2024 | The Year of the Lab Coat
At the end of 2023, we dubbed 2024 the "Year of the Lab Coat," and wow, did that prediction hold true. From scaling R&D production to innovating new applications for our magnesium cement technology, this year was one for the books.
As we cement our path forward, we’re pausing to look back at all we accomplished in 2024.
R&D | Cementing the Future
To kick off the "Year of the Lab Coat," we quite literally added more lab coats! Our research and technical team doubled in size, bringing in more scientists, engineers, and chemists to expand our core innovation engine.
Our R&D efforts expanded beyond the lab and into multiple MgO precast applications, including interior firewalls, exterior stone facades, and tiles made from our patented industry waste-to-cement formulation. Our pilot tile plant rapidly scaled into a larger precast concrete plant alongside the scale-up of our panelized production.
Leveraging our proprietary technology, we advanced the capabilities of magnesium cement, making it tougher, stronger, and more resilient. Our newest applications actually get stronger over time and outperform traditional formulations in extreme hot, wet, and cold conditions. They’re also half the weight of traditional materials (yes, HALF) and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement-based products.
ZS2 was awarded $1.1M in Round 4 of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Supply Challenge. This funding accelerates the commercialization of our MgO "made-in-Canada" solution, which uses recycled industry by-products and captured CO2 to create sustainable building materials.
We tested, tested, and then tested some more. Different products underwent rigorous evaluation, from fire resistance to impact performance. Spoiler alert—we passed. Stay tuned for a 2025 testing reveal that rhymes with..... "ME. S. R."
We concluded our participation in Go Build 2023, a strategic collaboration between Greentown Labs and Saint-Gobain North America . The initiative aimed to foster investment opportunities, development partnerships, and commercial agreements. This collaboration sparked multiple visits to ZS2 HQ, paving the way for exciting new joint projects centered on our latest innovations.
Concrete Proof | ZS2 Across North America
2024 marked massive growth for our distribution network. We added six new TechPartners, strengthening our reach across North America. These partners connect ZS2’s MgO building materials to opportunities in their local markets. From high-profile commercial builds to community groundbreakings, our TechPartners and internal teams were busy. Alongside our partners, we broke ground on the Habitat For Humanity Calaveras Eureka Oaks Community Development, made our first shipment TechPanels to Hawaii, and watched the Canadian return of Krispy Kreme come to life with ZS2 materials as part of their grand re-entry into the market.
We completed our third project with one of our very first TechPartners at the Santa Barbara Martinez Center. Completed in under a year, this project showcased how prefab technologies can outpace traditional methods in speed, quality, and sustainability.
Our website got a massive glow-up, showcasing a fresh look and feel that mirrors our company’s growth and evolution. We launched new interactive case studies, resource-rich product pages, and climate technology content, where we delve into our work in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration. This was an exciting milestone in how we connect the dots between our research and development in material science with commercialized solutions for the industry.
We took to the red carpet with the release of The Culture Hack series featuring our three co-founders. Starting with an interview with Scott Jenkins , Doug Brown , and Kristin Davis , to a full shop tour and product reveals, this was an exciting moment to reflect on where we started and where we're going. In case you missed the series, you can check out the episodes here.
ZS2 was announced as the first participant in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Chamber of International Commerce's "Expanding in North America" program, signaling our commitment to innovation and cross-continental growth.
And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. 2025 is already set to be our boldest year yet, with marquee projects rolling out in collaboration with industry leaders and partners who share our vision for a stronger, more sustainable future.
领英推荐
Manufacturing Efficiency
We delivered on our 2023 plan by formalizing an agreement with a Southern Alberta manufacturing partner for surge production capacity.
A major operational milestone this year was commissioning our new triple-shifting press line, affectionately named Veronica after retiring our original press, Betty. Locally sourced with a modular, plug-and-play design, Veronica boosts our production by 3.5x with no additional labor costs, allowing us to confidently execute upcoming projects.
We also introduced a new buzz saw, enhancing technical precision and product quality as we continue to optimize production flow.
From production to construction, our manufacturing team remains the backbone of our shop floor hustle. Their precision and dedication ensure quality and safety in every product we manufacture. With over 963 injury-free days in our factory, safety remains a top priority.
Powered by People | Fueled by Innovation.
Born out of the COVID pandemic, what started as quarantine Zoom meetings has grown into a thriving team of talented, passionate individuals and an ever-expanding network of collaborative partners. Our 48,000 sq. ft. facility in Calgary, Alberta, serves as a manufacturing hub, material science lab, and collaborative office.
2024 was a full-circle moment as we leaned into in-person collaboration and innovation through collision. We hosted our first-ever TechPartner Training Camp at HQ, welcoming partners from across North America. This immersive, two-day event was packed with hands-on product training, seminars and keynotes, and the release of new products. It wasn’t just about sharing knowledge, it was about learning from each other. Through an active feedback loop with our partners, we strengthened our collective approach to driving innovation and growth.
We celebrated the internal promotions of several key team members who stepped into new leadership roles to position ZS2 for future success. Our senior leadership team and board of directors engaged in significant strategic planning, mapping out the road ahead through a series of onsite and offsite sessions that actively engaged our entire team.
We even came together to build a demo house, driven by our CMHC Housing Supply Challenge grant, and later upcycled it into a R&D application lab. Because at ZS2, not all labs have beakers — some have walls, roofs, and prototypes that redefine what's possible.
Building Forward Into 2025
As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that we’re not just talking about change. We’re driving it. Climate resilience isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s a necessity. With wildfires, floods, and hurricanes becoming more frequent and intense, it’s time for the construction industry to do better. We’re not interested in simply "building back" we’re committed to building stronger, more sustainable structures that last.
The adoption of MgO cement technology is critical to this effort. The materials of yesterday won’t solve the problems of today. Builders, architects, and engineers are recognizing the need for higher-performing materials with lower environmental impact, and ZS2 is here to make that happen.
By bridging the gap between R&D and real-world applications, growing our TechPartner network, and ensuring our manufacturing can meet demand, we’re creating a new standard for construction. This year was proof that the industry is ready for change, and we’re here to lead it.
Here’s to 2025—stronger, smarter, and more sustainable than ever before.
-The Crew at ZS2
2024 Highlights Recap
As always if you have any questions, comments or better yet have a potential project you want to collaborate on - drop us a line. We love to chat.
Sales and Business Development - ZS2 Technologies
3 个月I’m so proud to be part of the ZS2 Technologies team. Every day I’m inspired by the incredible innovation and collaboration happening here—it’s amazing to see what we’re accomplishing together. I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and working hard to make 2025 an even bigger success!