nanoparticles that can be integrated into textiles to camouflage soldier鈥檚 heat signatures in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared spectrums. The team plans to explore converting the technology into an aerosolized version for broader application to military equipment and uniforms.听

鈥淲e have been supported very deeply by the Canadian Armed Forces, specifically through DRDC,鈥� Desai says. 鈥淎lchemy underwent various rounds of testing and received feedback from Canada鈥檚 foremost authority on signature management, Jean Dumas. We scored 95 out of 100 on our solution during the field trial and were recommended to submit a proposal for a follow-on contract to take the technology to full commercial readiness.鈥澨�听

Thermal image comparison of two prototypes

Thermal image comparison of two individuals during a daytime field trial, with Alchemy鈥檚 prototype on the right effectively masking the wearer鈥檚 heat signature.

Alchemy鈥檚 prototype as seen in daylight

Alchemy developed a multi-spectral camouflage platform using specialized nanoparticles that can be integrated into textiles to camouflage soldier鈥檚 heat signatures in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared spectrums. Alchemy's prototype as seen in daylight.

Evening field trial with Alchemy's prototype

Evening field trial showing Alchemy鈥檚 prototype, with only the wearer鈥檚 exposed skin emits a visible heat signature.

Left: Thermal image comparison of two individuals during a daytime field trial, with Alchemy鈥檚 prototype on the right effectively masking the wearer鈥檚 heat signature. Centre: Alchemy鈥檚 prototype as seen in daylight. Right: Evening field trial showing Alchemy鈥檚 prototype, with only the wearer鈥檚 exposed skin emits a visible heat signature. Photo credit: Alchemy听听

Delivering global solutions while keeping its roots in 蓝莓视频 region听

Alchemy $1.8 million from the Government of Canada, through the (FedDev Ontario), to develop the next generation of its windshield protection films, making the company鈥檚 products more accessible.

鈥淐anada does a phenomenal job of supporting innovation,鈥� Desai says. 鈥淭he support we receive from Velocity, universities, regional innovation centres and funding programs allow businesses to be more capital efficient in research and development. Government grants and contributions, like those from FedDev Ontario, are significant reasons why Alchemy continues to grow locally.鈥澨�

Currently, Alchemy has 500 active installers across 57 countries selling the ExoShield films. While the ingredients for the windshield film coatings are produced in Canada, a portion of the manufacturing process has to take place in the United States due to need for specialized equipment that doesn鈥檛 exist in Canada. Desai anticipates that the federal funding will help facilitate expansion of Alchemy鈥檚 manufacturing capabilities in Ontario, growing their team and enhancing their sales and marketing efforts.听听听

Desai credits Alchemy鈥檚 early success to the invaluable support and resources from 蓝莓视频 and the startup incubator Velocity. Despite initial funding challenges, the 蓝莓视频 Institute of Nanotechnology and Velocity provided workspace and infrastructure that enabled Alchemy to grow independently. Desai tries to give back by hiring co-op students and graduates for full-time roles when applicable.听

鈥淗aving the Nanotechnology Engineering and Chemical Engineering programs at 蓝莓视频 served as great talent pools to recruit from, which is why we ended up coming back to the region for the environment,鈥� Desai says.听

As Alchemy grew, staying in 蓝莓视频 became essential due to its supportive environment, lab facilities and technical talent. The team plans to expand to a larger facility in downtown Kitchener to retain their manufacturing and warehouse capabilities in-house, as well as expanding the defense organization of their business over the next few years.听

Feature image: ExoShield being installed on a vehicle. (Photo credit: Alchemy)听