CALGARY, AB (August 12, 2025): NGIF Accelerator is pleased to announce a grant funding contribution of $258,100 to GreenBox Energy Technology Corp. (GETC), a finalist in the Global Cleantech Challenge, to advance the development of its Hybrid Heating Smart Controller.
This innovative technology adds an intelligent layer of control to home thermostats, automatically switching between a furnace and heat pump in hybrid heating systems to reduce emissions and utility bills, all while enhancing comfort. The project will support the development, production, testing, and refinement of GETC’s working prototype into a commercial product ready for large-scale deployment in 2026.
The GreenBox controller supports the natural gas sector by reinforcing the value proposition of hybrid heating, helping utilities strengthen customer relationships while enhancing affordability and energy resilience for homeowners in the shift toward a lower-emissions future. The device seamlessly integrates with existing HVAC systems, improving their performance without altering the original engineering design.
Image: GreenBox Energy’s Hybrid Heating Smart Controller
The project, structured around a five-milestone development process, will culminate in the validation of the technology and demonstrate its successful implementation, paving the way for future commercialization.
“At NGIF Accelerator, we are proud to support innovative technologies like GreenBox Energy’s smart heating controller that offer practical, real-world solutions to reduce emissions and energy costs for Canadians,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “This project aligns with our commitment to advancing cleantech solutions across the natural gas value chain and empowering consumers with smarter, more efficient energy choices.”
“Integrating the GreenBox into home hybrid heating systems will accelerate the adoption of hybrid heating systems by more households and small businesses, further reducing carbon emissions, improving energy affordability, and reducing stress on the electric grid. The funding from NGIF enabled the development of the core technology, both hardware and software, and subsequent refinements in both as we gained more experience from the installations in the field,” said Richard Laszlo, CEO of GreenBox Energy Technology Corp.
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support technologies like GreenBox’s hybrid controller,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association, and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About GreenBox Energy Technology Corp.
GreenBox Energy Technology Corp. is a CleanTech startup focused on improving controls and performance of heating, cooling equipment and appliances. Its hybrid heating smart controller, the GreenBox, is delivering utility bill savings for homeowners, improving affordability, and improving the business case for making home energy upgrades.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 percent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Dini Philip
Communications Coordinator,
