For Immediate Release 
December 19, 2024 

(CANADA) – Today, together with their program partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces Phase III of the Blue Futures Pathways Program (BFP). Phase III builds on the progress and engagement of Phases I and II, which saw 384 Canadian youth obtain internships in the sustainable blue economy and 367 youth complete training. 

Led by The Students on Ice Foundation, with project partners the University of British Columbia, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, and Swim Drink Fish Canada, the program represents a total investment of more than $3.6M. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.4 million in the innovation ecosystem project, with $1.2 million coming from project partners. 

Blue Futures Pathways connects youth and early-career individuals across Canada with education, funding, and employment to develop successful careers in the sustainable blue economy. This is done through tailor-made educational materials, curated workshops, and a mentorship program.   

Phase II of the program saw the development and launch of the PORT – a digital space for young people, educators, and employers to find free educational resources, career opportunities, and ways to connect with others working within the ocean sector. Phase II also highlighted the need for adaptable delivery methods for different communities. Phase III will focus on: 

Attracting and increasing awareness of ocean careers to underrepresented youth. 
Continued collaboration to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems and two-eyed seeing are core to Blue Futures Pathways programming. 
Fostering a blue economy that is not only sustainable, but socially equitable and economically viable. 

Blue Futures Pathways is a global leader for youth engagement in the sustainable blue economy. Initial phases have demonstrated that an expansion and continuation of this work is highly desired and meets the huge need of building capabilities and the workforce to support the growth of Canada’s ocean economy. 

Visit Blue Futures Pathways—SOI Foundation to learn more about the program or to get involved. 

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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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca  

Quotes 

“The global ocean economy is growing rapidly, and the Ocean Cluster is investing in Canadian talent to meet this future employment demand. Building off its success, the Blue Future Pathways (BFP) program will increase awareness of ocean careers and equip Canadian youth from coast to coast to coast with the skills and knowledge vital to strengthening Canada’s sustainable blue economy.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry 

 
“The global ocean economy will outpace the growth of the broader economy by 2030, presenting significant opportunity for Canada’s ocean sector. However, we cannot realize this growth potential without a well-skilled, diverse workforce. Building awareness and equipping youth with the right skills at the right time, while also removing barriers to training and mentoring, is crucial to providing the pathways to ocean careers and to meet the needs of this thriving sector.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster 
 

“The Sustainable Blue Economy represents one of the most exciting and impactful sectors for young people seeking meaningful careers. Phase III of Blue Futures Pathways is a critical step in creating equitable opportunities for youth, particularly underrepresented youth, contributing to a diverse workforce to drive the sector forward. By supporting educators and employers, and by connecting youth with mentorship, training, and employment, we are collectively building ocean and water sectors that are more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable – and that benefits us all.” – Tara Mascarenhas, Director of Programs, Blue Futures Pathways 

For Immediate Release
November 29, 2024

Today, together with their program partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the third iteration of the Indigenous Career Pivot Program (ICPP). ICPP 3.0 builds on the momentum and engagement achieved through the first two program instalments to facilitate and deliver meaningful work placements for up to 27 mid-career Indigenous people wishing to explore new career options in Canada’s ocean economy. 

Led by Workforce Warriors, with project partners Clear Seas and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), the program represents a total investment of more than $3.6 million, of which $2.6 is funded by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. 

Spanning a three-year period, ICPP 3.0 will offer continuous intake for Indigenous participants to enter ocean sector jobs and will engage with OSC member organizations to identify and support employment opportunities for Indigenous job seekers. The goal of ICPP 3.0 is to offer multi- layered supports to both Indigenous participants and to employers to provide exceptional work placement programming and ultimately increase the participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s ocean economy. 

OSC member organizations will be engaged and will receive support and training while creating the space for Indigenous talent to grow and thrive within the ocean sector. This includes opportunities for both participants and employers to take part in career mentoring support, a peer network for Indigenous participants, and cultural awareness training provided to employers. 

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster recognizes that Indigenous peoples are natural collaborators in the ocean sector because of their lived experiences in coastal environments and their historic, cultural, and spiritual connection to the waters. With this understanding, the OSC is working to build mutually beneficial relationships with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities to sustainably address ocean challenges and create opportunities. 

