Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its newest project, the OceanDNA System™. Led by eDNAtec Inc. together with partners Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut Fisheries Association, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the OceanDNA System will revolutionize how to assess, monitor and characterize the ocean.

With a total project value of $4.9 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has provided $2.2 million in funding to the project with the balance of funding coming from project partners. Seventeen jobs will directly support the research and development activity related to the OceanDNA System, and in addition, graduating university students will also have the opportunity to engage in the project to help build capabilities and experience in this area.

The OceanDNA System has applications across ocean sectors and could be used to help inform sustainable ocean management and activity. By reading DNA from environmental samples, such as sediment or sea water, a comprehensive range of organisms can be identified – from bacteria to marine mammals – which yields a complete picture of the ecosystem.  eDNAtec’s technology achieves proven cost reductions, strengthens environmental stewardship, enhances safety and supports regulatory compliance.

Project activity will be led from eDNAtec’s Centre for Environmental Genomics Applications (CEGA) in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in collaboration with project partners to develop and commercialize genomics solutions to modernize the way we monitor, measure and assess fish stocks. Environmental DNA (eDNA) data can also be combined with complementary data derived from acoustics, remote sensing, counts from fishing activities, and historical knowledge to generate predictive models about the presence, location and abundance of high value target species.

Conventional approaches for ecological assessment, such as direct sampling, and visual/acoustic observation, are expensive and often imprecise. ‘Catch and look’ sampling, sorting and individually identifying organisms is lengthy and labor-intensive and is sometimes harmful or disruptive to rare or endangered species. Through Canada’s Ocean Supercluster program, the OceanDNA System will not only address these limitations with its innovative technology, but will also commercialize the solution in world markets, generating new economic activity, creating new jobs and opportunities, while also helping to position Canada as a global leader in ocean genomics.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is changing the way ocean business is done. With an innovative model for growth that reduces risk for Canadian companies, we are increasing collaboration and data exchange across ocean sectors, creating a platform for the development of commercial, sustainable ocean solutions, building an inclusive and highly-capable workforce, and continuing to drive resiliency in our oceans.

About eDNAtec

eDNAtec, a leading innovator in environmental DNA technologies, is revolutionizing how to assess, monitor and characterize the ocean.  eDNAtec’s EnviroSeq® is a new biological tracking system that analyzes environmental DNA (eDNA) using next-generation sequencing. By reading DNA from environmental samples, such as sediment or sea water, EnviroSeq® can be used in any ocean environment, including harsh arctic conditions, to identify a comprehensive range of organisms – from bacteria to marine mammals – and yield a complete picture of the ecosystem.  EnviroSeq® achieves proven cost reductions, strengthens environmental stewardship, enhances safety and supports regulatory compliance. We empower the world’s ocean industries, including offshore energy, fisheries and aquaculture.

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is teaching us more about Canada’s great marine resources. We are managing our oceans more sustainably while creating new jobs for Canadians.”

• The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources

“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is excited to announce its newest Technology Leadership Project called the OceanDNA System Project. With activity led out of St. John’s, this project brings together partners from different ocean sectors across the country to not only revolutionize the assessment, monitoring, and characterization of the ocean, but also builds capabilities, creates jobs, and economic opportunities through commercialization.”

• Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“We are excited to work with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and our multi-sectoral partners to develop and apply advanced genomic technologies to characterize precious Ocean ecosystems. Genomic tools have been at the forefront of biological detection and surveillance such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. They represent a paradigm shift in our capacity to detect organisms and this can aid immensely for monitoring the ocean environment.”

• Mehrdad Hajibabaei, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, eDNAtec Inc.

“This project will be seeking to expand the development of eDNA technology to provide significant information to assist in the management of our fishery resources. Used in combination with annual stock surveys and other technologies, including fish tracking programs, this will help improve our understanding of the marine environment and the ecosystem within which we operate our fishery.”

• Sakiasie Sowdlooapik, Chair of the Nunavut Fisheries Association

“Characterization of the marine environment is a critical requirement for operating safely and responsibly in the ocean, and environmental DNA is a very promising technology that offers huge potential for advancing our capability to monitor changes to that environment.  The oil and gas sector has been working with eDNAtec to advance the development of this technology for a while now, and we’re really excited about working with other sectors through the Ocean Supercluster to expand its applicability.”

• Dave Finn, CEO, Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador

“The development of this technology can revolutionize how we conduct ecosystem science, extending our understanding and our capacity to manage ecosystems.”

• David Cote, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Research Scientist and DFO’s lead OceanDNA project coordinator

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Project Partners 

Media Contact

Nancy Andrews

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

709.725.7070

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

Learn more about the OSC

Alongside members of its Indigenous Working Group and Indigenous community partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its newest project called the Indigenous Career Pivot Project. This is a first-of-its-kind ocean innovation ecosystem project in Canada that is now fully developed and ready to deploy. The project represents a total investment of more than $740,000 of which $550,000 is funded by the Ocean Supercluster.

Led by Ulnooweg Development Group with their project partners, the Joint Economic Development Initiative and the College of the North Atlantic, the project will facilitate and support meaningful work placements for Indigenous peoples wishing to explore career options in the ocean economy. During their 12-month placements, participants will gain valuable experience in ocean and enhance their knowledge through placements that complement their existing skillset and natural aptitudes. Approximately ten Indigenous people will have the opportunity to work in Ocean Supercluster member organizations as a part of a pilot program.

Learning and support opportunities for both participants and employers have been imbedded into the project and they include: career mentoring support provided by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and employers; the development of a Peer Support Network for Indigenous participants; and intercultural competency training provided to employers.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster recognizes the value of traditional knowledge and has engaged Indigenous stakeholders in the development of its five-year strategy, works closely with its Indigenous Engagement Working Group, and employs a full-time Indigenous Engagement Lead. Although Indigenous people have a connection to the ocean, there is often a disconnect between ocean resources and ocean-related careers. Today’s announcement is the realization of one of the key priorities set out by the Indigenous Engagement Working Group aimed to help address that disparity.

