Montreal, Quebec – January 9, 2026 – Concordia University’s ECONCRETE Lab and AeroNova Advanced Materials today announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at developing next-generation aerogel-enhanced concrete solutions. This collaboration combines AeroNova’s expertise in advanced aerogel composites with the ECONCRETE Lab’s cutting-edge research in eco-friendly construction materials, with a specific focus on lightweight pre-cast concrete that improves thermal insulation, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances structural resilience in the face of climate challenges.
The partnership will focus on integrating AeroNova’s proprietary aerogel technology into lightweight pre-cast concrete formulations to produce materials like AeroConcrete™, which offers up to 48% better thermal insulation compared to traditional concrete while maintaining lightweight, fire-resistant, and humidity-resistant properties. This innovation addresses key issues in the construction industry, such as energy inefficiency in buildings—which account for approximately 40% of global energy consumption—and the environmental impact of conventional materials. By bridging academic research with industrial application, the collaboration seeks to accelerate the commercialization of low-carbon, high-durability pre-cast concrete for use in walls, facades, foundations, and infrastructure projects.
“We are thrilled to partner with AeroNova Advanced Materials to push the boundaries of sustainable construction,” said Dr. Ahmed Soliman, PhD, P.Eng., Associate Professor at Concordia University and Director of the ECONCRETE Lab. “This collaboration allows us to apply our integrated approach—combining fundamental engineering principles with real-world implementation—to develop aerogel-infused lightweight pre-cast concrete that minimizes environmental impact, optimizes mechanical performance, and ensures long-term resilience. Together, we’re bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and scalable solutions that can transform the built environment for a greener future.”
Dr. Marciel Gaier, CEO of AeroNova Advanced Materials, added: “At AeroNova, we’re committed to redefining insulation through aerogel technology, and partnering with the ECONCRETE Lab at Concordia University is a natural step forward. By combining our next-gen aerogel composites with their expertise in green construction materials, we aim to create aerogel-concrete hybrids, with a focus on lightweight pre-cast concrete, that deliver superior thermal and acoustic protection, enhanced fire safety, and reduced energy loss. This partnership exemplifies our shared vision of accelerating the transition to climate-resilient buildings that benefit both people and the planet.”
The joint efforts will include research and development projects, pilot testing, and knowledge exchange, with initial prototypes expected to enter AeroNova’s Customer Pilot Program later this year. This initiative aligns with broader goals in Montreal’s innovation ecosystem, supporting Canada’s commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050.
About ECONCRETE Lab at Concordia University
The ECONCRETE Lab, led by Dr. Ahmed Soliman and housed in the Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering at Concordia University, is dedicated to advancing novel, eco-friendly construction materials through an integrated approach combining theoretical modeling with rigorous experimental validation. The lab’s research pushes beyond conventional solutions, aiming to reduce environmental impact while enhancing engineering performance, bridging the gap between laboratory-developed sustainable materials and their real-world implementation, ensuring optimized mechanical behavior, minimized carbon footprints, and long-term resilience in the built environment. For more information, visit https://www.econcrete.ca.
About AeroNova Advanced Materials
Founded in Montreal, AeroNova Advanced Materials is a deeptech company harnessing advanced aerogels to create high-performance, sustainable building materials. With a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to climate-resilient construction, AeroNova develops ultra-efficient insulation solutions that deliver superior thermal and acoustic performance, fire resistance, and reduced environmental impact. Products under development include AeroConcrete™, AeroDrywall™, and AeroFoam™, designed for commercial and residential applications to address inefficiencies in outdated materials. For more information, visit https://aeronovamaterials.com or follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeronovamaterials.
For inquiries, please contact:
- ECONCRETE Lab: Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 Blvd. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8
- AeroNova Advanced Materials: 1250 Guy St #600 Faubourg Tower, Montreal, QC H3H 2L3