To learn more about the program and how to get involved as an employer or participant, visit: Empowering Indigenous Careers | Workforce Warriors 

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 100 projects which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca  

About Workforce Warriors 

Workforce Warriors Inc. is a National Indigenous non-profit organization established to increase capacity, wellness, resilience, leadership, and sustainable careers for Indigenous peoples.  Workforce Warriors uses a holistic approach to curate unique programming to fit specific needs – always with the goal to provide meaningful opportunities and creating space and place for Indigenous peoples to participate in the Canadian economy while maintaining Indigenous culture, language, family and community structures. 

Workforce Warriors also endeavors to fulfill the needs of Canadian industry and society at large, by providing sustainable solutions through innovative Indigenous-led projects. Workforce Warriors believes such Indigenous solutions – connecting Indigenous talent to valued and sustainable solutions – will help bridge the gap between Indigenous and mainstream mindsets, allowing Canadians to better understand the ongoing and valued contribution of Indigenous Peoples. 

Quotes 

“Our government is pleased to support the Ocean Cluster as it works to build this connected community of practice. The project is helping increase diversity within the ocean economy while addressing the under-representation of Indigenous people in the sector’s workforce.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry 

“Canada’s ocean sector is an important driver of our economy, where new companies are forming and growing, and where the demand for a well-skilled, diverse workforce is critical to the sustainable development and the future of our ocean. Through our first two iterations of this program, we have helped create pathways to ocean careers for Indigenous workers wishing to pivot into the sector, and, today, most participants have continued their work in the ocean economy since having completed their placement. We look forward to building on this important program through ICPP 3.0 in collaboration with our partners and member organizations.”   – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster 

“The ICPP 3.0 Program has the ability to propel Industry forward – a new way of working with Indigenous Peoples by creating Indigenized spaces and opportunities within the blue economy for Indigenous peoples, stewards of the lands and waters, to make valuable contributions.  Working together, Canada’s blue economy will grow and prosper with the inclusion of Indigenous talent – this is a strong step toward Reconciliation.” – Assembly of First Nation (Retired) Regional Chief for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, Keptin Roger Augustine, President of Workforce Warriors Inc. 

“We believe that our partnerships with Workforce Warriors and Canada’s Ocean Supercluster are essential for creating opportunities for Indigenous Peoples within the marine industry. We are excited to anticipate a significant increase in Indigenous representation at all career levels in this sector over the coming years.” – Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous Programs, Clear Seas 

For Immediate Release
September 12, 2024

(Montreal, Quebec) – Today at the ALL IN Conference in Montreal, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Port Watch AI Dredging Project led by SeafarerAI based in Saint John, New Brunswick.

The project will improve dredging efficiency for ports using a new AI enhanced cloud service. Combined with amplified Teledyne Geospatial software, the product will enable the port industry to make better and faster decisions when it comes to reference depth conformance, allowing for a smoother dredging process. Beyond improving dredging in real-time, the powerful new tool will provide data-driven insights into area and volume of dredging that ports can expect in the future, through prediction of sedimentation.

The project can help revolutionize the way ports and the inland waterway industry approach dredging activities. As these activities can be disruptive to marine life and release pollutants into the water, introducing a new monitoring system supports development of a sustainable practice, minimizing the environmental impact of dredging activities on a much larger scale.

The project is led by SeafarerAI in collaboration with Teledyne Geospatial in Fredericton, NB, DeepSense in Halifax, NS, the University of New Brunswick, and Port Saint John. With a total project value of $964,388, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $386,412 to the project from its allocation under the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS) Program, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

As shipping capacity is important to Canada’s economic growth, the project is poised to help stimulate that growth through Canada’s ocean economy. This dredging solution is anticipated to have high value in the global ports and waterways markets.

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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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca

Quotes

Teledyne Geospatial: “Working with our local port in Saint John on sediment prediction and visualization is very important
to us as we further develop our smart port solutions.” commented Vice-President of Product Management, Andy Hoggarth

“Projects like this demonstrate how the Ocean Cluster is working with partners to advance competitiveness in the ocean industry through the use of innovative and responsible technologies in artificial intelligence (AI),” says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “AI is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and through advances like this, Canada is leading the way.”

“Today we are excited to announce the Port Watch AI Dredging Project that improves the ability for data-driven decision making to support increased shipping and port activity,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This project will not only help stimulate growth in Canada’s ocean sector but will also support sustainable practices with a system that is anticipated to have high value in the global ports and waterways markets.”

