Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) and Innovate UK announced a joint Call for Proposals called the Canada-UK: Collaborative Ocean Innovation Solutions Program. With a current project portfolio of more than $400 million, this marks the OSC’s first joint international Call program as it seeks to continue to expand its momentum, project portfolio, and benefits of the cluster.
Combined, the OSC and Innovate UK will invest up to £4 million to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant ocean solutions. Recognizing the synergies and shared opportunities in bringing Canadian and UK companies together to collaborate on ocean projects, both the OSC and Innovate UK have initiated this parallel Call for Proposals, inviting consortiums to submit innovative project proposals.
Now open, the Canada-UK: Collaborative Ocean Solutions Program is designed to foster new partnerships in the development of digital, sustainable and inclusive ocean solutions, while also creating new market opportunities. Applications should fall under one of the following program themes:
- Alternative energy
- Aquaculture systems
- Seaweed cultivation and production
- Carbon capture and storage
- Autonomous vessels or ocean systems
- Robotics and drones
- Ocean sensors and environmental monitoring
The Call for Proposals involves a two-step assessment process, including an initial country specific assessment, followed by joint assessment and selection by both the OSC and Innovate UK at the Expression of Interest and Proposal phases. Expressions of Interests will be accepted until 8:00PM ADT/7:00PM EDT/4:00PM PDT, October 18th, 2023. More information on the program, templates, and how to apply can be found here. Applicants in the UK should visit apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/ for further information.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC)
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 85 projects with a total value of more than $400 million which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes
“As one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, this marks the first time Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will partner on an international Call for Proposals. We know the sustainable ocean economy will outpace the growth of the broader economy by 2030, and it’s through collaborative programs like the Canada-UK Collaborative Ocean Solutions Program, that we will not only catalyze exciting new ocean solutions to add to our portfolio, but also generate strong economic benefits and global partnerships in the process.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“This new competition provides the opportunity to support UK and Canadian organisations to accelerate the development of innovative Ocean solutions by collaborating internationally with funding provided by Innovate UK to support business-led innovation, together with our partners from the Canada Ocean Supercluster.” – Jon Hazell, Innovate UK – Partnership Manager North America
Media Contact:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca