NGIF Accelerator Provides $300,000 to Xplorobot to Demonstrate AI-Powered Methane Leak Detection Technology Across Canada’s Natural Gas Infrastructure.

HOUSTON, TX (July 28, 2026): NGIF Accelerator continues to lead efforts in methane mitigation through the Methane Reduction Demonstration Program (MRDP), with $300,000 in grant funding awarded to Xplorobot to deploy and demonstrate its methane Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) technology and services across key segments of Canada’s natural gas infrastructure.

Supported by the Government of Alberta and NGIF’s industry members through the MRDP, Xplorobot’s technology, a Laser OGI platform, integrates advanced Laser Gas Imaging sensors with AI-powered software, providing real-time, component-level detection, quantification, and digital reporting of methane leaks.

Image: From left, John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator, and Dan Blattler, President of Xplorobot Canada, at the NGIF Accelerator office in Calgary.

A finalist of the MRDP, Xplorobot’s handheld sensor, which can also be deployed by drone, offers a cost-effective, labour-efficient alternative to traditional Optical Gas Imaging cameras, reducing inspection labour costs by up to 90% and eliminating the need for certified technicians. Approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the system meets Canadian regulatory standards and is positioned to transform emissions management in the country.

NGIF’s industry members, including ATCO, Apex Utilities, ARC Resources, Pacific Northern Gas, and Tourmaline, will be providing host sites and infrastructure for the deployment and demonstration of the technology, paving the way for broader adoption.

“Alberta’s proven approach to methane reductions is simple: focus on practical solutions, support industry adoption and deliver results. Innovative, made-in-Alberta technologies are lowering costs, creating jobs and reducing emissions today while keeping industry competitive and strengthening Alberta’s energy sector for the future.” Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

“Supporting Xplorobot’s Laser OGI advances Alberta’s and Canada’s emissions reduction goals and demonstrates how technology can make environmental stewardship more accessible and cost-effective for the natural gas industry,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “Through our programs, NGIF Accelerator helps de-risk emerging technologies through field trials and pilot projects, accelerating industry validation, customer adoption, and commercialization.”

“Xplorobot is honored to be awarded this grant by NGIF, their industry members, and the Government of Alberta, through the MRDP. At Xplorobot, we believe emissions detection should be accurate, affordable, and accessible to every operator. Our Laser Gas Imaging technology removes the cost and complexity of traditional monitoring methods, allowing industries to meet emissions goals while improving efficiency and reducing costs.” Oleg Mikhailov, CEO and Co-founder.

Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners

About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is an industry-led effort that 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 progress through technology readiness levels 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 of the latter organization’s 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 coordinates 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 Xplorobot
Xplorobot delivers AI-powered field intelligence through cost-effective smart sensors deployed by hand, drone, or robot. The system detects anomalies, drives predictive insights, and strengthens asset performance using real-world data verified through human-in-the-loop validation. To overcome the high cost of retrofitting legacy infrastructure, Xplorobot uses smartphone-based sensors that create structured asset maps and localized multi-sensor data for predictive maintenance, emissions detection, and infrastructure analytics.

Validated by the EPA and DOE, Xplorobot operates at more than 4,000 sites across 16 countries with clients including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Waste Management.

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