As we continue to take necessary measures to protect ourselves and each other amid the pandemic, we look to the coming weeks and months knowing there is uncertainty around when regular activity can resume. Our team is working closely with members and partners as we finalize new projects, advance others from proposal to contracting, and guide new proposals through the review process. Innovation Ecosystem activities continue to expand in a number of areas including the Ocean Startup Project webinar series for ocean innovators (starting April 2), work in indigenous engagement and other ecosystem building initiatives, and creating opportunities for members and partners to connect. Projects, initiatives, and activities are taking place virtually and this will continue until it is permitted and safe to engage otherwise.

Canada and the world are looking to innovators to help beat COVID-19 with new and accelerated production of health solutions. Last week the Government of Canada announced additional funding directed towards the accelerated development of new products as well as the scale-up and retooling of facilities to deliver on these products and services. To help achieve this, there has been a call for solutions from the Digital Technology Supercluster for the development, deployment and scaling of digital technology and from Next Generation Manufacturing (NGEN) for the provision of equipment, products, and therapeutics in response to virus. These opportunities are open to Canadian companies with a solution in any of these areas.

Further relief came for businesses late last week, when the Government of Canada made an announcement on wage subsidies and interest free loans to help companies avoid layoffs during this time. Today, the federal government provided greater detail on the program:

· 75 per cent of the cost of wages up to $847 per week will be provided

· Businesses of all sizes as well as not-for-profits and charities who have experienced at least 30 per cent revenue loss are eligible

· Payments are to go toward staff salaries, and businesses who are able are encouraged to top up salaries to full pay

· Payments will be backdated to March 15

In addition to the wage subsidy, guaranteed loans of up to $40,000 will be provided interest-free for one year to help those companies who are facing cash flow pressures during the health crisis. The full details of measures announced under Canada’s Economic Response Plan, can be found here. For tools and information on COVID-19 business resilience, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is providing regular insights and updates that may also be of assistance.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is here to support its members and partners however possible, as we work our way through this time and continue the work happening in ocean innovation that will be more important than ever to help drive our economy forward. Stay tuned later this week for the launch of our new Ocean Supercluster website and member portal, a dynamic platform to engage, and stay up to date on the latest news and opportunities.

Stay healthy and safe.

Kendra MacDonald

CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

As COVID-19 cases grow in Canada, it’s more important than ever that we all take the necessary steps to slow the spread of the virus in our communities. The most consistent advice we have been given tells us unless you are an essential worker, stay home. With this comes a different way of doing our work, sharing information, and providing opportunities for collaboration.

Our team is working virtually, has ceased travel for business, and taking the steps necessary to stay healthy and safe. We are actively working with projects to support their continued advancement in addition to readying new projects and supporting them through the approval process. We are adjusting as best we can to keep things moving forward and will continue to explore every opportunity.

Sharing information, facilitating collaboration, and building solutions to shared ocean challenges is at the heart of what Canada’s Ocean Supercluster does every day. As always, our team members are available by video, phone, and email to provide the information, guidance, and support needed by members and partners. We will bolster our digital communications tools with a dynamic new website, a monthly ocean news publication, and virtual events to share ocean opportunities. Watch for more details on these digital communications, in addition to the opportunity to participate in other virtual programs and events in the coming weeks and months.

Over the past week, the federal government has announced an economic response plan to help address some of the immediate impacts being experienced by individuals and businesses as a result of COVID-19. In addition, ISED is mobilizing resources quickly for manufacturers and businesses that can provide goods and services to help combat the virus. We will use our social media channels to share information on other new relief and funding programs as we become aware of them.

Our work to develop and deliver transformational ocean projects in Canada continues. The way we do that today looks different than it did even just a few weeks ago. We are relying more heavily on digital solutions to actively engage with members and partners and forge ahead with Ocean Supercluster projects, while also sharing information around other opportunities including those related to Canada’s COVID-19 response. Our team is here to support members and partners in whatever way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Stay healthy and safe.

Kendra MacDonald

CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

In the last week, we have seen the global concern about COVID-19 and its presence in Canada grow. We want to acknowledge that, above all, the health and safety of each other and our communities is most important. We have all been advised to practice social distancing to help flatten the curve, where public gatherings are discouraged and travel is to be avoided. In response, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has postponed our participation in upcoming conferences and in the delivery of in-person events for at least the next month, and, in some cases, beyond. This timeframe may be extended as we continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidelines set by governments should they change over time.