For Immediate Release
September 12, 2024

(Montreal, Quebec) – Today at the ALL IN Conference in Montreal, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the AI ROV Ship Modeling and Detection Project led by Deep Trekker based in Kitchener, Ontario.

Using AI advanced technology, the project will revolutionize ship hull inspections. Deep Trekker Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) containing multiple cameras and sonars enable precise, real-time data collection, while Qii.AI’s algorithms and software analyze captured images to detect defects and other features. Sensor integration for positioning ensures reliable detection, even in challenging conditions. End users can expect a comprehensive data dashboard of the inspection, including a 3D model of features and defects, ability to derive video clips, sonar clips, and high-resolution photographs, as well as annotation capabilities.

The project is led by Deep Trekker in collaboration with Qii.AI, in Toronto, ON, The Department of National Defence, Kongsberg Discovery Canada Limited, in Port Coquitlam, BC, and ABS Canada in Ottawa, ON. With a total project value of $8,108,000 Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $3,405,306 to the project.

The AI ROV Ship Modeling and Detection Project will provide significant benefits to Canada’s maritime industry, including increased safety, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and job creation. It will also further position Canada as a leader in technology innovation, increasing global competitiveness.

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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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca

Quotes
“Projects like this demonstrate how the Ocean Cluster is working with partners to advance competitiveness in the ocean industry through the use of innovative and responsible technologies in artificial intelligence (AI),” says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “AI is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and through advances like this, Canada is leading the way.”

“Today we are proud to announce the AI ROV Ship Modeling and Detection Project led by Deep Trekker together with partners across the country.” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “By co-investing with industry in the important advancement of AI in the ocean sector, we are also contributing to advancements in ship modeling and detection as well as increased safety, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and job creation.”

For Immediate Release
September 12, 2024

(Montreal, Quebec) – Today at the ALL IN Conference in Montreal, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for Seafood Project, led by Canadian seafood software company ThisFish based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

ThisFish previously developed a successful smart manufacturing and supply chain platform called Tally, which enables seafood processors to automate production, quality control, traceability and inventory workflows using digital devices in real-time on the factory floor. Building on their Tally software, ThisFish integrated ML algorithms into the platform, as well as a computer vision feature, enabling automated, continuous quality inspection in seafood processing plants. To continue building on its success, this new project will further advance the platform by integrating generative AI to improve insights and analytics. This next phase will make the software more scalable, especially for small seafood producers, and improve efficiency in seafood processing plants by automating tasks and enabling data-driven decision-making.

The project is led by ThisFish in partnership with Bitstrapped in Toronto, ON and Orca Specialty Foods in Surrey, BC. The project will also include collaboration from seafood companies in Canada, Singapore, South Africa, United States and Ecuador. With a total project value of $1,655,567, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $661,500 to the project, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

The Generative AI/ML for Seafood Project will be an integral step forward in improving the efficiency and productivity of the Canadian seafood processing sector, keeping more jobs and value-added revenue in the country. The project is also positioned to stimulate economic growth and foster innovation in Canada’s ocean economy through the expansion of generative AI and ultimately ocean technology.

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

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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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca

Quotes
“Projects like this demonstrate how the Ocean Cluster is working with partners to advance competitiveness in the ocean industry through the use of innovative and responsible technologies in artificial intelligence (AI),” says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “AI is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, and through advances like this, Canada is leading the way.”

“The Generative AI/ML for Seafood Project is an exciting next step in the advancement in productivity of the Canadian seafood processing sector, enabling us to keep more jobs and value-added revenue in the country,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “By co-investing in this project, we are stimulating economic growth and accelerating innovation in Canada’s ocean sector through the expansion of generative AI and ocean technology more broadly.”

“The seafood processing sector is struggling with labour shortages in Canada and around the world, and we believe that AI can help to automate many labour-intensive activities such as quality inspection which will improve the productivity and economic viability of the sector,” says Eric Enno Tamm, Co-Founder and CEO of ThisFish Inc. “This investment from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will help to establish ThisFish Inc. as the global market leader for AI in the seafood processing sector.” – Eric Enno Tamm, CEO/Co-Founder, ThisFish

For Immediate Release 
July 11, 2024 

(Montreal) Today, at the second annual Oceanfest event at Startup Fest, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) alongside project partners announced Phase 3 of the Ocean Startup Project. With a total project value of $8,020,000, the OSC is providing $5 million in funding, with $2.0 million in funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), $450 thousand from Mitacs and the balance coming from industry partners.  

