Shail Joshi has a thing for the water in Collingwood. As a chemical engineer, he should  know. “The water  filtration system here is better than in the city,” he explains. “We have some of the best water in the whole world.”

Joshi is a technical salesperson with Isowater Corporation, a clean technology company and a leading global supplier of heavy water. “We specialize in deuterium oxide ,” explains Joshi. “Our products are in demand across a range of high tech and life sciences industries, from fiber optics and semiconductors to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical diagnostics.”

Joshi came to Isowater in 2018 after completing a BASc in Chemical Engineering at Ottawa U, where he took part in numerous coops, including one at Tianjin University, China. There he researched active pharmaceutical ingredient enhancement through crystallization.

Joshi now crisscrosses the globe with Isowater, working with customers in far-flung locations to find the perfect formulations for their needs. “I like the travel,” affirms Joshi. “I  appreciate the ability to work with professionals from different companies around the  world. It’s horizon-broadening. But I like it very much here, too. I’m getting into skiing. Also canoeing, kayaking and hiking. I love the Bay. I like the surrounding farmland as well, which I think is important to maintain as this area grows.”

Like many millennials, Joshi finds value in working for a company that does good things. “I appreciated Isowater’s determination to innovate, its technology and evolving processes,” he says. “These things are all critical to clean tech development.”

A focus on clean tech is nothing new for Joshi. His capstone project involved the research of a completely carbon neutral, emissions-free process that derives ethyl acetate and hydrogen from ethanol. He also drives a plug-in hybrid.

“I was really happy that Isowater was able to accommodate the car,” he says. “They created an electric fueling station right near the front of the building on a porous green pathway. It forms part of the lawn. I think it’s important to support progressive technology on a personal level, too.”

What’s next for Joshi? “I’m just enjoying South Georgian Bay. I go skiing and rock climbing with colleagues. I work for a cool company. I’m exploring the area. Life is good.”

Aug 15, 2018 1:00 PM by: Erika Engel

A Collingwood-based science and technology company hopes to encourage more youth into STEM industries.

Science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM as its now referred to – is seeing a big push from related industry as the demand for those expertise increases.

In Collingwood, The Isowater Corporation is one such company in the industry hoping to inspire future employees while they are still in high school.

In addition to being a top co-op employer in Simcoe County, Isowater has developed its own annual STEM awards, which are given to high school students in the county who demonstrate excellence in one or more of the STEM fields.

Kennedy Westlake is working as a co-op intern at The Isowater Corporation, a Collingwood-based company in the business of delivering heavy water to private industry. They are also heavy on inspiring young people toward careers in the STEM industries.

“There’s a science gap here and we want to fill that gap,” said Lisa Stuart, vice president of sales and marketing for Isowater. She and her husband Andrew Stuart started the company in 2009.

Before launching Isowater, Andrew Stuart was one of the world’s leading hydrogen experts. When he heard then Prime Minister Stephen Harper announce the privatization of Canada’s nuclear power industry, he had an idea.

There’s a product used to cool nuclear reactors called heavy water. It’s a product that isn’t much different from “light” water (or regular water) other than it contains deuterium oxide in high concentration. It’s naturally occurring and can be extracted from a regular water source.

Heavy water is not irradiated, it can be used to cool nuclear reactors, but is not part of the nuclear power generation process outside of its cooling effects.

The Canadian government has a surplus store of it, and is now allowing private industry access.

The Isowater Company in Collingwood sells Canada’s heavy water for various uses in the scientific community.

According to Isowater, deuterium isotopes have possible applications pharmaceutical, diagnostics,hydrology, fibre optics, semiconductors and scientific research and manufacturing.

Early trials using heavy water to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs show positive results in reducingside effects due to the slower absorption rate of heavy water over regular water.
At Isowater, there are two science streams including engineering/research and development and laboratory science. There are also several employees involved in shipping and receiving the product.

The Collingwood location doesn’t store large quantities of heavy water, it’s a central shipping location for the product.

