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    Jun 27, 2024


    Headshot Joshua Agarwal

    Joshua Agarwal


    Interstitial Energy website LinkedIn

    Interstitial Energy

    Avatar Ignite Participant Spotlight: Joshua Agarwal

    Joshua Agarwal was one of the CRIN-supported participants who pitched their innovative business solutions to experts during the Avatar Ignite Shark Tank in May. Agarwal’s team, Interstitial Energy, was part of the Hydrogen stream. The group pitched a safe, compact, and long-duration energy storage medium to charge with hydrogen and dispatch energy to offset electrical loads. Agarwal is now one of five CRIN-supported participants in technology accelerator Avatar Studio, which launched in mid-June and concludes with Demo Day in early November. He talked to CRIN about his experience in the 14-week leadership development program Avatar Ignite and his professional goals.

    About Joshua Agarwal:

    I currently work as a Facilities Engineer with Enbridge on the New Energy Technology team, where I contribute to advancing sustainable energy technologies. Previously, I served as a Field Engineer with Kiewit on the significant Trans Mountain Expansion Project. I hold a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and gained extensive industry experience through co-op positions at Imperial and CNRL. My career is dedicated to advancing clean technologies and developing robust decarbonization strategies to drive impactful changes in the energy sector.

    About the Avatar Ignite experience:

    The Ignite experience was incredibly enriching and empowering for me. It truly embodied the principle of "you get out what you put in," encouraging us to fully engage and maximize the opportunities presented. The biggest highlight for me was the chance to rapidly develop a side of entrepreneurship in a low-stakes environment, which is something you rarely encounter in the corporate world.

    About Interstitial Energy's business solution:

    The most unique aspect of our business solution is the use of novel metal hydrides for hydrogen storage, coupled with machine learning to optimize the hydride compositions for various use cases. This combination allows us to offer highly efficient, long-duration hydrogen storage solutions that can be tailored to specific demands, such as hydrogen hubs, heavy steel decarbonization, and fuel cell users.

    Next steps:

    Regarding Interstitial Energy, we have received sponsorship and funding to move to the Avatar Studio phase of the program, so the next steps involve advancing the development of our hydrogen storage prototype and expanding our partnerships with industry leaders and research organizations. Professionally, I aim to continue enhancing my technical expertise in clean energy technologies while pursuing an MBA to strengthen my ability to effectively lead teams and drive change within the industry.

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