Employer Spotlight: Borealis Wind

In this spotlight, we explore the story of Borealis Wind, a company born out of UBC’s Applied Science program, tackling a pressing issue in renewable energy. Founded by UBC alumni Daniela Roeper and Dylan Baxter, Borealis Wind’s journey from a capstone project to acquisition by FabricAir exemplifies innovation, resilience, and teamwork.

How did their time at UBC shape the founders of Borealis Wind? 

Daniela Roeper and Dylan Baxter both graduated from UBC’s Mechanical Engineering program, both also earning a minor in Commerce. Their time at UBC played a pivotal role in shaping their careers and sowing the seeds of Borealis Wind.

Daniela’s Experience: Daniela’s journey at UBC was one of persistence and growth. Reflecting on her early years, she shared, “First and second year were tough. I struggled academically and felt out of place, but I stuck with it because I loved problem-solving.” She credited the rigorous curriculum for pushing her limits and added, “UBC taught me how to approach challenges with resilience.” Beyond academics, she completed summer jobs to gain hands-on engineering experience. “Those roles gave me confidence and helped me discover what I enjoyed working on,” Daniela noted.

Dylan’s Perspective: Dylan transferred to UBC from Thompson Rivers University, bringing with him a competitive drive and a clear focus on Mechanical Engineering. “At UBC, I realized how powerful it was to combine technical skills with business knowledge,” he said, referring to his minor in Commerce. A transformative DAAD internship in Germany taught him the importance of documentation and standardization. “That experience shaped the way I work as an engineer today,” Dylan explained.

Both founders valued their co-op and internships experiences, "Internships helped me understand the real-world applications of my homework" said Daniela. Dylan emphasized "Co-ops are about more than skills. They're a chance to learn industry expectations and build networks." 

How did Borealis Wind evolve from a capstone project to a global product? 

Borealis Wind began as a capstone project at UBC, where Daniela identified a critical issue in renewable energy: ice buildup on wind turbines. She proposed designing a de-icing system and teamed up with Dylan and two other students to bring the idea to life.

The Early Days: 

“I couldn’t stop thinking about the problem of ice on wind turbines,” Daniela recalled. “It felt like an opportunity to create something meaningful.” The capstone project provided the framework for their initial research and development. Dylan added, “We worked long hours prototyping and testing our ideas, often using UBC labs after hours.” Their combined understanding of engineering and business fundamentals helped refine the product’s feasibility.

After graduation, the team took the bold step of founding Borealis Wind. “It was exciting but daunting,” said Daniela. “We had to figure out everything from fundraising to customer relations on our own.” Dylan described the hands-on nature of the early days: “We built prototypes in shared spaces and even backyards to validate our designs.”

Growth and Success: As Borealis Wind gained traction, they expanded their team, enhanced their technology, and secured major clients in the renewable energy sector. “Seeing our system implemented on wind turbines was incredibly rewarding,” said Dylan. Their efforts culminated in the company’s acquisition by FabricAir in 2023. “The acquisition gave us the resources to scale globally while preserving our vision,” Daniela shared.

What are Daniela and Dylan working on now? 

Borealis Wind’s integration into FabricAir has allowed Daniela and Dylan to take on influential roles within the company.

• Daniela now holds an executive management position. “My focus is on ensuring our solutions align with global market demands while keeping the innovative spirit of Borealis Wind alive,” she explained. Her role involves overseeing operations and driving strategic initiatives.
• As the Director of Technology, Dylan focuses on advancing the technical capabilities of the Borealis Wind product line. “I’m working on optimizing processes and scaling operations globally,” he said. “It’s about balancing innovation with the stability of a larger organization.”

Together, they continue to align the startup’s culture of agility with the operational scale of a global corporation.

What advice do you have for co-op students? 

Daniela and Dylan’s experiences have given them valuable insights for students navigating co-op opportunities or considering entrepreneurship:

Embrace Problem-Solving: “Co-op students who thrive are those who can troubleshoot independently but know when to ask for help,” says Dylan. “That balance is critical in any role.”

Master Documentation: Clear and effective documentation is critical. “It’s not just about writing things down,” Daniela explains. “You need to understand the entire design process and ensure its well-communicated.”

Find What Energizes You: Daniela advises students to reflect on what excites them in their work. “Your passion will guide you to a fulfilling career. Pay attention to tasks that energize you versus those that drain you,” she says.

Think Practically: Dylan highlights the importance of aligning career goals with industry realities. “Understand where your chosen field thrives and be prepared to move, if necessary,” he recommends, noting that some industries may require relocation outside of Greater Vancouver to advance.

Take Risks: Daniela believes that early career is the best time to embrace entrepreneurial challenges. “It’s tough, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it,” she says.

What is their biggest takeaway for future engineers and entrepreneurs? 

Daniela’s takeaway: “Starting a company is way harder than I thought it would be, but it’s also the most rewarding experience I’ve had. If you’re passionate about solving a problem, don’t let fear stop you from trying.”

Dylan’s advice: “Don’t assume everyone else has everything figured out. Most people are working with partial clarity at best. Start small, pivot as needed, and trust that you’ll find your way.”

Closing Thoughts 

The journey of Borealis Wind demonstrates the power of innovation, teamwork, and resilience. From their time at UBC to leading a global product line, Daniela and Dylan exemplify what is possible when engineering expertise meets entrepreneurial spirit. They are now in a position to actively hire co-op students, and support future engineering talent!