Canadian Startup Ecosystems Take Four of Top 35 Spots in New Global Blue Economy Report

Atlantic Canada Ranked in Top 10

 LISBON, PORTUGAL (Nov. 2, 2022) – Startup Genome released its first report focused on global startup ecosystems in the blue economy, where Canadian startup ecosystems took four of the top 35 rankings. The research was undertaken by Startup Genome in 2022 with the support of partner organizations including Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Novarium, crunchbase, and dealroom.co and findings were made public today amid Web Summit activities in Lisbon.

This report looks at the current state of startup activity and related investment in the blue economy, where the rankings are a reflection of which global ecosystems are currently driving innovation through startups and related activities. It aims to provide information for founders, investors, and policymakers interested in understanding the current landscape, and is intended to encourage further blue economy activity within the startup world, with an overall goal of both mitigating climate change and improving lives around the world.

Global blue economy rankings in the Startup Genome report were determined based on performance, funding, startup experience, knowledge, talent, focus and legacy. Singapore took the overall top spot marking the first time in a Startup Genome tech-based report that Silicon Valley did not rank first. Atlantic Canada also had a top ten ranking (at tenth); Vancouver ranked 14^th; and Calgary and Toronto-Waterloo came in at 26^th and 35^th respectively. Atlantic Canada and Vancouver were also named the fourth and fifth of the top five ecosystems in North America.

Other key findings from the report:

• Europe is the global leader in Blue Economy startups, holding 39 per cent of the share and producing the highest number of early-stage deals. Europe also has produced the three of the top five ecosystems: Oslo, Amsterdam-Delta, and London.
• Blue Economy startups that secure early investment have a much higher chance of success in comparison to other sub-sectors. The attrition funnel over 2016 to 2021 shows that 17 per cent of recorded VC-funded blue economy startups that receive seed investment go to Series B, and 6 per cent go on to exit at over $50 million.
• Within the blue economy, aquaculture, marine energy, and marine transportation are currently receiving the most VC investment.

In August, the United Nations’ Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum saw governments, banks, and corporations gather at a UN Ocean Conference and commit to investing billions of dollars in the blue economy. In Halifax this fall, an international conference focused on investing in the blue economy drew the participation of Prime Minister Trudeau and participants from around the world. Described as being in its early stages, the blue economy is increasingly becoming a global conversation focused on the accelerated development of ocean technologies that help address climate change and contribute to a healthier planet, and also create sustainable economic opportunity in the process. In Canada, and in the startup world more broadly, there is plenty of untapped opportunity.

From its earliest days, Canada’s identity as an ocean nation has been built around an abundance of marine resources that helped sustain communities and people in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic who endured harsh conditions and uncertain waters to build thriving ocean sectors such as fisheries, offshore energy, transportation, and others. Today, these sectors and other emerging ones are thriving in new ways, leveraging advancing technologies across expanded areas of focus reflective of the world’s attention on the blue economy.

Canada has a long history of ocean-related activities, and several well-established startup hubs have a deep connection to the marine industry. As the global blue economy continues on its trajectory of rapid growth, there is opportunity not just in areas of focus but in geographic reach and impact. Canada has a strong research community that is increasingly leading to startups, and as a result innovators and their investors are starting and scaling more ocean companies. With game-changing ideas that will service sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy, marine renewables, transportation, defense, ocean technology, and other areas, Canada’s ocean startup ecosystem is quickly growing stronger.

With incubators and accelerators oversubscribed, there are many ocean innovation hubs established and growing across Canada including Rimouski, Quebec where a blue innovation corridor is forming; Halifax, Nova Scotia with 20 startups funded through the Ocean Startup project to date; Victoria, British Columbia now generating more applications for the Ocean Startup Project than any other region; and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador with 17 per cent of the early-stage ideas submitted to the Ocean Startup Project this year.

There is tremendous momentum building in the blue economy in Canada. Through the work of the OSC and its ambition to see 5x growth in Canada’s blue economy by 2035, there has never been more opportunity for new ideas, new investment, and new companies in ocean.