“We could be based anywhere, but we want to be based here because we love it here,” said Lisa. She and her husband enjoy the outdoor activities and were glad to raise their children in Collingwood.

Both children participated in science fairs – of which Lisa is a big proponent – and both went into STEM industry programs – one for material engineering and one for chemical engineering.

“They did science fairs and it changed their life,” said Lisa, adding she’s glad for the teachers who put forth extra initiative and encourage their students to participate in science fairs. “It’s a lot for teachers to take on as extracurriculars, but it’s an amazing opportunity to grow and learn through the science fair process.”

As the world’s first private company selling and distributing heavy water to the private industry, The Isowater Company hopes to inspire young STEM-minded students to be innovative and understand the limitless possibilities in the industry. Lisa said they will be expanding the awards program and are experimenting with youth outreach programs in local community centres, the details of which are still under wraps. Isowater tries to provide a non-traditional coop experience for as many youth as possible.

“Geeks love us,” she said.Secondary or post-secondary students interested in co-op opportunities at Isowater Company can find more information here.

The Isowater Corporation is located in a new building on Sandford Fleming Drive in Collingwood.

-Technology to Solve Coming Deuterium Oxide Supply Crunch-

Collingwood, Ontario August 17, 2015, Isowater Corporation is pleased to announce that it has completed a $3.2 million multiyear development project to advance its innovative method to produce deuterium oxide (heavy water) known as the D2X^TM Process. Availability of deuterium oxide has been on the decline over the past decade as inventories are consumed and existing limited production capacity ages. At the same time rapid escalation of demand is occurring both in the traditional nuclear market as well as new growing life science, high tech and environmental technology applications.

“We are most pleased with the results of our D2X^TM Process development,” said Andrew T. B. Stuart, President and CEO of Isowater Corporation. “As the world supply of deuterium oxide shifts to shortage, our process will provide a scalable method to produce high purity deuterium oxide to the growing non- nuclear users and eventually the nuclear energy market. The D2X^TM Process can be built on a much smaller scale than traditional production methods and produce deuterium oxide at costs below new builds of current production technology. Also compared with current commercial technology, the D2X^TM Process will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by some 95% as well as completely eliminate noxious sulfur or ammonia compounds typically released to the environment. The nature of Isowater’s process also is suitable for private sector implementation as opposed to historic technology which has been financed and operated by governments based on their nuclear energy policies.”

During the past ten years non-traditional applications for deuterium oxide have flourished in diverse markets such as semiconductors, fibre optics, pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, health and beauty products, research applications, and hydrology. Today Isowater sells deuterium oxide to these diverse markets and is preparing to recycle downgraded deuterium oxide from customers. Each of these applications represents a growing market as demonstrated by many new and improved products along with several highly successful companies that have emerged and have accessed major investments by public markets, venture and industrial firms. At the same time, deuterium oxide availability appears uncertain as the world supply to date has been funded solely by government entities based on their strategic energy policy. An important role for private sector innovation and leadership has emerged to ensure a secure long term future supply for non-nuclear users that is independent of government nuclear energy policy and spending decisions.

The D2X^TMproject was funded with contributions from Isowater, Sustainable Development Technology Canada, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited), and a large international chemical company as well as a global industrial gas firm.

About Isowater

Isowater Corporation is a Canadian company that provides a reliable supply of hydrogen isotopes to global markets. Our products are deuterium oxide (heavy water) and deuterium gas systems for applications in Life Science and High Tech markets including: semiconductors, fibre optics, pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, health and beauty products, research applications, and hydrology applications. Isowater can supply the needs of customers for deuterium oxide today while at the same time develop the supply chain solutions for lowering the customer’s deuterium oxide cost through recycling as well as ensure stable supply as the many high growth users increase their demands from small to very large quantities over time. For more information on what is deuterium oxide click here.

Contact:

Wanda Cutler
Director of Marketing and Communications
Isowater Corporation
Email: wanda-cutler@isowater.com
Telephone: 416-303-6460
www.isowater.com
www.linkedin.com/company/1820527
www.facebook.com/isowatercorp

Toronto, Ontario March 12, 2014, Isowater Corporation (Isowater), a reliable supplier of deuterium oxide (heavy water) and deuterium gas systems, is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Porwoll and Ms. Wanda Cutler have joined the team as Vice President Business Development and Director of Marketing and Communications respectively.

Dr. Porwoll joined Isowater in 2014 after a successful 30 year career with Aldrich Chemical Company (later Sigma-Aldrich), a world leading speciality chemical company in the life science and high tech sector.  During his tenure he served in a variety of roles including President of Aldrich Corporation and Vice President of Global Supply Chain of Sigma Aldrich where he provided corporate guidance to senior leaders of various operational functions and defined crucial strategies for improvements to supply chain execution. In addition he has developed, manufactured and managed stable isotope production systems including those with deuterium.  Throughout his career Dr. Porwoll has established a broad network of contacts in the high tech, life science and environmental sectors.

Dr. Porwoll holds a Ph.D. in Bio-Organic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. In addition to his commercial expertise and contacts, Dr. Porwoll brings extensive technical knowledge of the key markets for Isowater’s deuterium products. Dr. Porwoll is responsible for the business development activities in the US and certain international markets.

Ms. Wanda Cutler also joins the Isowater team as Director of Marketing and Communications. Ms. Cutler brings over 15 years of experience in this area, focused on product marketing, brand management, corporate and employee communications, business development, issues management and investor relations. Throughout her career, she led teams that created and built strong corporate brands that translated into robust product sales growth, specifically in the environmental sector.

Ms. Cutler has also participated on several national and international committees aimed at building awareness and consensus on topics ranging from natural resources to alternative energy. In doing so, she has worked with a cross section of professionals to consistently foster a spirit of collaboration and results. Ms. Cutler holds a B. Soc. Sc. from the University of Ottawa.

Andrew Stuart, President & CEO of Isowater Corporation, states, “We are delighted to strengthen our team with the addition of Joe and Wanda. They bring important skills in the business development and marketing areas of our business that complement our existing team of management, scientists, engineers and technicians. Customers looking to buy deuterium oxide need look no further than Isowater. We are harnessing the energy and talent of our people to become a competitive and reliable producer of deuterium oxide and deuterium gas systems. ”

About Isowater
Isowater Corporation is a Canadian company that provides a reliable supply of hydrogen isotopes to global markets. Our products are deuterium oxide (heavy water) and deuterium gas systems for applications in Life Science and High Tech markets including: Pharmaceutical, Diagnostics, Hydrology, Fiber Optics, Semi Conductors and Analytical Research Applications. Isowater can supply the needs of customers for deuterium oxide today, while at the same time develop the supply chain solutions for lowering the customer’s deuterium oxide cost.  Click here for more info on deuterium atomic mass.  This is done through recycling as well as ensuring a stable supply, as the many high growth users increase their demands from small to very large quantities over time.

Contact:
Wanda Cutler
Director of Marketing and Communications
Isowater Corporation
Email: wanda-cutler@isowater.com
Telephone: (416) 303-6460
www.isowater.com

Ottawa, Ontario February 27, 2014, Isowater Corporation (Isowater) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to advance deuterium oxide (heavy water) technology and sales. The two firms have been collaborating since 2009 demonstrating deuterium oxide technology and selling deuterium oxide to the growing number of users in the high tech, life science and environmental sectors. This agreement marks a major milestone in their efforts.

The agreement enables Isowater to market and sell existing deuterium oxide inventories to certain non-nuclear markets, while advancing new technologies designed to recycle and upgrade deuterium oxide. This upgrading of deuterium oxide will be accomplished using a refinery system developed in collaboration with AECL. In the longer term, Isowater will be developing new primary heavy water production systems to ensure availability of high quality virgin deuterium oxide as world supplies continue to dwindle. Contact us for find out more information on our heavy water for sale.