For the protection of our team, members, and partners, we would like to share the following:

• While our team is accustomed to working virtually, effective today our employees have been encouraged to work from home until further notice.
• Work related travel, both domestically and internationally, has been suspended for OSC employees until further notice.
• We will work together with project teams to understand any impacts and develop solutions to support continued project advancement.
• Participation in and delivery of in-person events has been cancelled until at least April 17, 2020 (subject to extension as required for precautionary measures)
• In the days and weeks to come, we will communicate any further decisions on future in-person events.

Our team will fully leverage the technology we have available to us to facilitate planned information sessions, workshops, and meetings to continue to engage and collaborate with you. This is a challenging time for all of us, where we must adjust the way we do our work and take care of each other. For the foreseeable future, we will update our website news section every Monday morning highlighting any further changes to operations and events, and any other precautions we are taking in response to the pandemic.

During this time, we acknowledge different organizations will face different challenges. Despite those differences, we all are in this together. If there is something we can do to assist your organization, please let us know.

St. John’s, NL – Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster team, with the support of the Government of Canada and other project partners, announced its first Innovation Ecosystem Project, representing an unprecedented investment and collaboration to make Atlantic Canada one of the best places to start and grow ocean companies.

The Ocean Startup Project will increase the number of quality, market-driven, ocean-focused start-ups in the region to support the kind of transformative ocean activity that will be realized through Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. The Ocean Startup Project activities will focus on engaging with entrepreneurs in their communities and encouraging quality startups; identifying academic prospects with high potential for commercialization; showcasing industry issues and developing solutions with global market potential; attracting female-led, Indigenous-led and international startups; and awarding grants for those companies demonstrating the greatest potential.

The project brings together, for the first time, six of Atlantic Canada’s leading incubators, accelerators, and support organizations including Genesis, Creative Destruction Lab, Innovacorp, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, PEI BioAlliance, and Springboard Atlantic as partners to deliver on the $6.8 million Ocean Startup Project. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster provided the bulk of funding at $3.9 million, with an additional $535,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, as well as up to $2.4 million in contributions from the Atlantic Provinces and the six project partners.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is changing the way ocean business is done. By growing the panAtlantic ecosystem, embracing collaboration, and bringing ocean industries together to develop game-changing ocean solutions, the supercluster is growing the ocean economy in a way that has never been done before.

Quotes

“This new project is a clear sign that the Ocean Supercluster is growing momentum, and establishing itself as a hotbed for innovation and collaboration. With the longest coastline and the fourth largest ocean territory in the world, this project has the potential to increase the number of ocean-focused startups in Canada, helping companies grow and creating new, middle class jobs.”

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

“One of our strongest economic drivers here in St. John’s and in Atlantic Canada is our ocean and marine sector. By supporting accelerator and incubation programs, I see this project helping to bridge the technology gap that has long hampered the ocean economy in areas like offshore oil and gas, shipping and seafood.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources

“The Ocean Startup Project represents an unprecedented collaboration and investment to grow more ocean companies in Atlantic Canada. This is an incredibly important part of building capacity, expanding our capabilities, and setting ourselves up for success as we embark on what we know will become a $3 trillion global ocean opportunity by 2030.”

Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“This pan-Atlantic collaboration with our neighbors in PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, aligns efforts to build the best ecosystem for ocean tech startups in the world. For centuries, Newfoundland and Labrador has been a leader of innovation and development in the ocean economy, which involves our world class research facilities, companies and institutions developing innovative ocean technologies and ecosystem development leaders such as Genesis. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to be a contributing partner to support Genesis and the other strong leaders involved in the Ocean Innovation Ecosystem Project.”

Minister Bernard Davis, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We recognize the potential for Nova Scotia in ocean technology and our $100,000 in support of the Ocean Startup Project demonstrates that. With focus and collaboration between private and public sector, start-ups and researchers, we are seeing continued growth in this sector. This project furthers our commitment to building a world-class ocean technology ecosystem, leveraging regional strengths and creating new opportunities.”

