##  [Innovative Materials](/research-partnerships/ubc-hannover-messe/innovative-materials) 

## Materials for a Sustainable Future

UBC is at the cutting edge of innovative materials research, with a focus on advancing composite technologies, nanomaterials, bioproducts, and polymer circularity.

Researchers are pioneering new manufacturing processes, leveraging data science and AI to digitally transform industries like aerospace and automotive.

UBC is developing novel carbon fiber composites using robotics and ultrasonic welding, as well as simulating material systems with quantum computing. UBC is also creating lightweight aerogels, conductive polymers, and enhanced recycled plastics for diverse applications, along with advancing bio-based materials for use in sustainable construction, packaging, and waste conversion, contributing to the growth of a circular bioeconomy.

Through interdisciplinary research and strong industry collaborations, UBC is shaping the future of material technologies that meet both environmental and industrial needs.



 ## Spinoff Ventures



![Fibernx logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_focal_point_sm/public/card-images/2025-03/fibernx-logo.png.webp?h=68818f21&itok=D_ieBsIa)### [Fibernx Technologies](https://www.fibernxtech.com/)

Transforming oil sands bitumen into sustainable, cost-effective carbon fibers and nanofibers, reducing emissions by 68% compared to traditional methods.



![Bioform Technologies logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_focal_point_sm/public/card-images/2025-03/bioform-logo.png.webp?h=68818f21&itok=iKXZyTLk)### [Bioform Technologies](https://bioformtech.com/)

Producing climate-positive, algae and wood pulp-based hydrogels as high-performance alternatives to single-use plastics.



![Dream Photonics logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_focal_point_sm/public/card-images/2025-03/dream-photonics-logo.png.webp?h=68818f21&itok=U--MKDjy)### [Dream Photonics](https://dreamphotonics.com)

Enabling high-performance photonic integration with advanced manufacturing technologies, enhancing scalability and efficiency for industrial and automation applications.







## Centres of Research Excellence



### [Composites Research Network](https://crn.ubc.ca/)

By merging data science, AI, and engineering, CRN is transforming composites manufacturing, through innovative processes like robotics, machine learning simulations, and quantum computing, driving the digital industrial transformation.



### [Bio Products Institute](https://bpi.ubc.ca/)

Driving bio-based innovation to create sustainable solutions for transportation, buildings, and healthcare sectors, BPI focuses on developing advanced materials from biomass, such as sustainable construction materials, biodegradable plastics, and value-added products from agricultural waste.



### [Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposites Laboratory](https://www.arjmandlab.ca/)

Pioneering innovations at the intersection of nanotechnology and polymer science, NPNL research focuses on plastic recycling, electromagnetic shields, water harvesting, and improving recycled plastics through advanced nanocomposites and aerogels.







## Industry Partners

Image

![Industry partner logos](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-03/industry-partners-innovative-materials.png.webp?itok=ZnOjerHO)











## Explore Other Areas



![Technician repairing a circuit board with a magnifying glass.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_focal_point_sm/public/card-images/2025-03/industrial-decarbonization-battery_753568084.jpg.webp?h=b3660f0d&itok=YpWklgL1)### [Industrial Decarbonization](/research-partnerships/ubc-hannover-messe/industrial-decarbonization)

UBC is a global leader in industrial decarbonization, driving research and innovation in clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen and fuel cells, and carbon capture technologies.



![Close-up of a CNC machine drilling a metal part, with coolant spray visible.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_focal_point_sm/public/card-images/2025-03/smart-manufacturing-ubc_20250212_pj_3726-2.jpg.webp?h=b3660f0d&itok=ZxaWtoBN)### [Smart Manufacturing](/research-partnerships/ubc-hannover-messe/smart-manufacturing)

UBC is at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing, driving innovation in additive manufacturing, advanced materials processing, automation, and robotics.