Andrew Stuart, President & CEO of Isowater Corporation, states, “This agreement marks an additional milestone towards Isowater Corporation’s goal of being a market driven leader in the field of deuterium-based products. With the signing of this agreement we have sufficient inventory available to meet the needs of the growing non-nuclear markets for deuterium oxide. We are very excited about our developing ability to stabilize the supply side of this very important material and support the scientific research that depends on it. In time, we can scale our production to meet the needs of heavy water moderated reactors.” Find more information on deuterium for sale here.

“The arrangements between Isowater and AECL are an example of how AECL expertise in combination with private sector innovation can expand jobs and growth in Canada” said Robert Walker, President & CEO of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. “This collaboration with Isowater bridges technology, which was developed for nuclear markets, into life science and high tech markets. AECL’s Nuclear Laboratories is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization. This agreement is an example of how our knowledge and technology can serve the nation as an enabler of business innovation.”

About Isowater
Isowater Corporation is a Canadian company that provides a reliable supply of hydrogen isotopes to global markets. Our products are deuterium oxide (heavy water) and deuterium gas systems in the quantity and concentration needed for applications in Life Science and High Tech markets including: Pharmaceutical, Diagnostics, Hydrology, Fiber Optics, Semi Conductors and Analytical Research Applications. Isowater can supply the needs of customers for deuterium oxide today, while at the same time develop the supply chain solutions for lowering the customer’s deuterium oxide cost. This is done through recycling as well as ensuring a stable supply, as the many high growth users increase their demands from small to very large quantities over time.

About AECL
AECL’s Nuclear Laboratories is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization. For 60 years, AECL has been a world leader in developing peaceful and innovative applications from nuclear technology through its expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology and engineering. Over 3,000 highly skilled employees deliver a range of nuclear services – ranging from research and development, design and engineering to specialized technology, waste management and decommissioning.
Today, AECL continues its commitment to ensure that Canadians and the world receive energy, health, environmental and economic benefits from nuclear science and technology with confidence that nuclear safety and security are assured.

Contact:
Wanda Cutler
Director of Marketing and Communications
Isowater Corporation
Email: wanda-cutler@isowater.com
Telephone: (416) 303-6460

Patrick Quinn
Director, Corporate Communications
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
Email: quinnp@aecl.ca
Telephone: 1 866 886 2325

Isowater Enhances Focus in the Speciality Chemical and Pharmaceutical Markets with the Addition of Dr. Joseph P. Porwoll to Board of Directors

Collingwood, Ontario September 7th, 2016, Isowater Corporation (Isowater), a reliable supplier of deuterium oxide (heavy water) and deuterium gas systems, is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph P. Porwoll, a former executive of Sigma-Aldrich, has been appointed to its Board of Directors.

Dr. Porwoll joined Isowater in 2014 as Vice President of Business Development after a successful 30-year career with Aldrich Chemical Company (later Sigma-Aldrich) a world leading speciality chemical company in the life science and high tech sector. During his career with Sigma-Aldrich he served in a variety of roles including President of Aldrich Corporation and Vice President of Global Supply Chain of Sigma Aldrich where he provided corporate guidance to senior leaders of various operational functions and defined crucial strategies for improvements to supply chain execution. In addition, he developed, manufactured and managed stable isotope production systems including those with deuterium. Throughout his career Dr. Porwoll has established a broad network of contacts in the high tech, life sciences and environmental sectors. Dr. Porwoll holds a Ph.D. in Bio-Organic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. In addition to his commercial expertise and contacts, Dr. Porwoll brings extensive technical knowledge of the key markets for Isowater’s deuterium products.

Since joining Isowater Dr. Porwoll has expanded Isowater’s business activities in the US and certain international markets. Dr. Porwoll’s addition to the Board of Directors is a further demonstration of Isowater’s commitment to meeting the needs of our customers particularly in the life sciences, including the growing pharmaceutical markets.

Andrew Stuart, President & CEO of Isowater Corporation, states, “Joe brings a wealth of technical expertise to the Board, which is critical to strategic planning and setting our overall strategic direction. Isowater is responding to increased demand for its products in both traditional markets and new emerging growth markets. Joe’s experience and technical input is critical to our success to date and to future market penetration.”