Minister Geoff Maclellan, Government of Nova Scotia

“Prince Edward Island already provides a strong support system for technology startups. The Ocean Startup Project will provide additional opportunities to move those technologies to commercial success.”

Minister Matthew MacKay, Government of Prince Edward Island

“This unprecedented partnership with partners from across the region lets Genesis double down on our commitment to ocean technology. We have already helped local ocean startups succeed with their innovations, and now Genesis is partnering to invest in more companies and accelerate their growth.”

Michelle Simms, CEO, Genesis Group

“Atlantic Canadian universities and colleges are renowned for oceans-related research, and through the Springboard Network, we have the unparalleled ability to bring great research to market. The Ocean Startup Project provides a unique opportunity to connect the region’s startup supports and fast track the development of new ocean tech ventures built upon that world-class expertise.”

Daryl Genge, President and CEO, Springboard Atlantic

“This project will boost the number of ocean technology startups launching and growing in this region.The Innovacorp team looks forward to helping build more venture capital ready companies in this vital sector.”

Malcolm Fraser, President and CEO, Innovacorp

“With a decade of experience in creating ideal conditions for technology commercialization, the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance looks forward to working with regional partners to accelerate the quantity and quality of ocean startups in Atlantic Canada. Through our regional and national bioscience business incubator Emergence, we will focus on startups in aquaculture, fish health and nutrition, marine biotechnology, and fish waste bioconversion—working with innovators to bring their technologies to market.”

Rory Francis, Executive Director, PEI BioAlliance

“Together with our regional partners, we are investing to create lasting and positive changes for Atlantic Canada’s economy through ocean technology. Through this project, we will nurture homegrown ocean startups that have potential for high growth and encourage companies from away to set roots here within our valued innovation ecosystem.”

Jeff White, CEO, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation

“This co-funded Ocean Startup Project will identify and support ocean tech startups that can clearly scale up to contribute to Atlantic Canada’s economy. This project will funnel selected startups into our next CDL cohort, where our mentors can accelerate the ability and preparedness of entrepreneurs and technical founders to get ocean tech innovations to market.”

Jeff Larsen, CDL-Atlantic Executive Director, Creative Destruction Lab.

-30-

Media contact:

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

As we embark on an exciting year ahead, our team now spans six cities across the Atlantic Region with a relentless drive to grow the ocean economy in a way that has never been done before.

Ralph Eldridge – Indigenous Engagement Lead

Ralph raises awareness and promotes inclusion of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster with Indigenous communities and OSC members. He is a trained facilitator and project manager with more than 20 years of experience working in indigenous engagement, community development, and in private sector roles.

Corey Kirkhus – Member Relations Lead

Corey’s focus at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is membership onboarding and engagement, helping to deliver on member communications, events, and strategic networking. In the role of Member Relations Lead, Corey will draw on his experience in strategic services as well as his background in sales, marketing and operations.

Darren Oickle – Technology Leadership Program Manager

Darren facilitates the development and execution of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster project opportunities and identifies partnership opportunities. He has a passion for sustainable ocean development and has worked background engineering in offshore resources around the world.

Andy Stone – Intellectual Property & Technology Leadership Program Manager

Andy completed a part-time secondment with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and has joined us in a full-time capacity where he works with OSC members to build innovative R&D projects that have global reach. Andy has a background in business development with 20 years of his career dedicated to identifying, developing, and marketing innovation strategies.

Paddy Wadden – Digital Media Lead

Paddy is focused on the development and delivery of video and digital content to help tell Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s story. He will also leverage his background in video production, digital strategy, and marketing to play an instrumental role in the refresh of the OSC website, social media, and event support.

Robert Laureijs – Analyst (MBA co-op)

Robert joins Canada’s Ocean Supercluster from the Dalhousie MBA Program bringing energy, fresh ideas, and a range of experience to his eight-month term with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. During his tenure with us, Robert will support both our finance/admin function and communications team on a variety of projects.

Ocean researchers in Atlantic Canada can now apply for a fourth round of seed funding thanks to a new collaboration among Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Innovacorp, and the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI).