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is deepening our understanding of the great marine resources that Canada has within its territorial waters. This new project will provide work placements for Indigenous Peoples, recognizing their traditional knowledge and offering ocean-related career choices.”

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Together with our members, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is developing new partnerships, launching new projects, building capabilities and opportunities for growth, and we are supporting an innovative ocean economy that is sustainable and inclusive. This has been a true collaboration between the Ocean Supercluster, our Indigenous Engagement Working group, and members of the Indigenous community – and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work towards future projects and initiatives.”

• Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Ulnooweg is enthusiastic about the long-term outcomes of pairing Indigenous professionals with training and career opportunities in the ocean economy. Indigenous people have a strong history of innovation and resourcefulness which has helped to advance modern industry. This synergetic collaboration furthers Indigenous participation and engagement as the Ocean Supercluster continues to evolve.” ​

• Chris Googoo, COO, Ulnooweg Development Group

“This is a great opportunity for Indigenous workers to have access to a very unique potential career path in Supercluster Member companies.”

• John Paul, Executive Director, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat

“The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a leading Indigenous organization dedicated to working with partners to foster Indigenous economic and workforce development in New Brunswick. In collaboration with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, JEDI is committed to advancing the Indigenous workforce in the ocean economy.”

– Alex Dedam, JEDI President

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Media Contact

Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
709.725.7070
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

Ocean Supercluster Announces Second Call for Accelerated Ocean Projects

(St. John’s, NL) Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has launched a second Canada-wide Call for Proposals for its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP) to further invest in ocean projects and trigger additional industry investment in innovation and capacity-building in oceans during this challenging time. The AOSP supplements the Ocean Supercluster’s core programs in Technology Leadership and Innovation Ecosystem.

“We had an incredible response to our first Call for Proposals under the accelerated program in May that saw an influx of new OSC members and some very exciting new projects that we look forward to announcing in the fall,” said OSC CEO Kendra MacDonald. “With continued uncertainties due to the global pandemic, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is driving new opportunities for accelerated ocean projects, while also seeing continued momentum in our core programming. “MacDonald says these OSC projects will commercialize Canadian-made ocean solutions that have applications across ocean sectors and with a market opportunity that is global, generating significant economic benefits including growing ocean companies and retaining and creating more jobs in Canada.

The Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program July 2020 Call for Proposals is an opportunity for projects that can be completed in less than two years. It is deadline-driven and competitive with a focus on three Project Themes including: remote operations; digital/automated technologies; and environmental technologies.

The application process is now open and begins with Expressions of Interest which must be submitted by August 11, 2020 at 4 p.m. Atlantic time to be considered. For complete details, visit https://oceansupercluster.ca/projects/accelerated-ocean-solutions-program/

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About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges of multiple ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions. This includes leaders in fisheries, aquaculture, offshore resources, bioresources, transportation, marine renewables, defence, and ocean technologies who are committed to leveraging collective strengths and working together. For more information visit www.oceansupercluster.ca

Media Contact

Nancy Andrews

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

709.725.7070

HALIFAX, NS (June 5, 2020) – Today, the Ocean Startup Project launched a competition, the Ocean Startup Challenge, for innovators and entrepreneurs from rural, Indigenous and urban communities, across Canada and internationally.

While the world’s ocean economy is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030, to achieve that potential industry must first overcome significant challenges. To that end, the Ocean Startup Challenge is designed to find and support innovators and companies developing products or technologies that can be applied to solve such challenges. There has never been a better time to start and grow an ocean company in Canada.

The challenges span aquaculture, fisheries, ocean transportation, bioscience, energy, healthy oceans and ecosystem services, energy, enabling technologies and data analytics.

“For the Ocean Startup Challenge, we sought input from industry and thought leaders who shared their top pain points across each of those areas,” said Don Grant, Executive Director, Ocean Startup Project. “Based on that input, the Challenge presents innovators with a pre-identified, potential market need and asks them to step up to apply their ideas or technologies as ways to solve the challenges.”

For the Challenge’s initial phase, up to 10 prizes of $25,000 each will be awarded to the winning startups and scaleups to prototype their respective solutions. Winners will also receive key resources, support and connections that innovators need to succeed, including sharing $18,000 in collective services and resources from in-kind sponsors. They may also be eligible to participate in a follow-on Ocean Startup Project activity, involving up to another $100,000 awarded to finalists. Even those who are not selected as winners during the Challenge still stand to benefit from training through invitation-only, virtual bootcamps as well as guidance and support from partnering organizations in the Atlantic Canadian ecosystem.

“We welcome applications with innovative solutions and perspectives that could have a major impact on industry and the ocean economy,” added Grant. “The Challenge is an opportunity to identify, support and grow the next Canadian ocean tech success stories.”

The Ocean Startup Challenge is led by the Ocean Startup Project, the first Innovation Ecosystem Project announced by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. The Ocean Startup Project is a pan-Atlantic collaboration to create and grow high-quality ocean technology companies and attract more ventures to the region’s ecosystem. Collaborators include: Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) – Atlantic, Genesis, Innovacorp, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, PEI BioAlliance, and Springboard Atlantic.

In-kind supporters of the Ocean Startup Challenge include BDO Canada, Enginuity, IGNITE, McInnes Cooper, Propel, and Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre. For more information about the Ocean Startup Challenge, visit oceanstartupchallenge.ca.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Donald Grant, Executive Director, Ocean Startup Project

challenge@oceanstartupproject.ca

902-292-0244