In 2020, the OSC announced its first innovation ecosystem project called the Ocean Startup Project, bringing together regional incubators and accelerators across Atlantic Canada to work together collectively for the first time to inspire, initiate, and invest in new and early-stage ocean companies. Now pan-Canadian in focus, the Ocean Startup Project has helped more than155 new ocean ventures become established and just four years after being announced, was named a top accelerator in North America by Startup Genome’s global report on the strongest startup ecosystems in the blue economy for 2023.  

Led by New Brunswick Innovation Foundation in collaboration with partners including Technopole Maritime du Quebec; Invest Nova Scotia; Genesis Centre (NL); PEI BioAlliance; Springboard Atlantic; Creative Destruction Lab (Dalhousie University); and COAST Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (BC) will continue to build on this momentum and help make Canada the best place to start and grow an ocean company. 

The global ocean economy is expected to outpace the growth of the broader economy by 20 per cent by 2030. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, together with organizations across the country have launched a five times growth ambition called Ambition 2035. This is a platform that is transformational in nature, but hinges on the ability to nurture and grow more Canadian ocean companies to help deliver on this opportunity. 

Quick Facts – Ocean Startup Project Impacts: 

Supported 155+ companies through programming such as Lab2Market Oceans, Ocean Idea Challenge, Ocean Communities Climate Challenge, Ocean Startup Challenge, CDL Oceans to support ocean startups  
Distributed approximately $3.2 million in funds 
Created more than 350 direct jobs in Canada (and more than 1,000 indirect) 
Challenge winners have raised more than $19 million 
Several challenge winners have since gone on to lead or partner on projects through Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. 

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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca 

About the Ocean Startup Project 
The Ocean Startup Project propels Canada as the top destination for ocean entrepreneurs, driving innovation across the ocean economy. Our mission is to transform Canada into a global hub where ocean startups can thrive, from inception to global market presence. Leveraging a network that includes Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and partners from across the country – Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), Technopole Maritime du Québec (TMQ), Invest Nova Scotia, and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) – we bolster Canada’s innovation ecosystem for ocean-focused startups. Our efforts have catapulted us to the forefront, being recognized in the top 5 accelerators/incubators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector according to Startup Genome’s Report. Launched in 2020, we’ve quickly become a global contender, not only speeding up market access for Canadian startups but also attracting international ventures. Join us in navigating the future of the ocean economy, where together, we can unlock the ocean’s full potential. 

Quotes  
“Happy OceanFest to everyone! The blue economy is a key part of our future, so let’s celebrate Canada’s leadership and our ocean innovation ecosystem,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Our Ocean Cluster is helping Canadian startups succeed, creating good jobs and fuelling innovation all across the country.”   

“The Atlantic Ocean has always been our region’s competitive advantage. Investing in new, and early-stage firms will make sure Atlantic Canada keeps our advantage for the next generation; creating more jobs and more opportunity, while protecting and preserving the ocean that supports us all.” 
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 

“Today’s announcement of continued investment in the Ocean Startup Project is good news for our province. Nova Scotia’s blue economy is strong, and we look forward to continued collaboration between government and industry to boost innovation in the region’s ocean technology sector.”  
– The Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development for the Government of Nova Scotia 

“In 2020 when we first announced the Ocean Startup Project it was to help make Canada the best place to start and grow an ocean company. Within four years it was recognized as one of the top accelerators in North America. We are excited to now announce phase three of the Ocean Startup Project which includes a $5 million investment from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, as we work to build on the momentum that has been created and help even more entrepreneurs turn their innovative ocean ideas into thriving ocean companies.” 
– Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster 

“The renewal of the Ocean Startup Project for its third phase is a huge win for Canada’s ocean economy! Over the past four years, we’ve built incredible momentum, helping early-stage ventures create impactful, sustainable solutions and scale to reach global markets. This renewal showcases the extraordinary results we’ve achieved through collaboration with industry, ecosystem partners and incubators. We can’t wait to keep this journey going, inspiring and supporting the next wave of ocean startups, and continuing to elevate Canada’s role in the global Blue Economy.”  
– Paula Mendonça, Executive Director, Ocean Startup Project 

Media Contacts 
Nancy Andrews 
Chief Engagement and Communications Officer 
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster 
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca 

Laurie Batten 
Director of Marketing & Communications 
Ocean Startup Project 
lbatten@oceanstartupproject.ca 

For Immediate Release
June 25, 2024

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has announced its newest project: Building Bridges. The project aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the ocean sector through collaboration among four national academic and non-profit partners across Canada. 

