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MiON Forest is on a mission to redefine reforestation completely. Based in Hamilton, MiON Forest is harnessing climate tech to plant trees more efficiently and precisely with much higher survival rates. Their innovative solution—featuring the MiON Pot, Smart Planting AI, and the world’s first tree-planting drone—addresses the critical challenges of traditional hand-planting. MiON is committed to turning ambitious reforestation goals into reality, one tree at a time, and is currently piloting its solution in Ontario, Quebec, and Michigan. Invest in Hamilton sat down with Sanghyun Kim, co-founder of MiON Forest, to discuss their technology, the support they have received from the Hamilton community, and their future ambitions.

Where did you get the idea for this solution? What makes your solution different from other players in this market?

I got the idea when I saw the urgent need for a better way to reforest our planet in the face of deforestation and climate change. There was a significant gap between the ambitious goals the world is setting for reforestation and what traditional methods could deliver. While many initiatives and tech startups aim to advance reforestation, most rely on seed-dropping or manual hand-planting, often resulting in poor survival rates and high costs.

I have a background in forest ecology and biotechnology, with research experience in Korea, Sweden, and Canada. I have developed a solution that does not scatter seeds but plants actual trees with precision, utilizing our MiON Pot, Smart Planting AI, and tree-planting drone. Our integrated system dramatically boosts survival rates, reduces labour risks, and makes large-scale reforestation efficient and sustainable, turning a lofty goal into a tangible reality.

Can you tell me about your entrepreneurial journey in Hamilton?

Instead of chasing Silicon Valley, I chose Dundas Valley as the launchpad for my entrepreneurial journey. During my PhD studies in Quebec, I was already preparing to start my own company. Still, the real breakthrough came when we became a finalist in McMaster University’s annual (Startup Survivor) competition. That intensive four‑month summer incubation—complete with grants, business workshops, coaching, legal support, marketing, and prototyping—was a game‑changer. Even after the program, McMaster continued to support us by providing talented student interns through the Experience Ventures Program and a co-working space at McMaster Innovation Park. With this unwavering support, MiON Forest rapidly gained momentum, securing a federal IDEA Fund grant, winning an innovation award from Innovation Nations, and earning a spot as one of Canada’s Top Student Entrepreneurs for 2025. Hamilton has truly become my entrepreneurial hometown.

What moment did you realize Hamilton is the place for you and MiON Forest?

The moment it really hit me was when I realized that Canada’s most extensive Royal Botanical Gardens—one of the most incredible ecological treasures—is right here in Hamilton, just 15 minutes from my home. That was a wow moment. Then, I learned that Hamilton sits on some of the most fertile land in all of Canada, a genuine biological hotspot with first-class soil quality. Coming from Korea, where even our most fertile lands are considered third-class, that puts things into perspective. Hamilton isn’t just a great place to live—it’s the perfect place for MiON Forest to grow.

What does the vision of MiON Forest look like 2-3 years down the road?

Over the next two to three years, MiON Forest is poised to be a game-changer in global reforestation, leading the way in ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. We won’t just be another tree-planting company—we’ll be the ones proving that forests can thrive in even the harshest environments. As a pioneering reforestation company, we will tackle the most challenging landscapes across Canada, the U.S., and the globe, transforming barren lands into thriving ecosystems.

But our vision goes beyond planting trees. We’re building a movement that redefines how the world approaches reforestation through cutting-edge technology, scientific innovation, and deep collaboration with Indigenous and local communities. MiON Forest will set a new global standard for scalable, high-impact restoration, ensuring that every tree we plant survives and creates lasting change for generations to come.

What does success look like to you?

Success is simple for me—it’s about planting trees and ensuring they thrive. It’s about restoring forests where others say it’s impossible. One day, I want MiON Forest to be the first to plant trees on Mars. Because if we can grow forests in the harshest places on Earth, why stop there?

What advice would you give to a recent immigrant looking to launch a startup in Hamilton?

For any recent immigrant looking to launch a startup in Hamilton, don’t wait. While grants and support may seem limited initially, every entrepreneurial path presents its own unique challenges. You must dive in and push through the hurdles because the best time to start is right now. I truly wish I had started even earlier!