Read the report at: www.startupgenome.com/report/gser-blueeconomyedition  

-30-

Quotes

“The blue economy is an increasingly global conversation where made in Canada innovation is helping solve some of the biggest challenges in ocean. It’s both established ecosystems named in this report as well those that are emerging in Canada that contributing to our collective efforts as a nation to make this the best place to start and grow an ocean company. We are thrilled to see Canadian startup ecosystems ranking amongst global leaders in this report, knowing there is much more for us to do together.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Working with local and international partners and different stakeholders in developing systemic initiatives is the only way to create impact. It is this strategy that put Atlantic Canada in the 10th place challenging ecosystems such as Amsterdam and Singapore. This success is the result of collaboration between actors across the country. Every industry should take note of the collaboration that exists on the Blue Economy between business leaders, government officials and innovation hubs.” –  Liette Lamonde, managing director, Startup Montréal

Crowdsourcing Technology Enables New Type of Data for Marine Weather and Navigation

Today, alongside project partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the $1.8 million Crowdsourced Wind Maps: A New Type of Data for Marine Weather & Navigation. This Nova Scotia-led project uses connected wind sensors on boats to display crowdsourced wind zones to aid in navigation and route-planning.

Unlike satellite imaging typically used to gather marine weather data, using crowdsourced wind measurements provides higher resolution than has ever been possible before. The Crowdsourced Wind Maps project provides wind zone contour lines showing how the wind funnels into channels and around headlands, to improve marine navigation for all types of vessels. Data from internet-connected wind sensors is merged with the worldwide meteorological data forecast. There are never enough weather stations, but this project uses data from users who move around. This innovative solution archives incoming data, allowing the generation of wind maps showing how the wind is flowing even when there is no live data in a particular location.

With a total project value of over $1.8 million, the OSC will provide $536 thousand in funding with the balance coming from project partners. In the Crowdsourced Wind Maps project, Halifax-based SailTimer will work with Canadian partners Canadian Yachting Media, IIC Technologies, and Navcast. Four international companies are also collaborating on the project, including MarksetBot, McBride Racing, Storm Glass, and Weather Tactics. The team will use the crowdsourced data to create new commercial opportunities, and a new supply chain for this type of marine weather data.

The new S-100 industry standard from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) supports new higher resolution for all types of chart data, from bottom depths to wind maps. The crowdsourcing technology created by this project provides more data sources than has ever been possible until now. End-users will be able to use GPS chart plotter displays or smartphone apps with this subscription based IoT platform. Manufacturers, weather organizations, app developers and other providers will be able to license the data via cloud APIs for their own products.

Anyone who is a boater on a vessel of any size will know that when deciding to head out you always need to know if the water is safe, which way is the wind blowing, how are the waves, and if you will be able to arrive safely. Data for the new crowdsourced wind maps comes from the patented wireless SailTimer Wind Instrument™, Air Link™ accessory for legacy anemometers, and licensees. This project will create 25 full-time jobs with the potential for 150 indirect jobs.

About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. The OSC has approved more than 70 projects with a total value of more than $360 million which will deliver more than 120 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

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

Quotes:

“Weather conditions are crucial and unpredictable in the ocean sector.  The new wind map project from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will improve marine weather prediction and navigation for all types of marine vessels. This will provide personnel on the vessels with safer operating conditions, and create strong growth opportunities for Canadian companies,” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Having access to the most accurate data possible is critical to navigation planning and in the consideration of conditions at sea. This project will provide higher resolution wind measurements than ever possible before and combine it with forecast data to supply all marine vessels with the best marine navigation data for safer operations and better decision making. – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

The project will recruit industry mentors and connect them with ocean technology entrepreneurs and focus on providing employment opportunities for emerging leaders from underrepresented groups into growing ocean companies

Together with project partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project. The project will help create a system for professional advancement within the ocean sector through a strong and sustainable mentorship network, which includes exposure to the diverse thinking and industry experience of ocean leaders.

Led by ECO Canada from Alberta with their Atlantic-based project partners, the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE), the College of North Atlantic (CNA), Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), the Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Program will specifically focus on the needs of ocean companies and will combine a peer mentorship program with traditional mentor-mentee relationships. The total value of the project is $920k with close to $460k coming from the Ocean Supercluster.

This project will create new connections between participating Ocean Supercluster members through various project activities and mentorship opportunities.  Participants in the program will also receive toolkits to help understand and get the most out of the experience with the program, as well as to continue to make lasting and meaningful changes within the organizations. These toolkits will lay out evidence-based, best practices strategies for finding and developing talent, discuss the logic and benefits of cultivating a diverse workforce, and provide guidance for how to access the largest possible pool of talent.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are some of the driving principles of this project that will ensure that women, Indigenous participants, and other visible minorities have access to career advancement and new employment opportunities.