OFI launched the first round of Seed Funding in March 2018 and provided financial support to ideas with the potential for advancing research, commercial or social concepts relating to the ocean. While the available funding isn’t large—typically ranging between $10,000 and $30,000—it will help early-stage projects get started. Funds can be used to conduct feasibility studies or develop prototypes, undertake pilot studies, collect and analyze early stage data and validate new research methodologies or approaches.

“This new synergy will help link OFI with our critical industry partners, allowing our researchers to commercialize their work like never before,” says Dr. Anya Waite, OFI Scientific Director, who helped forge the partnerships. “Our aim is to encourage innovative ideas that help us better understand the ocean and its complex challenges, while identifying solutions that will help us bring economic and social benefits to the ocean sector, in Atlantic Canada and beyond.”

The Ocean Supercluster is fostering new partnerships with industry, post-secondary, non-profits and indigenous communities, to accelerate commercially focused multi-sector ocean innovations and to drive increased sustainable economic growth for Canada’s ocean economy.

“Collaboration is at the forefront of everything we do at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. Partnering with the Ocean Frontier Institute and Innovacorp to support researchers as they explore the commercial potential of their projects is extremely important for sustainable development of our ocean resources,” remarked Kendra MacDonald, OSC CEO. “Helping innovative ideas flourish is a key element to building a stronger ocean ecosystem.”

Innovacorp is Nova Scotia’s early stage venture capital organization. In addition to risk capital, Innovacorp gives entrepreneurs access to world-class incubation facilities, expert advice and other support to help accelerate their technology companies.

“We know there’s a tremendous amount of research with great market potential at our region’s post-secondary institutions, especially when it comes to ocean-related innovations,” said Malcolm Fraser, Innovacorp’s president and CEO. “Innovacorp is pleased to be part of the effort to advance those opportunities.”

Representatives from both the Ocean Supercluster and Innovacorp will sit on the selection panel. The funding supports projects that will be completed within 12 months.

To qualify, applicants must be current faculty, staff, and students at Dalhousie University and/or Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Please note: due to university regulations, successful applications submitted by students must be supervised by a current faculty member who would be identified as the grant holder and assume responsibility for distribution of finances and terms of the deliverables.)

Applications are now being accepted. The deadline is October 28, 2019 for Dalhousie projects. Candidate projects from Memorial University must consult with their unit’s Grants Facilitators to determine internal deadlines per the institute’s procedures. A complete list of Seed Fund recipients, and funding application information, can be found on the OFI web site: https://oceanfrontierinstitute.com/funding/seed-fund

EXAMPLES OF SEED FUNDS:

Christopher Algar, Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University, is examining the potential for microbial electrochemical cells to remediate organic matter in the ocean. His focus? Use science to reduce the amount of organic waste that gathers in fish farms. “If we reduce the amount of waste that accumulates, we can help reduce marine pollution and eliminate the risk of disease,” says Chris.

And that in turn would support the growth of Canada’s aquaculture industry.

“An effective solution to the problem of organic matter loading would greatly increase the amount of coastline that could support aquaculture facilities in an environmentally sustainable manner,” said Chris. “That means we can put more people to work, responsibly farming the fish the world needs.”

Allison Chua, a Ph.D student at Dalhousie University, is using her Seed Fund award to test the viability of new technology that she hopes will allow scallop harvesters to farm with less of an impact on the ocean floor. Invented and constructed by Marcel Boudreau, a welder fabricator from St. Andrews, Nova Scotia, the equipment requires further analysis to ensure it can deliver what both the fishing industry and government regulators require: a low-cost technology that equals or exceeds current harvest rates while minimizing seabed disturbance.

“It could be a game changer,” says Allison. “To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no alternative harvesting method available that succeeds in mitigating the destruction caused by scallop draggers yet matches present-day catch rates.”

Allison’s role is to use the Seed Fund to work with the engineering and scientific community to validate the concept, building on the invention created by Marcel.

SEED FUND WORK AT MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY:

Brad deYoung, professor, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography at Memorial University, is using a Seed Fund award to evaluate the feasibility of using underwater gliders to monitor for hydrocarbons in Placentia Bay. “Placentia Bay is one of six regions in Canada that are included in the Ocean Protection Plan, and this work will help us better understand environmental baseline conditions—essential information in the event of a major oil spill,” says Brad.

