IRAP impacts: Women leading global innovation – Viridis

From wastewater to world impact: How Viridis is cleaning the future

Every drop of water tells a story of industry, innovation and the drive to protect our planet. For Dr. Macarena Cataldo, founder and CEO of Viridis Research Inc., that story is one of transformation—turning polluted wastewater into clean, reusable water for industries and communities.

Founded in 2019, Viridis is a women-led clean technology company tackling one of the world's most urgent environmental challenges: industrial water pollution. Using advanced electro-oxidation technology, the company removes toxic organic compounds from wastewater, helping manufacturers move toward circular-water systems and a more sustainable future. Its first target market is the textile manufacturing sector.

The challenge

The textile industry uses about 4% of global freshwater and produces nearly 20% of industrial wastewater pollution. Addressing that impact requires breakthrough technology and major early-stage investment, often long before commercial returns are possible.

As a hardware-based, women-led, deep-tech startup, Viridis faced the challenge of proving both technical feasibility and economic viability in a sector dominated by large multinational companies. Securing visibility and investor confidence demanded exceptional persistence and trusted partnerships.

Rather than scaling back, Dr. Cataldo built her company around purpose, scientific excellence and collaboration. Guided by a team that is 67% women and a board that is 60% women, Viridis made inclusion a core element of its innovation model.

How we helped

Through NRC IRAP International, Viridis gained the strategic guidance and global connections needed to accelerate its growth and reach new markets.

"Global challenges can only be solved through collaboration," says Dr. Cataldo. "And collaboration starts with trust—the kind NRC IRAP helped us build."

NRC IRAP International's support helped Viridis de-risk its technology, strengthen its intellectual property portfolio and gain recognition in international markets—especially across Asia, the centre of the global textile industry.

Viridis's innovations will help manufacturers reduce water use by more than 90%, cut operating costs by more than 25% and meet strict sustainability standards set by brands and regulators. The company is expanding operations in Canada, creating high-skilled jobs and attracting new investment.

What began as a vision to clean wastewater has become a story of global impact—led by a woman entrepreneur proving that science, purpose and inclusion can change entire industries.

"Believe in your leadership and don't be afraid to do things differently," Dr. Cataldo reflects. "Let nothing limit your imagination or your ability to build a new kind of society, starting with your own company," she adds. "Entrepreneurship can be lonely. People may question your vision, your timing, or even your right to be in the room. Don't let it stop you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and believe in yourself too. Trust your mission. Trust yourself, even when it's hard."

How we're helping Canada

Through NRC IRAP International's collaboration and support, Viridis is delivering real-world impact at home and abroad:

Creating jobs: 
Expanding Canada's clean tech talent in engineering, chemistry and material science

Exporting Canadian expertise: 
Opening markets in Asia and Europe

Fostering innovation: 
Developing scalable water-treatment technologies that eliminate pollutants and enable circular-water systems

Advancing sustainability: 
Reducing industrial water use and environmental impact

Championing women's leadership: 
Demonstrating how inclusive innovation drives stronger outcomes for people and the planet