Led by Dalhousie University in partnership with the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS) and its regional associations: St. Lawrence Global Observatory, the Hakai Institute (a division of the Tula Foundation), and Ocean Networks Canada (a University of Victoria initiative). The project focuses on equipping organizations in the ocean sector with the tools and knowledge needed to implement AI solutions effectively. Leveraging the expertise of the CIOOS regional associations, Building Bridges lowers the adoption barrier by addressing multiple components of the AI pipeline including:

Developing new AI tools and products to assist with data management
Creating new products for data quality and AI-suitable data streams.
Extending AI curricula in the ocean sector to enhance understanding and knowledge; and
Engaging with academic and non-profit organizations to identify AI opportunities and facilitate access to AI-ready open data.

The project will implement a strategy for AI readiness and advance the management and application of data to AI, with target areas identified through academic review and community engagement. CIOOS, a leader in open ocean data, will pioneer open-source AI applications for data management and support ocean organizations. Further, this project will advance Canada’s sustainable blue economy and build a community of practice around ocean AI in Canada.

Through its AI Community Project Stream, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will invest $2.5 million dollars in the Building Bridges Project through the cluster’s funding allotment from the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The project positions Canada as a global leader in AI and ocean science innovation. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of a robust data infrastructure, Canada can lead advancements in sustainable ocean management, environmental monitoring, and resource efficiency.

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 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca

Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS)
CIOOS was established in 2019 to address inaccessible ocean data and the lack of a mechanism for coordination and collaboration in Canada’s ocean observing community. CIOOS works to integrate fragmented and isolated ocean data by creating an open-access national platform that facilitates data discovery for end-users. CIOOS is a collaboration between institutional, governmental, and non-governmental partners located in the Pacific, the St. Lawrence, and the Atlantic. These Regional Associations work closely with local organizations to meet end-user needs and develop place-based solutions for a diverse country.

Quotes
“Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is excited to announce our newest project called Building Bridges. Bringing together collaborators from across the country, this project will provide the tools and capacity building needed to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Canada’s ocean sector and advance our leadership in AI globally.”
– Kendra MacDonald, CEO Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Through our AI Strategy, our government is excited to support Canada’s Ocean Cluster as it accelerates the adoption of AI solutions in our oceans,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “This strategic investment propels our ocean sector forward, fostering economic growth and reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a global leader in the blue economy.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The Building Bridges project leverages Dalhousie’s key strengths in ocean research and digital transformation. In collaboration with our valued partners across the country we will be able to ensure Canada’s AI advantage empowers our nation’s researchers and fast-growing blue economy.”
– Dr. Alice Aiken,Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Dalhousie University

“There aren’t enough data specialists in the world to process the vast amounts of ocean data being captured: Ocean Networks Canada alone has 1.7 petabytes of data which grows daily from our observatories on the three coasts of Canada and Antarctica. AI technologies have the potential to marshall information and expedite research into vital earth and ocean processes, and inform our decisions on tackling climate and environmental changes as well as growing a sustainable blue economy.”
– Kate Moran, President and CEO, Ocean Networks Canada

“Artificial intelligence is evolving at an exponential rate, creating unprecedented opportunities to leverage big ocean data and generate actionable insights for a healthy and productive ocean. Yet awareness of the possibilities offered by this exciting technology is lagging. Building Bridges is an essential investment to provide necessary tools and to bridge this knowledge gap for a sustainable ocean future.”
– Shayla Fitzsimmons, Executive Director, CIOOS Atlantic

“It is in a spirit of commitment and collaboration that SLGO is taking part in the Building Bridges project to integrate artificial intelligence into the ocean sector. This strategic association with our partners reinforces our collective efforts towards optimized integration of marine data that will contribute to the promotion of a sustainable blue economy in Canada. By leveraging AI, we are accelerating innovation and informed decision-making, essential for the future of our oceans.”
– Maxence St-Onge, Executive Director, St. Lawrence Global Observatory

Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Chief Engagement and Communications Officer
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

Shen Molloy
Building Bridges Project Manager
Dalhousie University
shen.molloy@cioosatlantic.ca