Natalia Prieto Vidal, a postdoctoral fellow with the Boreal Ecosystem Research Initiative wants to reduce the amount of waste mussels that are discarded and disposed in landfill sites because they don’t meet the aquaculture industry’s criteria for consumer sales. Her work examines the feasibility of extracting oils enhanced with omega-3 fatty acids from the waste mussels which she would then infuse with Newfoundland wild berries extracts with superior antioxidant content.

“This could create high-value secondary products from an aquaculture industrial waste product, which will contribute to a sustainable exploitation of mussel aquaculture. This innovative high-value product could be marketed as specialty products in fine dining applications.”

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) is pleased to announce the election of its Board of Directors for 2019/2020 at the OSC’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.

The details of the OSC’s operations from the commencement of operations March 15, 2018 to March 31, 2019 can be found in the OSC’s Annual Report 2018/2019, available here – https://oceansupercluster.ca/our-strategy/

During the 2018/2019 fiscal year, an interim board was in place to oversee the operations of the organization. Five of the original interim board members will remain on the 2019/2020 Board of Directors – they include:

Name – Company:

John Risley, Chair of the Board – CFFI Ventures Inc.

Chris Huskilson, Director – Emera Inc.

Robert Orr, Director – Cuna del Mar

Unni Fjær, Director – Equinor Canada Ltd.

Martin Sullivan, Director – Ocean Choice International

The newest 2019/2020 members of the Board of Directors include:

Glenn Blackwood, Director – Memorial University/Marine Institute

Moya Cahill, Director – Pangeo Subsea Inc.

Geoff Flood, Director – T4G

Rory Francis, Director – PEI BioAlliance

Angeline Gillis, Director – Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq

Peter Larden, Director – ExxonMobil Canada Ltd.

Jennifer O’Donnell, Director – BioNB

Anya Waite, Director – Ocean Frontier Institute

Biographies of the newest Directors:

Glenn Blackwood – is Vice-President of Memorial University (Marine Institute), overseeing Canada’s largest and most comprehensive education and applied research institute for the ocean sector. Since assuming the role in 2005, Glenn has led the Institute though a highly successful expansion including broadening its range of industry-driven academic programs, establishing a new School of Ocean Technology and two new applied research centres in Applied Ocean Technology and Fisheries Ecosystem Research and launched six new Masters programs and a PhD program. The Marine Institute has been awarded the Distinction in Innovation Award by the Newfoundland and Labrador government in 2009 and 2012 and its people and centres have been recognized with numerous other National and International awards. Glenn is well recognized at the national and international level for his collaboration with industry to spearhead major projects and his ability to attract funding from private and public sector organizations, alongside his expertise in resource management.

Moya Cahill – is the co-founder and CEO of Pangeo Subsea Inc, a technology and service provider of high-resolution 3D sub-bottom acoustic imaging technology. PanGeo’s technology uses SAS (Synthetic Aperture Sonar) to provide enhanced sub-bottom data, imaging buried geohazards to mitigating risk for offshore installations both for the Oil & Gas and Offshore Renewable Energy sectors. A professional engineer holding a B.Eng. in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Moya has over 30 years’ experience in the oil & gas sector and more recently in offshore renewables energy sector. With a vision for a global footprint, Moya has established a strong network of clients in Gulf of Mexico, United Kingdom, Norway, Europe, Chile and the Middle East.

Geoff Flood – is the President of T4G, an applied data services company that delivers analytical solutions to some of North Americans most recognizable brands, such as Loblaw Companies, Cooke Aquaculture, Disney, Telus, & Enbridge. Geoff oversees the growth and geographic expansion across T4G’s oceanside offices, which include, Saint John, Halifax, and Vancouver, and headquarters in Toronto. Geoff’s commitment to community and culture has never wavered, leading efforts that have placed T4G on the Top 50 Great Places to Work in Canada for the last 12 years running. His vision led T4G to become a registered B Corp – the first data and analytics firm in Canada. He also founded the Atlantic Big Data Congress, a not-for- profit organization serving to advance the data and analytics capability in Atlantic Canada. Geoff has been widely recognized for sum of community development efforts with a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa from the University of New Brunswick in 2017.

