Turning Wasted Heat Into Real-World Value: How Canaan Is Rethinking Energy Use in Computing

Most computing systems have one unavoidable side effect: they get hot. That heat is usually treated as a problem and pushed away using cooling systems. Canaan Inc., a technology company that builds high-performance computing machines, is now showing how that same heat can be reused instead of wasted.

In a pilot project in Manitoba, Canada, Canaan is working with greenhouse operator Bitforest Investment to recover heat generated by its computing systems. Rather than focusing only on computing output, the project looks at a more basic question—what happens to all the heat these machines produce and can it serve a practical purpose?

The idea is simple. Canaan’s computers run continuously and naturally generate heat. Instead of releasing that heat into the environment, the system captures it and uses it to warm water. That warm water is then fed into the greenhouse’s existing heating system. As a result, the greenhouse needs less additional energy to maintain the temperatures required for plant growth.

This is enabled through liquid cooling. Instead of using air to cool the machines, a liquid circulates through the system and absorbs heat more efficiently. Because liquid retains heat better than air, the recovered water reaches temperatures that are suitable for industrial use. In effect, the computing system supports greenhouse heating while continuing to perform its primary computing function.

What makes this approach workable is that it integrates with existing infrastructure. The recovered heat does not replace the greenhouse’s boilers but supplements them. By preheating the water that enters the boiler system, the overall energy demand is reduced. Based on current assumptions, Canaan estimates that a significant portion of the electricity used by the servers can be recovered as usable heat, though actual results will be confirmed once the system is fully operational.

This matters because heating is one of the largest energy expenses for commercial greenhouses, particularly in colder regions like Canada. Many facilities still rely heavily on fossil-fuel-based heating and policies such as carbon pricing are encouraging lower-emission alternatives. Reusing computing heat offers a way to improve efficiency without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems.

The project is planned to run for an initial two-year period, allowing Canaan to evaluate real-world performance factors such as reliability, system stability and maintenance needs. These findings will help determine whether the model can be replicated in other agricultural or industrial settings.

More broadly, the initiative reflects a shift in how computing infrastructure can be designed. Instead of operating as energy-intensive systems isolated from everyday use, computing equipment can contribute to real-world applications. Canaan’s greenhouse pilot highlights how excess heat—often seen as a by-product—can become part of a more efficient and thoughtful energy loop.

In doing so, the project suggests that improving sustainability in technology is not only about reducing energy consumption, but also about finding smarter ways to reuse the energy already being generated.

Keep Reading

Fintech & Payments

5 Budget Monitoring Apps That Will Keep Your Spending on Track

Take charge of your finances with these top budget monitoring apps that make tracking spending simple, smart, and stress-free.

Ventureport Media Team

Updated

January 8, 2026 6:36 PM

A phone next to a laptop, displaying a stock market app. PHOTO: UNSPLASH

Managing personal finances can feel overwhelming, especially with the countless expenses we juggle daily. Thankfully, budget monitoring apps are hereto save the day. These handy tools help you track your spending, set financial goals, and build better money habits—all from the convenience of your smartphone.

Whether you're saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or just trying to avoid those end-of-the-month surprises, budget tracker apps can provide clarity and control over your finances. Here are 5 budget monitoring apps that will keep your spending on track.

1. Monefy

Overview:

If simplicity is what you’re after, Monefy is the solution. Known for its highly intuitive interface, Monefy lets users track their spending with just a few taps. Unlike many budget apps that overwhelm you with features, Monefy focuses on the essentials, making it great for beginners or anyone looking for a straightforward way to manage their money.

Features:

One-tap expense tracking: Add an expense by simply selecting a category and entering the amount.
Categorized spending: Track where your money goes with predefined categories like food, transport, and entertainment (or create your own).
Visual reports: Beautiful pie charts help you quickly understand your spending patterns.
Cross-device sync: Use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to sync your data securely.

Pros:

Simple and fast manual entry—no need to navigate complex menus.
Clean and colorful visuals that make budgeting feel less daunting.
Works offline, so you can track expenses anytime.

Cons:

Free version is limited and lacks advanced features like bank syncing.
Requires manual entry for every expense, which can feel tedious over time.

Platforms available:

Android, iOS

Who it’s for:

Monefy is perfect for users who want a no-frills app to track spending or beginners just dipping their toes into budgeting.

