Canada's clean technology sector continues to gain momentum as founders develop innovative solutions to address some of the world's biggest energy challenges. One of those founders is Aleisha Reese Cerny, Co-Founder and CEO of Serenity Power, a company developing clean, reliable energy systems for remote communities and off-grid industrial applications.

Fresh off closing a $1.165 million pre-seed round and winning Startupfest 2025's $100,000 investment prize, Aleisha shares her entrepreneurial journey, the lessons she's learned building a climate tech company, and why she believes Canada's clean energy ecosystem has enormous potential.

What inspired you to build Serenity Power, and what problem were you trying to solve?

My team and I were inspired to build Serenity Power because we saw a real gap in reliable, clean power for remote and off-grid communities, especially those still relying heavily on diesel.

We wanted to create a solution that is not only cleaner, but also more affordable and flexible for critical industries and communities that are most impacted by climate change, both in Canada and globally.

What has the journey of building Serenity Power been like so far?

The journey has definitely been a rollercoaster.

There have been incredible highs, from winning grants and travelling the world to building a passionate team. There have also been moments of doubt, rejection, and challenges that felt overwhelming. Every step has taught me more about resilience, the importance of collaboration, and how valuable strong partnerships are when building a company.

Can you explain what Serenity Power's technology does in a way anyone can understand?

Our technology is like a super-efficient battery that generates clean electricity on-site using fuel sources that are often already available, such as natural gas or hydrogen.

It's designed for places where the electrical grid doesn't reach or where dependable power is essential, including remote communities and off-grid industrial operations.

What does a typical day look like for you as a founder?

No two days are ever the same.

Most mornings begin with meetings, emails, and a long list of priorities. Since closing our pre-seed round, my focus has shifted away from fundraising and toward working with customers, managing procurement and supply chains, preparing for pilot projects, and supporting our growing team.

It's probably the most excited I've been since starting Serenity. Having the funding in place allows us to focus on execution, which has made a huge difference.

Was there a moment when you knew Serenity Power was solving a problem people truly cared about?

One defining moment came at Startupfest 2025, where we finished in the Top 3 across three separate pitch competitions before ultimately winning the festival's $100,000 investment prize.

At that point, we were just emerging from stealth mode, and I wasn't sure how people would respond to our vision. What surprised me most was the overwhelming enthusiasm from founders, investors, judges, and industry leaders. People from sectors including energy and construction immediately recognized how our technology could address real operational challenges.

Some of the most meaningful conversations came from attendees from countries like Nigeria, who spoke about how transformative reliable, diesel-free power could be for communities experiencing unstable electricity access. Those conversations reinforced that the problem we're solving extends far beyond one market. It's a global challenge that's worth dedicating ourselves to.

You recently closed a $1.165 million pre-seed fundraise. How does this accelerate Serenity Power's growth?

This funding has been transformational for our company.

We've grown from three founders into a team that's able to attract exceptional talent, including expanding our technical team and hiring a Chief Technology Officer. It's also allowing us to accelerate product development, secure critical materials, and continue designing, manufacturing, and testing our first system.

Most importantly, it moves us beyond the laboratory. We're preparing for field testing in Canada as well as our first international pilot in Europe. Those milestones are essential as we move toward commercialization, validate our technology, and build confidence with future customers.

What has been the biggest challenge in bringing advanced energy technology from concept to real-world deployment?

The biggest challenge has been bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world implementation.

There's a tremendous amount of learning, iteration, and product development involved, while also building trust with partners who understandably want to see proven results before adopting new technology. At the same time, we know there's urgency to get these solutions into the market.

Thankfully, having an incredible team working across different aspects of the technology gives me confidence that we'll continue making progress.

What advice would you give students and early-stage founders interested in climate technology?

Climate technology is the future.

We need energy, and we need cleaner energy. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and I believe we'll continue to see significant investment and innovation across energy and infrastructure because demand is only increasing.

My advice is to stay curious, ask questions, and never hesitate to reach out to people across the ecosystem. Climate tech can be complex, but the opportunity to make a meaningful impact is enormous. Find your community, stay persistent, and remember that every step forward matters.

Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for Canadian startups in clean energy?

Canada has tremendous opportunities across clean fuels, advanced energy systems, energy efficiency, methane mitigation, fuel cells, and energy storage.

We have world-class research institutions, strong government support, and a growing cleantech ecosystem. The opportunity is here. We simply need to move faster and continue increasing access to venture capital so Canadian founders can scale breakthrough technologies here at home.