For Calgary-based Carbon Upcycling Technologies, innovation doesn’t stop at the construction site. As the clean tech company continues to scale up its carbon capture and utilization solutions for the cement and concrete industry, it's investing in another critical area: leadership development.
With support from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), through the OCIF Express stream, Carbon Upcycling is training its future leadership team to meet the demands of rapid growth and operational complexity.
Founded in 2014, Carbon Upcycling has evolved from a promising startup into a company on the cusp of commercial deployment. It is now navigating the shift from a tight-knit team of engineers and scientists to a globally operating firm with new layers of management and communication needs. This transition is one of the most difficult, and least discussed, challenges that scale-up companies face.
Leadership training designed for scaleups fueled by OCIF Express
Juliane Kniebel-Huebner, who joined as Chief Operating Officer in 2024, brings deep experience in clean energy and scaling companies at critical inflection points. She says the leadership development training, supported by OCIF Express funding, is designed to ensure the key current and emerging leaders in technical roles are equipped for this new phase.
“We’re not just growing in headcount; we’re evolving in how decisions are made, how responsibilities are shared, and how strategy translates into execution,” says Kniebel-Huebner. “OCIF Express allowed us to expand the scope of our leadership training significantly. It’s no longer a short-term intervention, it’s a year-long program that’s foundational to our future.”
Growing scaleups with purpose
The company’s management training program is built to reflect the realities of its transition. With a headcount that has grown from 5 to over 40 within five years and projected to double or triple in the next two years, Carbon Upcycling is building the leadership skills that drive effective growth and operational maturity. And it's doing so deliberately.
“This is about more than just teaching people how to manage,” says Kniebel-Huebner. “It’s about creating a shared language and foundation for how we lead, communicate, and make decisions. That alignment is what enables scale without losing momentum or culture.”
The training combines facilitated sessions, practical assignments, and peer learning through “learning buddies.”. This approach has already fostered deeper team connections and self-awareness.
Redefining career growth beyond traditional leadership
“For many of us, these are the first conversations we’ve had about what leadership really means,” says Dante Luu, Carbon Upcycling’s Communications Lead, a participant in the training. “It’s not just about performance metrics. We’re talking about values, decision-making styles, and how to navigate the realities of managing in a growing company.”
These conversations are already beginning to shift internal dynamics. Team members report more thoughtful dialogue, improved collaboration, and a clearer understanding of what’s expected from future leaders. Just as importantly, there’s growing understanding that leadership isn’t the only path forward.
“Too often, leadership is treated as a default next step in a career path,” says Kniebel-Huebner. “We want people to make an intentional decision about whether it’s the right fit. That clarity ultimately strengthens the organization.”
To support broader growth, Carbon Upcycling is investing in professional development that goes beyond the traditional leadership track. Team members are encouraged to pursue learning that aligns with their interests and careers goals.
Scaling up in the clean tech sector for Calgary
Carbon Upcycling’s investment in leadership development coincides with major external milestones. The company is completing its first commercial project in Ontario, positioning it as a leader in the global market for low-carbon construction materials. The company has also signed an agreement with a global building materials leader to explore two new commercial projects. With expansion plans in the U.S. and Europe already underway, Carbon Upcycling is preparing its team to operate across time zones, cultures, and regulatory environments.
For Kniebel-Huebner, building leadership capacity is a strategic requirement for the future success and scale up of Carbon Upcycling.
“As we commercialize and grow internationally, the complexity of our business will increase. This training is about setting our people – and the company – up for long-term success.”
OCIF Express supports local startups with targeted, early-stage funding to accelerate development and strengthen Calgary’s innovation ecosystem. For Carbon Upcycling, it’s enabling a critical investment in the people who will shape the company’s next chapter.