The “Trade Heroes” series highlights Edmonton Region companies who have ‘exportitude’ — the mindset and commitment to think globally when it comes to their business.
Norcada, a leader in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), photonics, and nanotechnology, has built a reputation for creating some of the most advanced technological devices in the world. Traditional MEMS devices are the hidden technology behind common applications like rotating your phone’s screen or locking a car’s doors when it starts moving. However, Norcada’s work extends far beyond these everyday uses, making it a critical player in global industries like energy, aerospace, and quantum computing.
Founded in 2002, Norcada started as a small company but has grown significantly. Today, it has more than 30 employees and plans to continue growing, shipping 99% of its products outside Canada. “We do everything in [the] Edmonton [Region] then ship to 40 countries,” Norcada CEO Hooman Hosseinkhannazer said. “Most of our products leave the country on a FedEx jet on the day they are ordered or packaged.”
Norcada’s customers include research labs, universities, and industrial companies. Norcada is the only Canadian company producing MEMS technology focused on nanoscopy, microanalysis, nanoimaging and nano-bio sensing, with many devices being used to conduct high-precision experiments at the atomic level.
“People want to see what happens inside a battery, inside a semiconductor device, or what happens to an alloy that may be heated to ultra high temperatures inside a jet engine, at an atomic scale,” Hosseinkhannazer explained. “We basically make a very, very miniaturized version of a lab in our chips that people can use to visualize what happens at the atomic scale.”
One of the notable uses of Norcada’s photonics technology is in hydrogen energy pipelines. The company’s devices can play an integral to leak detection, helping identify gas leaks at concentrations as low as 1%.
“If you have a hydrogen pump station and want to monitor for leakage, our laser spectroscopy system can measure very low concentrations,” Hosseinkhannazer said. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of emerging hydrogen economies.
Another application is illustrated through its partnership with NASA. Norcada supplies infrared laser-based gas sensors used to monitor oxygen and CO2 levels in astronauts’ space suits or the capsules and modules in the earth orbit. The company’s sensors will also be used in the upcoming lunar missions, alongside Canadian astronauts.
While MEMS devices account for half of Norcada’s business, their products serve industries ranging from healthcare to quantum sensing, and the company is pushing boundaries in both traditional and emerging fields. The company has diversified into genomics and proteomics, where its devices are used to detect proteins, sequence DNA, and more.
A key factor in Norcada’s international success has been its strong network of distributors. “Having local distributors has been great for us,” said Hosseinkhannazer, noting that some of its partnerships have lasted more than a decade. These distributors are critical for helping Norcada break into new markets, particularly in Asia.
The Edmonton Region’s logistical advantages also contribute to Norcada’s success. Hosseinkhannazer praised the Edmonton International Airport and smooth shipping capabilities, which make it easier to get products to global markets.
“Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is proud to support innovative companies like Norcada that are pushing the boundaries of technology and bringing the Edmonton Region’s expertise to the globe,” Alex Lowe, Director of Ecommerce, Cargo & Aviation Real Estate at YEG commented.
“We believe that this type of collaboration is key to driving growth and positioning the Region as a hub for global logistics.”
In addition to the Region’s connectivity, Hosseinkhannazer highlighted the city’s eight post-secondary institutions, like the University of Alberta and NAIT.
“We have access to good people coming in,” he said. Norcada has worked with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to develop specialized training programs, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled technologists.
“The Edmonton Region is Canada’s capital of nanotechnology,” Hosseinkhannazer proudly stated. The Region holds a wealth of knowledge and expertise in microelectronics, quantum devices, and nanotechnology, making it an ideal location for Norcada to thrive.
Hosseinkhannazer also emphasized the importance of the Region’s supportive business community. Norcada has often helped other local businesses get off the ground, offering advice and introductions to its network of distributors. “Asking for help from [someone in the Region’s ecosystem] is a very good first step,” he said, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that has been vital to Norcada’s growth and success.
“There must be something magical about the Edmonton [Region],” Hosseinkhannazer added. “It’s an ideal place, where you can focus on work and build good know-how – and good products.”
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