Episode 22: Shaping the Future of Methane Mitigation - How NGIF is Aligning Cleantech Startups with Operator-Defined Challenges

In this episode, we sat down with John Adams, President & CEO at NGIF Capital and NGIF Accelerator. Through NGIF’s unique model, combining a venture capital fund with an industry-led accelerator, John and his team connect cleantech innovators directly with Canada’s leading natural gas companies to pilot, validate, and commercialize emissions-reducing technologies. With over 25 years in clean tech financing, John shares how NGIF is creating the bridge between entrepreneurs and operators, helping promising solutions move from concept to deployment. 

From aligning technologies with operator-defined problems to navigating funding cycles and integrating solutions into industry workflows, John offers candid advice for innovators entering the methane space. He also reflects on the importance of regulatory alignment, collaboration across industry and capital providers, and the value of data sharing in achieving (and exceeding!) emissions reduction goals. Whether you’re an operator, investor, or technology developer, this conversation sheds light on how NGIF is shaping the future of methane mitigation through capital, collaboration, and market access. 

About our Guest:

John Adams is President and CEO of NGIF Capital, leading the firm’s strategic direction and overseeing its $50MM Cleantech Ventures fund focused on natural gas and hydrogen startups. He also serves as President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator, a non-profit supporting innovation in natural gas, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas technologies. With over 30 years of experience in cleantech, energy, investment, and venture capital, John manages teams across Canada and maintains strong relationships with investors and portfolio companies. He serves on multiple boards, including Clean Resource Innovation Network and several  cleantech startups. John has held executive roles at the Canadian Gas Association and Sustainable Development Technology Canada. He has been a jury member for several industry selection committees and holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Toronto, completed the Berkeley Venture Capital Executive Program, and earned ICD.D certification. John was recognized in Canada’s Clean50 in 2022 for his contributions to clean energy leadership.

About NGIF Capital:

NGIF Capital is a venture capital firm offering equity financing for cleantech startups with solutions for the gaseous energy sector. We are unique as we bring Canada’s energy industry leadership to every investment. NGIF Capital and its subsidiary, NGIF Accelerator, collaborate to expedite the time it takes for startups to bring their ideas from concept to commercialization. NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all NGIF’s technology and innovation programs. Our mandate is to advance the most promising enterprises in cleantech innovation and support them through their pilot projects and field trials to commercialization and market adoption.