About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led, transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved more than 70 projects with a total value of more than $360 million which will deliver more than 110 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

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

Quotes:

“With support from Canada’s Ocean Cluster, this project is building a stronger and more resilient marine sector for all Canadians. Our government is proud to support this project to ensure that under-represented groups have equitable access to opportunities and that we have more Canadians seeing the incredible opportunities available in the ocean economy.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“As the Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Science and Industry, and as the Member of Parliament for the coastal city of Halifax, the importance of having strong connections to support ocean industries is clear to me. The new Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will help ocean industries work in a collaborative and diverse environment for the betterment of the industry.” – Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Science and Industry, and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“There is a tremendous need for increasing numbers of experienced leadership talent and expert mentors to participate in the sustainable blue economy. Canada’s small to medium sized businesses are actively recruiting for highly skilled roles including technical and leadership capacities. We are pleased to support the partners leading this project as they work collaboratively on providing new opportunities for ocean innovators.” – Melody Pardoe, Chief Engagement Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Canada’s Blue Economy sectors offer significant potential for growth and employment. It is expanding as it has never before with many new and emerging sectors within the ocean economy. A diverse and inclusive labor pool is critical to support the rapid growth in this sector. The Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project will develop tools and work with employers to build and support a diverse and inclusive workforce in our Blue Economy.” – Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry, Vice President-Professional Services & ESG, ECO Canada

“COVE is a proud partner of the Blue Mentorship and Leadership Pathways Project. Everything COVE does is engrained with equity, diversity, and inclusion, from our programs and services to our research. Innovation in the ocean sector can only grow when all perceptions, knowledge and backgrounds are heard. As a leader in the Blue Economy, our future workforce depends on programs such as this.” – Melanie Nadeau, CEO, COVE

“NSCC is pleased to collaborate with partners like ECO, COVE, JEDI and College of the North Atlantic. Identifying mentors and champions to assist in the development of those aspiring to train for a career in the oceans sector is a key to building capacity for this exciting field.” – Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, Associate Vice President, Applied Research and Innovation, Nova Scotia Community College

New Partnership to Advance Opportunities in Offshore Renewable Energy

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) and the European Leaders of Blue Energy (ELBE) Alliance announced their new, collaborative partnership to foster exchange of best practices and collaboration initiatives among their respective members in Europe and Canada on renewable ocean energy.

In their partnership, the OSC and ELBE Alliance will focus their collaborative efforts on advancing opportunities in renewable energy sources, including offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy.

Through sharing knowledge and research, the partnership sets out to support SMEs and create new market opportunities in these areas of renewable energy.

ELBE Alliance represents seven European clusters composing the Alliance: Basque Energy Cluster from Spain, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group from Scotland, Blue Cluster from Belgium, Energy Cluster Denmark, OffshoreVäst / RISE from Sweden, Pôle Mer Mediterranée from France and GCE Node from Norway.

“As the world transitions to more renewable energy sources, it creates significant opportunity for sustainable offshore energy growth,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “We are excited about the potential of this partnership with the European Leaders of Blue Energy where we will work together to meet shared objectives and increase opportunities for our members in renewable energy, while also reducing carbon emissions on the path to net zero.”

“The alliance partners recognize the significant opportunities that could be developed by working closely with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and are looking forward to collaborating on innovative ways in which to help the transition from fossil fuel dependency to a net zero future,” said Gordon McIntosh, Director of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group on behalf of ELBE. “Over 1000 companies and organizations from across Europe comprise the makeup of the ELBE partnership and we are sure that the MOU signed today will act as a catalyst for greater interaction between Canada and our European partners.”

Important pillars of the energy transition, wind, wave, and tidal energy open opportunities to produce emission-free electricity from renewable energies and can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels to lower emissions and pollution. The partnership between the OSC and the ELBE Alliance to better position Canada and Europe in the renewable ocean energy sector.

