From Canadian start-up to global hydrogen innovator
From their Toronto lab to research hubs in Germany, Pulsenics Inc. is helping industries see what was once invisible—and in doing so, it's powering Canada's role in the global clean-energy transition.
Co-founded by Mariam Awara, the clean technology company is transforming how manufacturers understand and optimize energy systems.
Pulsenics has developed advanced diagnostic tools that reveal how electrochemical technologies, including batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen electrolysers, behave in real time. These insights allow operators to make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, reduce waste and accelerate the shift toward net-zero energy.
"We're not just measuring performance," says Mariam Awara, Chief Operating Officer, "we're empowering industries to make better decisions—decisions that move the world closer to net zero."
The challenge
Like many early-stage deep-tech firms, Pulsenics encountered familiar challenges such as limited resources, competing priorities and identifying the right market focus.
As a women-led company in a field still largely dominated by male leadership, Pulsenics also faced barriers to visibility and access. However, these challenges ultimately shaped their unique strategy: prioritizing cross-border collaboration and building partnerships based on technical merit rather than traditional networks.
"In a space dominated by established players, we knew we had to lead with results," says Mariam Awara. "That meant seeking partners who value innovation, not just tradition."
Rather than scale back its ambitions, the Pulsenics team looked outward from the start, embracing an international mindset. They understood that collaboration — not isolation — would open the doors to growth.
How we helped
Through support from the NRC IRAP International team, Pulsenics received strategic guidance and access to networks that accelerated its journey from start-up to global player.
Go-to-market expertise:
NRC IRAP advisors worked with Pulsenics to refine its commercialization strategy and identify the most promising market segments.
Research and partnership connections:
The program connected the company to NRC hydrogen researchers and Canadian Trade Commissioners in Germany, linking Canadian innovation with international opportunities.
Global collaboration:
With advisory services and funding from NRC IRAP International, Pulsenics joined the Canada–Germany 3+2 collaboration project, a research partnership focused on improving the efficiency and reliability of green-hydrogen production.
These collaborations validated Pulsenics' technology on a world stage and positioned the company within Europe's rapidly expanding hydrogen economy.
"Global expansion is built on relationships, not transactions," says Mariam Awara. "Invest early in collaborations that reflect your company's values, technical strengths and long-term vision, because those partnerships become the foundation for sustainable international growth. Each relationship, whether with a research partner, distributor or customer, creates a bridge to new markets and perspectives that can accelerate your company's evolution."
Support from NRC IRAP International helped Pulsenics establish high-profile partnerships with German research institutions, such as Segula Technologies GmbH and the University of Bayreuth, secure early product sales, and expand its R&D and operations teams in Canada.
Together with Canadian and German researchers, Pulsenics helped develop predictive models for hydrogen electrolyser degradation—advancing both industrial performance and global understanding of clean-energy technologies.
What started as a challenge of visibility became a story of leadership and collaboration. Today, Pulsenics is recognized as a leading voice for technical excellence and inclusive innovation in Canada's clean technology ecosystem.
"As women entrepreneurs, we bring a different lens to innovation," Mariam Awara reflects. "We lead with curiosity, empathy, and persistence—and those are exactly the qualities that drive progress."
Pulsenics' journey illustrates how collaboration, integrity, and inclusion can redefine what leadership looks like in the global clean tech space. Reflecting on her experience, Mariam Awara offers advice to other women founders:
"As a woman entrepreneur, recognize that your leadership presence on the global stage carries influence beyond your business results. Every interaction contributes to redefining what technical and executive leadership can look like. Use that platform to lead with authenticity, clarity and confidence, demonstrating that inclusivity and performance are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. The credibility you build through integrity and collaboration will open more doors than any introduction ever could."
— Mariam Awara
How we're helping Canada
NRC IRAP's strategic support is delivering real-world impact at home and abroad:
Creating high-skilled jobs—growing expertise in hydrogen, battery, and AI technologies
Exporting globally—strengthening Canada's presence in international clean-energy markets
Fostering innovation—advancing next-generation diagnostics for clean-energy system.
Supporting sustainability—helping industries cut waste and boost efficiency
Championing women in STEM—inspiring a new generation of innovators and leaders
Are you ready to innovate and grow? Contact us!
Connect with NRC IRAP by calling 1-877-994-4727 or visit the NRC IRAP website to find out if your business may be eligible for support.