2. Fortune City—A finance app

Overview:

Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and Fortune City proves just that. This app gamifies your financial habits by turning expense tracking into a city-building game. Every category of spending contributes to your virtual city’s development, making it an enjoyable way to visualize where your money is going.

Features:

Expense tracking through gameplay: Every transaction grows your city, with different categories influencing different aspects of development.
Daily financial reports: See a breakdown of your spending habits presented in a fun, game-like format.
Social features: Compete with friends or family to see who’s building the most thriving city.

Pros:

Engaging and entertaining, especially for users who struggle with traditional budgeting methods.
The gamified approach incentivizes consistent expense tracking.
Great visuals and a playful design make it enjoyable to use.

Cons:

May feel too gimmicky for users who prefer a more serious approach to budgeting.
Advanced features like detailed analytics require in-app purchases.

Platforms available:

Android, iOS

Who it’s for:

Fortune City is ideal for those who find traditional budgeting boring or intimidating and want a fun way to stay consistent.

3. Jupiter

Overview:

Jupiter combines the best of both worlds: digital banking and budgeting. This app integrates directly with your bank account, automatically categorizing transactions and providing insights into your spending patterns. It’s not just a budget tracker—it’s a full-fledged financial assistant.

Features:

Automated expense tracking: Transactions are categorized in real time, removing the need for manual input.
Smart insights: The app highlights spending trends, so you know where to cut back.
Goal-based savings: Create savings "jars" for specific goals, like vacations or emergency funds.
Zero hidden fees: Use Jupiter without worrying about subscription costs or hidden charges.

Pros:

Seamlessly integrates with your bank, saving time and effort.
Provides a holistic view of your finances in one app.
Clean and modern user interface.

Cons:

Limited availability to users in select regions.
Lacks the flexibility of manual-budgeting apps for users who want full control.

Platforms available:

Android, iOS

Who it’s for:

Jupiter is best for users who want a hands-off budgeting experience and prefer an all-in-one app for banking and money management.

4. GoodBudget

Overview:

Inspired by the envelope budgeting method, GoodBudget offers a digital twist on this classic approach. Instead of physical envelopes, you allocate your money into virtual "envelopes" for different spending categories. This app encourages disciplined spending and is particularly effective for budgeters who like to plan ahead.

Features:

Virtual envelopes: Set up envelopes for categories like groceries, dining, and rent.
Sync across devices: Share your budget with family members or a partner to track finances together.
Spending reports: Visualize how much you’ve spent and how much is left in each envelope.

Pros:

Encourages mindful spending by limiting overspending in specific categories.
Great for shared budgets with partners or families.
Simple and effective for users who like planning their finances in advance.

Cons:

No automated bank syncing—you’ll need to enter transactions manually.
May feel restrictive for users who prefer more flexibility in their budgets.

Platforms available:

Android, iOS, Web

Who it’s for:

GoodBudget is ideal for planners who like a structured approach to budgeting and don’t mind manual tracking.

5. Wally

Overview:

Wally is a feature-packed app designed for users who want deep insights into their spending habits. Its sleek design, multi-currency support, and detailed financial reports make it a standout option, especially for frequent travelers or professionals juggling multiple accounts.

Features:

Expense and income tracking: Monitor your cash flow with precision.
Multi-currency support: Ideal for travelers or expats managing finances across countries.
Goal setting and bill reminders: Stay on top of due dates and savings plans.
Bank syncing: Automates transaction tracking for ease of use.

Pros:

Highly detailed and customizable financial tracking.
Supports multiple currencies, making it great for international users.
Offers both automated tracking and manual entry for flexibility

Cons:

Extensive features can feel overwhelming for new users.
Premium subscription required for advanced tools.

Platforms available:

Android, iOS

Who it’s for:

Wally is perfect for users who want advanced budgeting tools and detailed insights, especially those with international financial needs.

Conclusion

Budget monitoring apps are powerful tools that simplify the often-daunting task of managing your finances. Whether you’re drawn to the playful gamification of Fortune City, the structured approach of GoodBudget, or the all-in-one convenience of Jupiter, there’s an app tailored to your preferences and goals.

These apps don’t just track your spending—they help you build better habits, gain financial clarity, and take control of your money. With the right app in your pocket, managing your budget becomes less of a chore and more of are warding journey toward financial freedom. So why wait? Choose an app, start tracking, and watch your financial confidence grow!

Climate & Energy