About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a national, industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared
challenges of 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 to change the way ocean business is done.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is growing the ocean economy is a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way with more than 70 game-changing projects to date with a total project value of more than $360 million. For more
information visit www.oceansupercluster.ca

About ELBE
The ELBE Alliance aims to contribute to positioning Europe as a world technological and industrial leader in Blue Energy and has objectives which includes signing Cooperation Agreements with relevant international associations and clusters in other countries. For more information visit www.elbealliance.eu

Media Contact
Nancy Andrews
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070

 

 

The announcement follows the successful pilot project which saw mid-career Indigenous employees pivot to careers in Canada’s ocean economy

Together with four program partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the Indigenous Career Pivot Program. The program will facilitate and support meaningful work placements for up to 17 Indigenous People wishing to explore new career options in Canada’s ocean economy.

Following the successful pilot program which saw 11 mid-career Indigenous People pivot to careers in the ocean economy, the program represents a total investment of more than $1 million of which $750,000 is funded by the Ocean Supercluster.

Led by Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping with their project partners of British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), the program will provide Indigenous Peoples with 12-month employment placements where they will gain valuable experience in the ocean sector and enhance their knowledge through work experiences that complement their existing skillset and natural aptitudes.
The program offers learning and support opportunities for both participants and employers through career mentoring support provided by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and employers, a Peer Support Network for Indigenous participants, and cultural awareness training provided to employers.

The 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 Supercluster is working to build mutually beneficial relationships with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities to better understand how to sustainably develop ocean opportunities that enhance Indigenous communities.

To learn more about the program and how to get involved as an employer or participant, visit: Indigenous Career Pivot Program | Ocean Sector Opportunities

Quotes:
“By creating training and career opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the ocean economy, this initiative will ensure that Canada has an even stronger and more inclusive workforce. I am pleased to see Canada’s Ocean Supercluster recognizing the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and building on the success of the Indigenous Career Pivot Project.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“We are very pleased to support a continued collaboration with project partners, OSC members and Indigenous communities that facilitates new, exciting careers in culturally safe and inclusive work environments for mid-career Indigenous persons keen to explore opportunities within the sustainable blue economy while enhancing the cultural competencies of the participating workplaces.” – Melody Pardoe, Chief Engagement Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Employers have an incredible opportunity to listen, understand, and work with the talented new generation of Indigenous knowledge leaders and workers. The program is an important step forward in advancing reconciliation as set out in the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” – Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous and Coastal Community Relations at Clear Seas

About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led, transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved more than 70 projects with a total value of more than $360 million which will deliver more than 110 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

About Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping
Clear Seas is a not-for-profit, independent research centre that supports safe and sustainable marine shipping in Canada. Through research and communications, it provides impartial information on key maritime issues to policy makers and the public. All publications are available at clearseas.org.

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

Sarah Thomas
Director of Indigenous and Coastal Community Relations
Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping
Sarah.thomas@clearseas.org
778.713.1444

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $1.7M BlueVita Technology Project 

New transport technology will position Atlantic Canada as a leader in mobile storage and multi-modal live haul of aquatic animals 

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the $1.7 million BlueVita Technology Project. This New Brunswick-led project will introduce new technologies for mobile storage and transport of aquatic life. BlueVita Technology will be a novel, best-in-class multi-modal system that controls and manages the storage and transport environment, maintains product quality, reduces shrinkage, and provides high animal welfare standards.    

The BlueVita Technology Project aims to address significant challenges facing the seafood sector in Canada and worldwide, including undervalued seafood that has been frozen due to seasonal harvests. This project will allow access to high-end markets currently constrained by air transport costs, complicated shipping logistics, and other factors.  

The project will also address increasing demand for quality, provenance, and welfare of seafood products and intends to solve challenges related to complex seafood value chains that require collaboration at several levels. The project sponsor, Ship Nature’s Way Inc. of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is majority owned by aquatic technology company GIS Gas Infusion Systems Inc of Saint Andrews and the logistics solutions company Ocean Perfect in the Netherlands. Ship Nature’s Way and their partners have a first-hand understanding of the challenges of live storage and transport of aquatic animals and are uniquely placed to develop reliable and cost-effective solutions. 

With a total project value of nearly $1.7 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide close to $830 thousand towards the project, with the balance coming from project partners. The BlueVita Technology project will be undertaken at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. The trials overseen by Huntsman Marine will provide third-party validation of the results across multi-species, including lobster, crab, shellfish, and fish. 

