Sometimes, a great business idea starts with a market gap. Sometimes it starts with a problem that needs solving. And sometimes, it starts around a campfire.
Spark Centre is thrilled to celebrate VASCH Ltd., a Launch Lab client and graduate of Spark Centre’s Landing-Pad Accelerator Program, on receiving a $10,000 Startup Grant from the Amber Grant by WomensNet.
Founded by chemical engineer Hannah Nassiri, VASCH is a circular economy materials company transforming wood ash — a waste product that often ends up in landfill — into sustainable products, including natural ingredients for eco-friendly cleaners and biodegradable packaging materials.
As Hannah shared in her interview with WomensNet Advisory Board member Marcia Layton Turner, the inspiration for VASCH came during a quiet moment watching ash settle around a campfire.
“I remember that my grandma used to use ash to scrub pots and pans, and that memory stayed with me.”
That memory eventually connected with Hannah’s professional experience in chemical engineering and her longstanding passion for the environment. She realized that millions of tons of wood ash could potentially be transformed from waste into something valuable.
“I could bring together tradition, science, and sustainability and build something meaningful,” Hannah explained.
And VASCH was born.
Building Something Meaningful
Today, Hannah is taking that campfire inspiration through research, development and commercialization — and building a company around the concept of waste valorization.
Her journey is also a great example of the power of entrepreneurial support.
In her interview with WomensNet, Hannah credits a number of organizations with helping her move VASCH forward, including Launch Lab, Invest Ottawa, MaRS Discovery District, Loyalist College and Carleton University.
But she had particularly positive things to say about her experience in the Spark Centre Landing-Pad Accelerator Program, which Launch Lab introduced her to.
A $10,000 Boost for VASCH
Now, VASCH is adding another important milestone to its journey: a $10,000 Amber Grant. The funding comes at an exciting stage for the company as Hannah continues advancing VASCH’s R&D, validation and pilot development. And while the grant itself is a significant accomplishment, we think what it represents is just as exciting. It’s recognition of an innovative idea. It’s validation of a founder’s vision. And it’s another step toward turning that campfire moment into a technology with the potential to make a meaningful environmental impact.
At Spark Centre, we love seeing our clients and program graduates reach milestones like this. VASCH is a wonderful example of what can happen when innovation, determination and the right entrepreneurial support system come together.
Congratulate, Hannah, on this well-deserved achievement and VOTE for her to win one of the $50,000 grants awarded at the end of the year. We’re excited to see what’s next for VASCH!
Are you an innovative woman entrepreneur or newcomer working in Energy, Environment or Engineering?
The Landing-Pad Accelerator Program could be your opportunity to connect with the support, expertise and community you need to take your business to the next level.
Learn more about the Landing-Pad Accelerator Program and find your landing pad at Spark Centre.
With excerpts from “May $10,000 Startup Grant recipient: Hannah Nassiri, founder of VASCH Ltd.”, published by Amber Grants for Women/WomensNet.
About Spark Centre
Spark Centre is Durham Region’s leading technology and innovation business incubator. We offer accessible entrepreneurship support to early-stage and growing technology and innovation ventures through advisory services, mentorship, funding connections, co-working space, educational programs, and ecosystem-building activities. Click here to learn more about our various program options!
