June 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(HALIFAX) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster today announced five new ocean innovation projects worth over $18 million during the H20 Conference in Halifax, including the $1.4 million Maritime Emergency Response Systems (MERS) Project led by B-Side.
The pilot project will enhance Canada’s maritime emergency preparedness and response through the development of an AI-powered system that integrates real-time data, analytics, and coordination tools. Designed for scalability, the solution has strong commercial potential across emergency services and the broader maritime industry, aiming to improve safety, resilience, and operational efficiency in ocean-related activities.
This project is led by Halifax, NS-based BSide, in partnership with ResolveHD in Halifax, and industry partners Scott Ramey, Assistant Fire Chief, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, and Moriah Greenhaw, Chief Innovation Strategist for Canadian Emergency Services Collaborative Innovation Lab, also in Halifax. With a total project value of $1.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $727,500, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The AI-powered system will significantly boost Canada’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies, leading to faster, more effective crisis management that could save lives and reduce injuries. It also supports advancements in both health and ocean technologies, strengthening Canada’s tech sector, generating an expected 10 full time positions, and attracting investment.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions, including the projects announced today, will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 140 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Learn more at oceansupercluster.ca
About ResolveHD
ResolveHD employs proprietary AI solutions to enhance data quality and interoperability for healthcare and emergency services clients. Their incident management software enables first responders to improve response times during emergency incidents, collect detailed data for post-incident analysis, and ensure more effective resource allocation.
Quotes
“The Maritime Emergency Response Systems Project showcases the power of innovation to strengthen both safety and resilience in the ocean sector. By harnessing AI and real-time data integration, this project lays the groundwork for a new era of smarter, faster emergency response. It’s not just about advancing technology; it’s about saving lives, supporting healthcare delivery, and ensuring that communities across Canada have access to the tools they need to thrive.”
— Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster