BioBoosters by CRIBE: Stelumar Hackathon
Wood-Based Insulation for Volumetric Construction
We’re seeking the next generation of insulation for wood-framed volumetric construction.
The ideal solution should deliver superior acoustic, fire, and thermal performance, while advancing sustainability through renewable, wood-based materials that support a circular economy. It would be cost-effective and manufacturable at scale in Ontario, reduce embodied carbon, and utilize locally sourced wood manufacturing or forest-based by-products.
đź“„ Rules of ParticipationThe Challenge
Canada faces a severe housing crisis, with supply struggling to keep pace with demand. Innovative construction methods—like volumetric modular housing and panelized building systems—are critical to rapidly increasing housing supply while improving quality and sustainability.
Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (SAMI), with Mattamy Asset Management as a strategic investor, is building a high-capacity advanced manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Once fully operational, the facility will produce 1,500 volumetric modular homes and 1,500 homes worth of panelized wall and floor assemblies each year.
A key constraint in achieving speed, quality, and sustainability at scale in volumetric construction is insulation. Current products—mineral wool, fiberglass, cellulose—require manual installation, add labour, and often fail to integrate seamlessly into automated production lines.
We are seeking an insulation solution that can be applied in the factory between wood studs and is compatible with high-volume manufacturing for use in:
- Exterior wall assemblies (thermal, acoustic, and fire performance)
- Demising walls between units (acoustic and fire performance)
- Floors and ceilings between units (acoustic and fire performance)
The ideal solution will:
- Adhere directly to framing and sheathing, cure rapidly, and integrate into automated workflows—reducing labour while maintaining consistent quality
- Be made from wood-based and renewable materials, with potential to be made from Ontario sourced feedstocks
- Incorporate circular economy principles, such as using sawmill by-products or wood fiber waste from SAMI’s own manufacturing process
Launch Webinar Materials
Thank you to all who participated in our launch webinar. You will find the full recording along with presentation materials below:
The Solution Providers
Timeline
October 16, 2025: Virtual launch webinar.
November 28, 2025: Deadline for submitting an application.
December 5, 2025: Selection of teams.
December 11, 2025: Online kick-off event; Meet-and-greet for participating teams and sponsoring company.
February 11-12, 2026: Winner was announced at Hackathon Days in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Contact
Dayna Griffiths
Manager of Innovation Programming, CRIBE
dayna.griffiths@cribe.ca
Gry Lenschow ​Andersen​
Project Manager, Paper Province
gry.lenschow.andersen@paperprovince.com
About the Challenge Provider: Stelumar
Founded with the purpose of providing housing that people are proud of, Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (SAMI) is a Canadian building components manufacturer driven by innovation and excellence. Specializing in advanced manufacturing for the residential construction industry, SAMI will leverage the most advanced, automated manufacturing facility of its kind in North America, setting new standards for quality and sustainability. From cabinetry and millwork to structural components, SAMI will deliver solutions to help tackle Canada’s housing crisis and create modular housing Canadians can rely on.
Learn more about StelumarAbout BioBoosters
BioBoosters is a project co-funded by the Interreg BSR programme that connects bioeconomy innovators through its nine innovation hubs around the Baltic Sea. The network organizes calls to accelerate idea-sharing and co-operation in support of the transition to a circular economy. Countries represented in the network include Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. For more information visit their website below:
Learn more about BioBoostersAbout CRIBE
CRIBE is Ontario’s leading forest-based innovation accelerator. We are an independent, non-profit corporation supporting the development of a sustainable, profitable provincial forest bio-economy. We bring together researchers, the forest sector and end users to create and commercialize innovative forest-based, low-carbon solutions across all industries.
Learn more about CRIBEAbout Nextfor
Nextfor is CRIBE’s networking platform that connects industry leaders and innovators to foster and accelerate new ideas. With over 657 individuals, the Nextfor Network drives innovation through our Innovation Forums, Case Studies, Funding Challenges and online information portal.
Nextfor works to:
✔ Optimize Ontario’s traditional forest practices and industries;
âś” Develop cross-sectoral partnerships;
âś” Explore new market opportunities; and
âś” Support emerging forest-based products and technologies.
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