Graphene, including graphene oxide (GO), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and other derivatives, is a promising additive for cement and concrete due to its ability to enhance mechanical strength, durability, and sustainability while reducing carbon emissions. In Canada, several companies and research initiatives are exploring graphene’s potential in cementitious materials, driven by the country’s focus on sustainable construction and reducing the concrete industry’s 8% share of global CO2 emissions. Below are the key players and efforts based on available information:

Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. and University of Toronto (2018):

• Research Overview: Zenyatta Ventures Ltd., in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, conducted research using graphene derived from Zenyatta’s Albany Graphite deposit. Tests showed that adding just 0.02% graphene by weight to cement paste increased compressive strength by 39% after 28 days, while 0.04% reduced graphene oxide (rGO) improved strength by 84%. The graphene densified the composite microstructure, reducing porosity and enhancing durability.
• Significance: Professor Daman Panesar noted the potential to target the ready-mix concrete market due to the low graphene loading required, making it cost-effective. The research, funded by the Government of Canada, aimed to explore graphene-infused cement-based composites further.
• Source: International Cement Review (2018).
• Status: This was a preliminary study, and no recent updates confirm ongoing tests or commercialization by Zenyatta. Their website http://zen.zenyatta.ca/ focuses on graphite mining, with limited mention of concrete applications as of 2025.

Bio Graphene Solutions (2023–Present):

• Company Overview: Toronto-based Bio Graphene Solutions is developing a graphene-based liquid admixture for commercial concrete mixes, using graphene produced from organic sources like wood waste biochar. The admixture increases concrete strength, allowing a 15% reduction in cement content per cubic meter, which cuts 55 kg of CO2 emissions per cubic meter. This supports Canada’s net-zero by 2050 goal.
• Testing: The graphene’s performance was verified by accredited labs in Canada, including Englobe, CVB Engineering, and Golder. The company is working with “large concrete companies” in North America under non-disclosure agreements, suggesting active product development.
• Commercial Potential: Bio Graphene Solutions aims for the $250B North American ready-mix concrete market, with a projected 4.5% CAGR through 2030. Their process is cost-effective and scalable, unlike traditional graphene production.
• Source: SustainableBiz Canada (2023).
• Status: Actively pursuing commercialization, with ongoing partnerships but no specific project details due to NDAs.

Argo Living Soils Corp. and Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC) (2025):

• Project Overview: Argo Living Soils Corp. (CSE: ARGO) entered a $100,000 CDN Phase 1 R&D agreement with Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC), an Alberta-based nanomaterial company, to develop a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) additive for ready-mix concrete. The project focuses on designing and testing GNP formulations to improve durability, with evaluations by an independent material testing lab.
• Goals: The additive aims to reduce cement use by up to 20%, lowering CO2 emissions and water requirements, enhancing sustainability. The project includes a feasibility study within three months to assess commercial potential.
• Significance: This collaboration, through Argo’s subsidiary Argo Green Concrete Solutions Inc., targets the $250B North American ready-mix concrete market, aligning with Canada’s sustainable construction goals.
• Source: GlobeNewswire (2025).
• Status: In early R&D (Phase 1, started May 2025), with testing ongoing and a feasibility study expected by August 2025.

Other Canadian Context:

• Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC): Based in Alberta, GLC specializes in high-quality graphene dispersions. Their partnership with Argo is a key initiative, but no additional concrete-specific projects are detailed in the search results (https://grapheneleaderscanada.com).
• HydroGraph Clean Power: Toronto-based HydroGraph claims their graphene can increase cement flexural strength by 41–51% and compressive strength by 27%, reducing cure time from 28 to 7 days and CO2 emissions by 446 kg per tonne of concrete. However, no specific Canadian research or testing partners are mentioned, and the claims are from their website, not peer-reviewed studies (https://hydrograph.com).
• General Trends: Canada’s focus on sustainable construction, supported by NRC IRAP and former SDTC funding, encourages graphene research. The country’s 66% renewable energy grid aids low-carbon graphene production, making it a hub for eco-friendly cement additives.

Limitations and Challenges

• Cost and Scalability: Graphene’s high cost (5–10 times more than conventional concrete additives) and challenges in dispersing it evenly in water-based cement systems remain barriers, as noted in global studies.
• Limited Canadian Data: While Zenyatta, Bio Graphene Solutions, and Argo/GLC show active efforts, Canada-specific research is less extensive than in the UK or US, where trials like Concretene (Manchester University) and Versarien’s Cementene have advanced.
• Verification: HydroGraph’s claims lack third-party validation in the provided results, and Zenyatta’s 2018 study hasn’t been updated. Bio Graphene and Argo/GLC are promising but in early stages.