Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies

Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies is a pioneering clean-tech company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in transforming wastewater management into a sustainable, circular economy. By utilizing proprietary technologies, the company recovers phosphorus and nitrogen from municipal and industrial wastewater streams, effectively preventing environmental pollution while creating high-value, eco-friendly agricultural products. Their innovative approach helps municipalities reduce operational costs and infrastructure maintenance while providing the agricultural sector with efficient, root-activated fertilizers. Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the University of British Columbia, Ostara has grown into a global leader in nutrient recovery. The company is best known for its Pearl® and WASSTRIP® processes, which convert waste into Crystal Green® fertilizer. With significant backing from venture capital and a track record of large-scale implementations—including the world's largest nutrient recovery project in Chicago—Ostara continues to expand its influence in North America and Europe, driving the transition toward more sustainable food and water systems.

Ostara’s mission is to protect precious water resources by changing the way cities manage nutrients in wastewater, closing the loop on phosphorus and nitrogen to transform waste into valuable, sustainable fertilizer.

• Implemented the world’s largest nutrient recovery project at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago.
• Successfully commercialized academic research from the University of British Columbia into a global industrial solution.
• Developed the proprietary Crystal Green® fertilizer, a root-activated, slow-release product that minimizes nutrient runoff.
• Secured $70 million in Series C funding in 2022 to accelerate manufacturing and market expansion.

Sources

• Ostara Official Website
• Crunchbase Profile