Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Our journey began with a shared dream to innovate the traditional sandblasting industry, rooted in a strong friendship formed at Laval University in Quebec City during the 1990s. This bond became the cornerstone of our company as we pursued our passion for automating the sandblasting process, inspired by the natural phenomenon of wind erosion. This led us to develop an automated three-dimensional engraving technology using a fluidized sand jet. However, the path was challenging. After developing this groundbreaking technology, our inventor faced corruption and discrimination in Tunisia. Our president, building on their deep friendship from Quebec City, stepped in to help him relocate to Canada, where they co-founded Graphjet Technologies Inc. This partnership was the foundation for our company’s growth and success. We encountered significant obstacles, especially financial ones, but our unwavering belief in the potential of our technology kept us moving forward. At international trade shows, we realized that 3D engraving was still being done manually—a labor-intensive and highly polluting method. We knew there was a better way and were determined to find it. Driven by this vision, we developed a machine that uses numerical control to engrave in relief on materials like glass, marble, and wood. Our patented technology, recognized as a breakthrough by industry experts, offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional methods. Our journey took us from Quebec to Tunisia, where we built our prototype, and then to Vancouver, where we welcomed our engineering team as temporary workers. Our executive director, a woman and newcomer to Canada, now leads our business development efforts, embodying our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). We have created long-term and short-term jobs for underrepresented people in our community, with EDI remaining at the core of our values. Innovation and sustainability are the driving forces behind everything we do. Despite the challenges, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the engraving industry. Today, as we collaborate with IRAP to refine our machines and explore new R&D ideas, we remain dedicated to leading the industry toward a more sustainable future. Our company is poised to make significant contributions, not just within the engraving industry but also in addressing broader challenges, such as the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Graphjet Technologies Inc., supporting and uplifting our community is a core part of our mission. Despite our startup status, we have made a significant impact by creating both short-term and long-term jobs for over 9 individuals from underrepresented groups within our community. This accounts for more than 80% of our workforce, providing stable, well-paying jobs that contribute significantly to the local economy and inspiring others to follow our lead in inclusivity. We actively collaborate with local schools and vocational institutions, offering at least two internships annually. These internships provide hands-on experience in industrial engineering and manufacturing, with 50% of interns pursuing careers in related fields, demonstrating the effectiveness of our educational partnerships. Our commitment to sustainability also benefits our community. Our innovative technology not only saves 60% in energy consumption but also ensures a safer work environment, exceeding all safety standards. Moreover, we’re proud to be a significant contributor to the reduction of over 10 million tons of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions annually in the glass industry, underscoring our role in protecting the environment and making our community proud. The trust and satisfaction we have built are reflected in a 25% increase in referrals over the past year, as our community members and customers continue to support and recommend our services. This mutual support underscores the strong bond we have cultivated with our community as we strive to make a meaningful impact together.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

At Graphjet Technologies Inc., our story is deeply personal. We started with a vision fueled by friendship and a burning desire to make a difference. Our journey wasn’t easy—facing challenges, discrimination, and doubt—but we never wavered. We poured our hearts into creating technology that redefines an industry, uplifts our community, and protects our planet. Why do we deserve the Business Impact Award? Because we have taken risks, faced adversity, and still chose to put people first. Our innovation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability and empowerment. We have created jobs for those who needed a chance, opened doors for underrepresented voices, and built a culture where every person matters. Our commitment to sustainability is relentless—our technology slashes carbon emissions by millions of tons each year, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility. But it’s not just about numbers for us; it’s about our duty to leave the world better than we found it. Our community is at the heart of everything we do. We have seen firsthand the power of coming together—our leadership team listens, engages, and takes action to ensure everyone feels valued. This isn’t just a business to us; it’s our way of giving back, of creating a space where innovation meets humanity. Winning the Business Impact Award would testify to the power of resilience, passion, and purpose. We’re not just building a business; we’re building a better future—for our community, our planet, and the generations to come. We’re here to make a real, lasting impact, and we won’t stop until we do.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Graphjet Technologies Inc., we are deeply committed to creating a workplace culture that is not just about the work, but about the people. Our culture is rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and compassion. We are dedicated to ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. Our recruitment practices are designed to attract talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that our team reflects the community we serve. We also offer flexible working hours and remote options to maintain a healthy work-life balance, alongside comprehensive training programs for continuous growth. Compassion is a cornerstone of our leadership approach at Graphjet Technologies Inc. When employees face personal difficulties, our president and board members engage directly, organizing listening meetings to address their concerns and grievances. For example, when one of our team members faced a family crisis, our leadership offered additional support and time off and personally checked in regularly to ensure they had what they needed during that difficult time. This commitment to care and open communication fosters a strong sense of trust and loyalty within our team. Sustainability is not just a value we uphold at Graphjet Technologies Inc; it’s a commitment we live by. We implement environmentally friendly practices, reduce waste, use energy-efficient technologies, and promote eco-friendly commuting options. Our leadership team exemplifies integrity and transparency, building ethical relationships with clients, vendors, and contractors. We also lead by example, from managing client projects with innovative solutions to working with suppliers on sustainable practices and initiating wellness challenges that enhance employee engagement and teamwork. In summary, our culture at Graphjet Technologies Inc. is a testament to our values of inclusivity, sustainability, and compassion. These values guide us in creating a positive environment where everyone can thrive.