This BlueVita Technology project will benefit Canada’s ocean economy by supporting the seafood sector’s growth, innovation, and sustainability with a product rooted in an understanding of customer needs. The success of this new transport technology will position Atlantic Canada as a leader in mobile storage and multi-modal live haul of aquatic animals, allowing for market expansion within Canada and international markets in Europe and Asia.  

About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led, transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved 71 projects with a total value of more than $360 million which will deliver more than 110 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. 

Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070 
 
Dr Michael Beattie 
Executive Scientific Director  
Ship Nature’s Way Inc. 
mike@gasinfusionsystems.com 
506.754.6360 
www.bluevitatechnology.com 

 

Jolanda Boerjan 
Ocean Perfect 
Jolanda@oceanperfect.com 
240.549.9617 
 

Quotes:  

“As demand for more sustainable foods grows, our government understands the importance of developing technologies that support innovation and sustainability in the seafood sector. Thanks to this new system for storing and shipping seafood, we will see even greater growth in our ocean economy, both domestically and globally. This will not only provide opportunities for higher-paying Canadian jobs in the fishing sector but also support the sustainability of wild fish stocks.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry 

“The seafood sector is an important part of Canada’s economy with significant export opportunity. We are proud to announce the BlueVita Technology Project that will help drive the next generation of seafood transportation that delivers improved quality, increased economic activity and opportunity in the industry.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster 

“BlueVita Technology will fundamentally change the way that live lobster, crab, shellfish, and fish are delivered to global markets.  Utilizing Ocean Perfect logistics powered by BlueVita Technology, suppliers will now be able to enjoy the economic benefits of shipping live product for long durations in significant quantities, while maintaining high standards of quality control, environmental responsibility, and animal welfare.” – Dr. Michael Beattie, Executive Scientific Director of Ship Nature’s Way Inc. 

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is pleased to welcome Audrey Lapenna, Jakub Skrzypczyk, Colleen Menard, Raelene Kennedy, Romaine Redman, and Lubomir Kalniev to the organization.

Audrey Lapenna joins the OSC as Technology Leadership Program Manager, where she supports the delivery of the Ocean Supercluster’s technology projects. Audrey has an extensive background in sustainability, environmental management, treaty implementation, and strategic planning and project management.

Jakub Skrzypczyk joins the OSC team as a Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, where he works with the Ocean Supercluster’s network of more than 460 members. Having worked in non-profits in Canada and Europe across a wide range of issues, including environment and human rights, Jakub brings leadership experience in business development, marketing, communications and strategic partnerships.

Colleen Menard joins the OSC team as a Technology Leadership Program Manager, where she supports the delivery of the Supercluster’s technology projects. Colleen has a background ocean industries, joining the OSC from offshore oil and gas with previous experience in ocean mapping and ocean technology sales.

Raelene Kennedy joins the OSC team as the Corporate Controller, managing the financial operations of OSC, including accounting, reporting and overseeing the OSC’s project disbursement processes. Raelene has over 20 years experience in dynamic non-profit and entrepreneurial business environments within industries such as R&D, manufacturing, construction and property management.

Romaine Redman joins the team as Innovation Ecosystem Coordinator, where he supports the IE team in growing the innovation ecosystem while building exceptional member experiences. Romaine brings with him a background in economic development, innovation, and the political economy. Additionally, he has dedicated many years to the non-for-profit sector and community development.

Lubomir Kalniev joins the team as Innovation Ecosystem Coordinator, where he supports the IE team in growing the innovation ecosystem while building exceptional member experiences. Lubomir has a background in innovation and international business management having worked with country-level greenhouse gas emission inventories and implementing sustainable best practices the United Nations ESCAP.

Welcome to the team!

The largest Ocean Supercluster project announced to date

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its largest project to date, the $65 million Clean Ocean Advanced Biofuels Project. In the project, Ontario-based Valent will work with a pan-Canadian team to produce Canada’s first renewable diesel from abundantly available agricultural and forestry by-products.

A major ocean industry challenge is the need for a range of environmentally sustainable, low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, and low-sulphur marine fuels available to end-users at a competitive cost that are compliant with current and future fuel regulations. The Clean Ocean Advanced Biofuels project will address these challenges by introducing a low carbon biofuel across the marine ecosystem.