Rory Francis – is the CEO of the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, a not-for-profit network of bioscience businesses, academic and research organizations, and government agencies. He is a founder of the Emergence Bioscience Business Incubator, and Natural Products Canada, a national natural products ecosystem and business accelerator. From 1991 to 2003 Rory held Deputy Minister positions in several provincial government departments, including Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Health and Social Services. A native of Prince Edward Island, he earned a BSc in geology and chemistry from Mount Allison University and an MSc in Hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo.

Angeline Gillis – is a practicing lawyer and has worked with The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) since October 2011, overseeing numerous files, projects and services offered to seven (7) Mi’kmaw communities in Mainland Nova Scotia. Angeline earned her undergraduate degree from Dalhousie University in 2005 and her LL.B from the Schulich School of Law in 2009. She was called to the Nova Scotia Bar Society in June 2010. In 2013, Angeline became the Director of Environment and Natural Resources after successfully establishing a number of environmental programs for CMM’s Member Communities.

Peter Larden – was appointed President of ExxonMobil Canada Ltd. (EMC) in February 2019. He is responsible for the company’s upstream interests in Canada including as operator of the Hebron and Sable Offshore Energy Projects and lead owner in the Hibernia Project. Also responsible for EMC’s interest in exploration and production activities in Western Canada and exploration licenses offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Peter began his career in 2004 with Santos Ltd., Australia’s largest gas producer as a reservoir engineer. He joined ExxonMobil in Melbourne, Australia in 2005 and since then has held progressively senior technical, supervisory and planning roles in various assignments in Australia, the United States, United Kingdom and most recently, Africa, as the asset manager and operations superintendent. Peter attended the University of Adelaide where he received a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemicals), Honors and a Bachelor of Finance, Honors.

Jennifer O’Donnell – is the Executive Director of BioNB, New Brunswick’s bioscience agency. At BioNB, Jennifer provides leadership to the organization and works to support the commercialization of technologies in New Brunswick. BioNB works directly with entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and government to drive economic development and align assets in research, business and natural resources. Graduating from Dalhousie University in 2003 with a M.Sc. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Jennifer subsequently worked in government research, diagnostic testing, genomics, and crop biotechnology. From 2006 – 2010 Jennifer launched and directed a high-throughput biotech research program for the Ag Tech company Targeted Growth. The program involved collaborations with several industry and academic partners.

Anya M. Waite – is the Scientific Director of the Ocean Frontier Institute, and Associate Vice-President Research (Ocean), Dalhousie University. Prior to this Anya was Section Head of Polar Biological Oceanography at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Bremerhaven, and Professor of Oceanography in the Department of Biology at the University of Bremen. After completing a BSc Hons. in 1985 at Dalhousie University, she obtained her PhD in 1992 in oceanography at the University of British Columbia. She was appointed Postdoctoral Scholar at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (USA) in 1992. Prof. Waite’s research career spans thirty-five years of education, service and international scholarship, with scientific research publications in areas as diverse as aquaculture, rock lobster fisheries, conservation genetics, physical oceanography, and the impacts of climate change. Her most recent work includes innovations in oceanographic technologies and sensors.

The global blue economy is forecasted to reach a value of $3 trillion (USD) by 2030. Canada’s ocean industries stand to benefit greatly from this growth. To help capture an inclusive, pan-Canadian picture of the private enterprise, research and educational institutions, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders in this country’s ocean economy, the Ocean Technology Alliance Canada (OTAC) with delivery partner OceansAdvance, is leading the development of a digital ocean asset map and database.

OTAC has contracted Triware Technologies Inc., to lead the research, validation and categorization of stakeholders in key ocean sectors including, but not limited to, oil and gas, fisheries, aquaculture, ocean sensing, ocean mapping, underwater acoustics, and supply and service. The result will be a searchable database of Canada’s private, public and non-government ocean ecosystem, housed on Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s website.

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is making a non-repayable investment of $250,000 in this initiative.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, made the announcement today.

Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is growing the innovation economy by working to sustain strategic clusters, and enhance the development and reach of business accelerators and incubators. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.

Quotes

“The forecasted growth in the global blue economy represents great opportunity for our country and the Government of Canada is working hard to ensure we are not just part of that growth, but that we lead it. Our investment in Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and in projects like the Ocean Technology Alliance Canada’s inclusive, digital, pan-Canadian asset map, help strengthen our ocean capacity and set us up for continued success at home and abroad.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Maps are vital tools in our every day lives. From navigating our streets to sailing our seas, they allow us to discover new things and places, and to make connections. This initiative will not only allow Canadians to search valuable information about our country’s ocean sectors, it will also allow international stakeholders to do the same. This opens up unlimited potential for global partnerships and investments, further strengthening the world’s ocean economy and Canada’s place in it.”

– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl

“The Ocean Technology Alliance Canada is excited to partner with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to drive the development of an ocean-focused Canadian asset map and database that will represent the collective strengths and capabilities of our industry’s ocean innovation ecosystem. This resource, while demonstrating the depth and breadth of our sector, will connect industry, research and academic partners across the country and around the world. We look forward to reaching out to partners across Canada to ensure everyone in the ocean space has an opportunity to participate in this important initiative.”

– Cathy Hogan, Executive Director, OceansAdvance, on behalf of OTAC

“This will be a tool for all Canadians focused on the ocean economy looking to collaborate Nationally and compete Globally. The Ocean Supercluster is pleased to partner with the Ocean Technology Alliance of Canada, ACOA and many other organizations to connect industry and communities as we grow Canada’s ocean economy.”

– Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

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L’économie bleue devrait atteindre une valeur mondiale de trois mille milliards de dollars américains d’ici 2030. Les industries océaniques du Canada bénéficieront grandement de cette croissance. Afin d’obtenir un portrait exhaustif pancanadien des entreprises, des établissements de recherche et d’enseignement ainsi que des intervenants de l’écosystème d’innovation de l’économie océanique du pays, Ocean Technology Alliance Canada (OTAC) dirige l’élaboration d’une carte numérique des atouts océaniques et d’une base de données, en partenariat avec OceansAdvance (en anglais seulement).

OTAC a retenu les services de Triware Technologies Inc. pour diriger la recherche, la validation et la catégorisation des intervenants dans les principaux secteurs océaniques qui comprennent, sans toutefois s’y limiter, l’industrie pétrolière et gazière, les pêches, l’aquaculture, la télédétection océanique, la cartographie des océans, l’acoustique sous‑marine ainsi que l’approvisionnement et les services. Le résultat sera une base de données interrogeable sur l’ensemble de l’écosystème océanique du Canada, y compris les secteurs privé, public et non gouvernemental, hébergée sur le site Web de la supergrappe océanique du Canada (Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, en anglais seulement).

Le gouvernement du Canada, par l’entremise de l’Agence de promotion économique du Canada atlantique (APECA), verse une contribution non remboursable de 250 000 $ à l’appui de cette initiative.

L’honorable Seamus O’Regan, ministre des Services aux Autochtones et député fédéral de St. John’s‑Sud – Mount Pearl, au nom de l’honorable Navdeep Bains, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et du Développement économique et ministre responsable de l’APECA, en a fait l’annonce aujourd’hui.

L’innovation et la diversification sont nécessaires à la croissance économique et à la création de bons emplois pour les gens du Canada atlantique. L’appui accordé à ce projet est l’un des moyens employés par le gouvernement du Canada pour faire croître l’économie de l’innovation en soutenant les grappes stratégiques et en renforçant le développement et la portée des accélérateurs et des incubateurs d’entreprises. Les projets comme celui-ci contribuent aussi au résultat de la Stratégie de croissance pour l’Atlantique, c’est‑à‑dire la prospérité économique à long terme dans la région.

Citations

« La croissance prévue de l’économie bleue mondiale représente une excellente occasion pour notre pays, et le gouvernement du Canada travaille fort pour que nous stimulions cette croissance plutôt que de nous contenter d’y participer. Nos investissements dans la supergrappe océanique du Canada et dans des projets comme la cartographie numérique pancanadienne exhaustive des atouts d’Ocean Technology Alliance Canada contribuent à renforcer notre capacité dans les secteurs océaniques et à assurer notre réussite continue au pays et à l’étranger. »

– L’honorable Navdeep Bains, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et du Développement économique et ministre responsable de l’APECA

« Les cartes sont des outils essentiels dans nos vies quotidiennes. Que ce soit pour parcourir nos rues ou sillonner nos mers, elles nous permettent de découvrir de nouvelles choses et de nouveaux lieux, en plus d’établir des liens. Cette initiative permettra non seulement aux Canadiens, mais aussi à des intervenants étrangers, de chercher des renseignements utiles sur les secteurs océaniques du pays. Cela ouvre des possibilités infinies de partenariats et d’investissements mondiaux, qui renforcent l’économie océanique mondiale ainsi que la place du Canada dans cette économie. »

– L’honorable Seamus O’Regan, ministre des Services aux Autochtones et député fédéral de St. John’s‑Sud – Mount Pearl

« Ocean Technology Alliance Canada est ravie de s’associer avec l’Agence de promotion économique du Canada atlantique et la supergrappe océanique du Canada pour diriger l’élaboration d’une carte des atouts des industries océaniques au Canada et d’une base de données représentant les forces et capacités collectives de l’écosystème d’innovation océanique de notre industrie. Cette ressource, tout en démontrant la profondeur et l’étendue de notre secteur, établira des liens entre les partenaires de l’industrie, de la recherche et des universités au pays et dans le monde. Nous nous réjouissons à l’idée de communiquer avec ces partenaires au Canada pour nous assurer que tous les intervenants du milieu océanique ont l’occasion de participer à cette importante initiative. »

– Cathy Hogan, directrice exécutive, OceansAdvance, au nom d’OTAC

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) is pleased to announce the conditional approval of the Supercluster’s first Technology Leadership Project.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, alongside the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services were present to deliver the exciting news to a full house of industry, academic, and government stakeholders and ocean community members.

The OceanVision™ project is led by Kraken Robotics, a St. John’s-based marine technology company that specializes in the design, development and marketing of advanced sensors, software and underwater robotics for Unmanned Maritime Vehicles. The Technology Leadership arm of the Supercluster Program co-invests in collaborative projects with strong expected commercial outcomes that meet the functional and cost requirements of multiple ocean industry end users, strengthening the Canadian supply chain and encouraging data exchange. Kraken Robotics has partnered with other OSC Members, including: Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador, Ocean Choice International, the Nunavut Fisheries Association, and Clearwater Seafoods, and a number of small to medium sized companies (SMEs), to develop an underwater technology service hub that will provide high-resolution images of the seafloor to a variety of ocean industries.

“We are excited to be announcing Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s first technology leadership project as a significant step forward in the journey toward accelerating ocean innovation in Canada”, says Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This project brings together a rich set of partners across multiple ocean industries, including: fisheries, oil and gas and ocean technology, that will work in collaboration with each other to address shared ocean challenges. This project demonstrates the level of collaboration we aim to foster as we sustainably grow Canada’s ocean economy.”

The announcement was held at Kraken’s newest facility in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador.

About OceanVision™

OceanVision™ is a proposed 3-year project focused on the development of new marine technologies and products to enable an underwater robotics data acquisition and data analytics as a service business. It brings together multiple partners across sectors, leveraging emerging technology to capture and monetize ocean data. A high value activity for Canada’s ocean economy, it is aimed to assist Canada’s ocean operators in reducing the costs and risks of operating in ocean environments. The opportunity for further cross sectoral collaboration is present as additional stakeholders become involved and products are added to its scope – including the latest SMEs technologies and innovations.

CLUSTER BUILDING FORUM: IP, DATA AND THE STRATEGY 

Date: June 25th, 2019.

Location: Delta Hotels Conference Centre, St. John’s, NL.

Time: 12:45 – 6:00 pm

All OSC stakeholders are encouraged to come to the launch of the Ocean Supercluster’s IP and Data strategies, two integral components of technology leadership programs and projects, and important strategic frameworks for a strong and dynamic Supercluster.

The OSC has developed a forward-looking data strategy that aims to foster information exchange between ocean industries and provide a clear vision on how we can transform data generated from project activities into a strategic national asset.

The IP strategy aims to incent high-impact collaborations, provide a foundation for the development of flexible and predictable IP policies, ensure members are able to secure appropriate rights that are in line with their commercial interests, and position Canadian organizations to maximize the return of their innovations.

Agenda

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