For the development of the Clean Ocean Advanced Biofuels Project, Valent Low Carbon Technologies will work with partners FORGE Hydrocarbons, Mara Renewables, Clearwater, Katal Energy, Horizon Maritime, and Sustainable Development Technology Canada to produce fuel and solvents to be used in industry and a hydrocarbon material with improved nutritional value for human health products. With a total value of $65 million dollars, the Ocean Supercluster will provide nearly $5.7 million with the balance coming from the project’s industry and government partners.

The success of the Clean Ocean Advanced Biofuels Project will drive Canadian renewable diesel production and supply, reduce imports, and foster international market exports. The Clean Ocean Advanced Biofuels Project will also boost job creation across Canada creating more than 150 direct jobs.

The cumulative emission reductions from Valent’s suite of technologies will positively impact local marine life and air quality, supporting Canada’s transition to a more sustainable future.

Quotes:
“Innovation comes from bringing people together to solve real-world challenges. Through this project, the Ocean Supercluster and its partners will actively support Canada’s transition to a more sustainable future. This groundbreaking project will produce Canada’s first renewable diesel—positively impacting marine life while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions—and create more than 150 jobs.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The sustainable development of our ocean economy is one of the most important opportunities of our time. The $65M Clean Ocean Advanced Biofuels project is not only our largest project to date but the collaboration of its pan-Canadian partners is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. This transformational project will help shape Canada’s future as a leader in low-carbon fuel production.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“With over 50,000 merchant vessels circling the globe, we have a huge challenge to reduce transport emissions in the ocean economy. The Ocean Supercluster’s financial support and its extensive network of collaborators fosters an accelerated and collaborative pathway to build the renewable fuels value chain for marine transport”.  – Karlis Vasarais, Co-Founder and EVP, Valent Low-Carbon Technologies

“The key to wide-spread adoption of renewable fuel in the marine sector is abundant renewable feedstock and a way to convert that feedstock into a fungible, low-carbon liquid fuel. The funding from the Ocean Supercluster enables our consortium to shape the Canadian Maritimes into a global leader in low-carbon marine fuel production.” – Tim Haig, Founder and CEO, FORGE Hydrocarbons

“Mara is excited to play a leading role in this critical project, facilitating the transition to more sustainable practices and prioritizing the future of our oceans and planet. Our talented team will leverage the wonders of the ocean and Mara’s leading plant-focused biotechnology to ensure a greener and stronger future for all of Canada.” – Arturo Ania, CEO Mara Renewables Corporation

About OSC:
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved more than 60 projects with a total value of $320 million which will deliver more than 110 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

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

One of five Ocean Supercluster projects announced today

Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced five new projects with a total value of nearly $29 million, including the Autonomous Remote Offshore Wind Inspection, Navigation and Deployment (AROWIND) Project. This Ontario-led project will develop an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) based subsea inspection solution for offshore windfarms.

The AROWIND Project will provide a prevailing ocean sector concept that is autonomous and remotely operates subsea surveys. This ocean solution presents an opportunity for Canadian companies to commercialize a remote and autonomous inspection solution for offshore wind inspection that reduces vessel costs and number of personnel on-board.

With a total project value of nearly $6.7 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide close to $3 million with the balance coming from project partners. For the project, Voyis will work with Canadian companies Deep Trekker and HydroSurv Unmanned Survey Inc., and international partners EIVA, and Sonardyne.

This project will define a new standard for offshore windfarm inspection methodology using remote and resident deployment solutions. By consolidating this solution in Canada, diverse local supply chains will grow in tandem with the offshore wind market over the next decade, solidifying Canadian manufacturing jobs in a changing economic environment. This project expected to create 55 new direct jobs and an estimated 275 indirect jobs.

About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved projects with a total value of more than $320 million which will deliver more than 100 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

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

Quotes:

“Our government is ensuring our oceans and marine ecosystems remain clean and healthy for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. The Ocean Supercluster projects announced today will help us build a cleaner post-pandemic economy and achieve environmental sustainability on a global scale. Projects such as the one led by Voyis are taking innovation further and making lasting contributions by developing novel solutions.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“We are excited to announce this Ontario-led project which will develop an innovative solution that will not only respond to the growing demand for more inspection capabilities globally, but is also building strong cross-sectoral partnerships, creating new economic opportunity, and new jobs in Canada.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster