Category: News
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster CEO Kendra MacDonald named a top sustainability leader in 2022 Clean50 Awards
MacDonald recognized as category leader for Investors and Ecosystem Support
(Toronto, ON) Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster CEO Kendra MacDonald was named one of Canada’s top sustainability leaders for the Clean50 Awards. From more than 1,000 nominees across the country, MacDonald has also been named category leader for Investors and Ecosystem Support as a part of this year’s Clean50 Awards.
Canada’s Clean50 Awards are announced annually by Delta Management Group and the Clean50 organization to recognize those 50 individuals or small teams from 16 different categories who have done the most to advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years. MacDonald says she is excited to share this recognition with other Canadian leaders who are committed to creating sustainable growth opportunities that also help contribute to the path to net-zero. “While it’s my name on the award and that is a great honour, this is truly representative of how the Ocean Supercluster network collectively is changing the way ocean business is done.”
“The sustainable development of our ocean economy is one of the most important opportunities of our time, and the work of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and its almost 450 members is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Kendra MacDonald. “We know the ocean is at the forefront in the fight against climate change and it’s the incredible innovation and Canadian made ocean solutions that are not only tackling some of these global challenges but also creating exciting new companies, jobs, and opportunities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Successfully building a network of 450 cross-sectoral collaborators and investors and leading almost $300 million in investment into more than 50 blue technology projects across Canada over the past two years was among the reasons why MacDonald was awarded the recognition.
“The 2022 Clean16 are truly the leaders of the leaders in sustainability in Canada. The competition for the top spot this year in every instance left us with a record number of great choices – and to be selected from amongst such a strong group of peers is truly a testament to the contribution Kendra MacDonald has made to helping make Canada more sustainable for all Canadians,” said Gavin Pitchford, CEO of Delta Management Group.
The purpose of Clean50 Awards is to identify, recognize and connect sustainability leaders from across Canada. Clean50 believes a solution for climate change will take input from every sector of Canadian life, and that cross-sector collaboration will be critical to achieving any measurable success. The Clean50 Awards Summit was created to accelerate this process.
Learn more at:
https://clean50.com/canadas-top-sustainability-leaders-announced-for-2022/
https://clean50.com/canadas-top-sustainability-award-releases-full-list-canadas-clean50-for-2022/
About Delta Management Group / Canada’s Clean50:
Leading ESG, sustainability and clean tech search firm Delta Management Group founded, and remains the steward of the Canada’s Clean50 awards, created in 2011 to annually identify, recognize and connect 50 sustainability leaders from every sector of Canadian endeavor, in order to facilitate understanding, collaboration and innovation in the fight to keep climate change impacts below 1.5 degrees C. Ancillary awards also recognize 20 Emerging Leaders and the Top Sustainability Projects of the year, as well as bestow Lifetime Achievement designations.
About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a pan-Canadian, industry-led transformative supercluster focused on tackling some of the biggest challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable, globally-relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. The Ocean Supercluster has approved 56 projects to date with a total value of more than $290M which will deliver more than 100 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Media Contact:
Gavin Pitchford
Delta Management Group
gpitchford@deltamanagement.com
416.925.2005 x 2300
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $3.4M GeoScan Project
GeoScan to allow wider 3D acoustic scans of depths greater than 30m sub-seabed to support the growing offshore wind sector
Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the $3.4M GeoScan Project. This Newfoundland and Labrador-led project will provide an innovative solution to de-risk offshore wind, oil and gas, and other offshore installations by implementing wider scanning functions in underwater robotic systems.
Led by PanGeo Subsea Inc, with BC-based partner Cellula Robotics and the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, the GeoScan Project team will work together to reconfigure PanGeo’s Acoustic Corer™ with Cellula’s robotic system to allow for a wider area scan while achieving depths greater than 30m sub-seabed. This game-changing innovation will provide a 3D volumetric interpretation of the sub-seabed geology with enhanced resolution and increased competitiveness for the global offshore renewable energy sector.
With a total project value of $3.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will provide $2 million in funding to the project with the balance coming from industry partners, marking the 37th Ocean Supercluster project announced to date.
This coast-to-coast collaborative research and development project aims to increase the quality of decision-making processes associated with the installation of infrastructure in complex glacial seabeds. Ultimately, this technology will lead to a reduction of personnel offshore, faster data collection, and improved efficiencies that will support Canada’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, while also advancing Canada’s leadership in the global blue economy.
The GeoScan Project team will leverage its current position in the offshore renewables sector to launch the GeoScan into international markets, positioning Canada as a leader in subsea scanning and offshore data collection. The GeoScan Project will create highly skilled full-time positions and placements at both PanGeo Subsea and Cellula through its development and implementation.
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 56 projects to date with a total value of more than $290M 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:
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in their waters, and the riches underneath them have created prosperity for generations of Canadians. PanGeo Subsea is building on our reputation as leaders in ocean technology, working with Cellula Robotics and Memorial University to better understand the ocean floor. This project will support a growing offshore wind sector, and that helps get us to net zero.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“The GeoScan Project is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together. The Ocean Supercluster is built on collaboration, from across the country and also across ocean sectors, and we are solving some of the biggest challenges in ocean and selling those solutions to the world. Led from right here in Newfoundland and Labrador, this project will help position Canada as a leader in subsea scanning and data collection, opening up new market opportunities, creating new economic activity, and supporting the path to net-zero.” – Susan Hunt, CTO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“The marrying of PanGeo and Cellula as industry collaborators will produce a high-quality technology platform ready for commercial use. Cellula and PanGeo are no strangers to collaboration, and we are excited to have the support and partnership of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to spur on this coast-to-coast innovative GeoScan project as develop a wide area acoustic scan for the offshore renewable sector.” – Moya Cahill, CEO, PanGeo Subsea Inc.
“Cellula and PanGeo have a long-standing history of working together to solve technical challenges that dates to 2008 – we are both are familiar with each other’s technology and operations. Our world-leading engineering solutions for subsea robotics have been used in geotechnical and geophysical applications around the world and we are happy to have the support of the Ocean Supercluster to expand on that expertise with the PanGeo led GeoScan project.” – Eric Jackson, President, Cellula Robotics
“The Holyrood Marine Base is the portal to the ocean for the Memorial University community for innovative oceans testing. The GeoScan project in-water testing as the first of many projects to take place at the expanded HMB as we continue to grow our capacity here and we thank the OSC and the project partners, PanGeo and Cellula, for the support.” – Paul Brett, Associate Vice President, (Marine Institute) Research and Strategic Partnerships
Welcome new OSC team members
Shuyi Du joins the Finance Team as Corporate Accountant, where she will support OSC’s day-to-day finance operations, month-end processes, and financial analysis and reporting. Before coming into her role as Corporate Accountant, Shuyi supported the OSC’s Finance Team on a part-time basis and has also worked in other financial settings providing accounting needs to various clients in different industries.
Danielle Babstock joins the Project Finance Team as a Project Finance Analyst, where she will support the OSC’s project claim management process. Danielle brings six years of financial experience to the OSC, having worked in environmental consulting and academia, research, and professional development. Danielle’s passion for the environment and sustainability drew her to her role with the OSC.
Rupinder Kaur joins the OSC as an Analyst as part of Dalhousie University’s Corporate Residency MBA Program where is she joining us for her eight-month corporate residency. Rupinder will be is supporting OSC’s Salesforce platform and helping with management reporting and data management. Rupinder has a strong technical background, bringing experience in business intelligent tools from her time working in computer and IT software. Now, she is specializing in business analytics and data visualization in her MBA program.
Maria Power joins the OSC as Innovation Ecosystem (IE) Coordinator, where she will be providing support to the IE department and assist with research, delivery, and reporting. Maria brings experience in production, business analysis, and administration to the role while pursuing her master’s in environmental management.
Seun Daini is joining the Technology Leadership team as Technology Leadership (TL) Program Coordinator, where he will support the automation of TL processes and reporting, development of key project documents and coordinating various TL administrative activities. Usually in a lab, Seun is a recent BSc. graduate and will start his master’s program in September.
Welcome to our new OSC team members!
Our Oceans are Worthy of the Eagle’s View
To make a decision with “an eagle’s view” is to consider what impacts it will bring for the next seven generations.
How we approach the health and productivity of our oceans will require such consideration, and is worthy of the eagle’s view. There are complex challenges ahead for Canada as we take on more aggressive climate change goals, while also generating sustainable growth in the aftermath of COVID-19. So much of our ability to effectively do this depends on our oceans. And our oceans depend on all of us.
Canada is surrounded by three oceans and has the longest coastline in the world. Oceans have significant cultural meaning to Indigenous peoples, and have provided coastal communities for centuries with a source of food and a means of transportation that helped build and sustain livelihoods. Today, our oceans continue to do these things and much more. The further-reaching impacts should be top of mind for all Canadians, whether on the doorstep of the Arctic, Pacific or Atlantic, or never having seen them.
Some 350,000 Canadians work in ocean sectors, helping meet the world’s demand for protein, moving goods and people, generating energy, supporting defence, and unlocking the possibilities of bioresources and ocean technologies — activities we all benefit from in one way or another. There is another, potentially less obvious benefit of Canadian oceans: they absorb significant amounts of carbon produced by human activity. In particular, the North Atlantic serves as the world’s most significant carbon sink. This is an important job, and the choices we make and the actions we take can help ensure our oceans have the ability to continue to do this work.
In Indigenous culture, the ocean is life. It has a spirit and represents a connectivity to Mother Earth. You must honor the spirit of the ocean and in order to profit from it, you must respect it. Indigenous fishers often offer tobacco, a custom shared by many Indigenous peoples, to give thanks. At the same time, Indigenous knowledge gained from direct observations and passed down over generations — most often orally — embodies a wealth of wisdom and experience of nature. Both the Indigenous way of giving and receiving, and Indigenous knowledge can extend to how we shape the future of our ocean through policy and decision-making, industrial activity and also in how we come together to take on some of the biggest challenges and opportunities.
The ocean covers 70 per cent of the planet, yet much of it is unexplored and not well understood. We know the world’s growing population has an increasing demand for protein, and Canadian fish can help meet that demand. And while marine shipping is one of the most efficient methods of transportation, we also know it to be a significant source of carbon emissions.
The ocean is not without its challenges. But it also comes with promise, renewal and a future for Canadians that is healthy, prosperous and a continued part of the fabric of who we are. We will not achieve this without creating a more inclusive ocean, and bringing Indigenous knowledge, experience and leadership to the table to help inform decisions and build meaningful partnerships based on respect.
Through working groups, cluster membership and project partnership, Indigenous communities and companies are playing an essential role in Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. There’s a shared commitment to collaboration, understanding and doing things differently, so we can all benefit from this awesome gift now and seven generations from now.
Currently, Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners are working together to deliver solutions that will help Canada better understand what’s happening in our oceans and its species through ocean DNA; reduce carbon emissions in marine transportation with development of alternative fuels; promote greater safety on ice with tools to measure ice thickness, particularly in Arctic environments; encourage more Indigenous entrepreneurs to establish an ocean company through support and funding opportunities; and grow Indigenous participation in ocean sectors through culturally supportive training, mentorship and internships.
This is exciting, and made possible by working together and recognizing the important contributions that Indigenous peoples have to make to our oceans. And, with an eagle’s view, there’s much more to do — together.
Ocean Supercluster Announces Call to Fill Innovation Ecosystem Gaps in Ocean Economy
Ocean Supercluster Announces Call to Fill Innovation Ecosystem Gaps in
Ocean Economy
(June 30, 2021) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has launched a Canada-wide Call for Proposals under its new Ocean Leaders Impact Program (OLIP). The program focuses on developing new mentorship opportunities and building on the experienced talent pool in Canada’s ocean economy. The Call will help fill the gaps in the innovation ecosystem by investing in projects that forge new partnerships, build on existing talent resources, and foster creative solutions that support small and medium-sized ocean enterprises as they grow.
“When we look at the trajectory of growth in the global ocean economy, we know Canada has the potential to emerge as a leader and play a significant role in the development of solutions that support both greater ocean health and productivity,” said Melody Pardoe, Chief Engagement Officer at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “In order to do this, we must build an expanded, more diverse ocean network where SMEs are well-supported with greater access to strategic and critical talent, and the mentorship they need to play a leadership role in the future of our ocean.”
Pardoe says the new Call is designed to address talent and growth challenges for SMEs in Canada’s ocean sectors, unlocking new opportunities to increase Canada’s global competitiveness in ocean.
The Ocean Leaders Impact Program Call for Proposals is designed for projects that can be completed in 12-18 months. The OLIP Call for Proposals is specifically targeting two strategic opportunities, including mentorship and experienced ocean talent, partnering with projects that:
- Attract, train, and retain new mentors in the Canadian ocean innovation ecosystem;
- Create more leadership opportunities for diverse and underrepresented groups;
- Expand the highly skilled ocean talent pool through domestic recruitment efforts targeted outside the ocean economy;
- Support ocean SMEs’ abilities to secure senior leaders and specialized technical talent from international markets; and
- Focus on the career advancement of current employees with senior leadership potential within Canadian ocean SMEs.
The application process is now open, beginning with the Expression Interest (EOI) process. For consideration, organizations must submit a completed EOI by July 28, 2021, at 4 p.m. Atlantic time.
For complete details, visit https://oceansupercluster.ca/projects/ocean-leaders-impact-program
Ocean Supercluster announces $1.8M Marine Safety Training Online Project
Project to accelerate mixed-reality training development and access to safety training for marine sectors
Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new projects with a total value of over $3.5 million including the MST (Marine Safety Training) Online Project. This Newfoundland and Labrador-led project will accelerate mixed-reality safety training development to offer faster and more accessible digital training options across marine industries.
Mariners are essential workers and require regular training to maintain critical skills. Digital training, including simulation, is increasingly popular in the marine industry due to reduced risk and costs, and the ease of access to training. In building the desktop simulators, developing the software, and organizing the online digital content, this project will expand the opportunities for marine training on land.
This project will enable workers to develop critical worksite specific competencies through engaging and challenging simulation training programs. Simulation training is a safer, more effective option to training than existing forms. With a total project value of more than $1.8 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide close to $700 thousand in funding, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The MSTOnline Project is led by Virtual Marine with partners including Survival Systems Training Limited and Memorial University to develop customized training for various ocean industries including oil and gas, and defence.
Building global business relationships through this project will reinforce Atlantic Canada as a leader in maritime safety training, expanding opportunities for partnership investment in Atlantic Canada towards maritime research and innovation.
Quotes
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in their waters and the riches within them have created prosperity for generations of Canadians. Our people have expertise now that can take on the world. So, let’s take it on.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Three years ago, the government selected Canada’s five superclusters to accelerate innovation in areas of competitive advantage for Canada, including the ocean economy. We have seen unprecedented momentum from the superclusters, with hundreds of projects approved and thousands of jobs created. As Canada looks to grow its sustainable blue economy, the work the Ocean Supercluster is doing to advance our ocean industries is more valuable than ever.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Through the use of mixed reality, the MST Online Project will develop specialized simulated training to provide ocean workers with the skills they need, delivered in a way that’s safer and more efficient than other methods of training. This project has applications across a number of ocean sectors, and represents the future of ocean workforce training.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“MSTOnline will provide continuous access to training and allow marine workers to acquire and retain needed safety skills. The outcomes of this project will ultimately create a safer and more confident workforce. We are pleased to work with our collaborators and with the Ocean Supercluster on such an innovative and impactful project.” – Dr. Randy Billard, CEO & President, Virtual Marine
“This is a great opportunity to expand on the lessons-learned over the past year to extend specialized training to remote coastal communities as well as address the sustainability issues related to marine training.” – Anthony Patterson, Managing Director, Virtual Marine Training
“SSTL is very excited to be able to participate in an inter-provincial partnership, with world class organizations like Virtual Marine and Memorial University, in order to advance the safest and best training options available.” – Dan Latremouille, Training and Operations Manager, Survival Systems Training Limited
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces Real-time Bubble Diffuser Aeration Entrainment Monitor Project
Real-time monitoring for bubble systems in aquaculture fish farms
On June 10, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new projects with a total value of over $3.5 million, including the Real-time Bubble Diffuser Aeration Entrainment Monitor Project. This BC-led project will develop a real-time entrainment monitoring system for aquaculture fish farms in complex coastal ocean environments.
Bubble systems are used in finfish aquaculture net pens to mitigate the effects of harmful algae blooms (HAB), increase oxygen levels and lower surface water temperatures. This aeration monitor project will develop a real-time monitor balance mitigation of risk and ensure the effectiveness of bubble systems in aquaculture while reducing costs and emissions associated with fish-farming operations. The products and related services will allow customers to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the fish mortality from high surface temperature and harmful algal blooms.
The Real-time Bubble Diffuser Aeration Entrainment Monitor Project is led by ASL Environmental Sciences, who will develop services and products for the installation and maintenance of the monitoring systems, with partner MOWI Canada West, a potential user of the system who will offer knowledge and experience using bubbler systems and provide input on needs and their ability to deploy this technology into existing operations.
With a total project value of nearly $500 thousand, the Ocean Supercluster will provide close to $325 thousand in funding, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The additional real-time data developed through the project will:
- Improve aquaculture monitoring;
- Optimize airflow rates;
- Reduce fuel costs;
- Decrease harmful GHG emissions and;
- Allow for timely decision-making on-airflow rates, reducing fish mortality.
Upon commercialization, the Real-time Bubble Diffuser Aeration Entrainment Monitor team will introduce the new product and service developed in this project to existing aquaculture systems for remote monitoring and management of aquaculture sites. The success of this project will help the aquaculture industry perform at a higher level, attracting clients globally. This project will create up to 20 new full-time positions with the potential for more than 100 indirect jobs.
About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared 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. To encourage innovation and trigger new industry investment during these challenging times, the Ocean Supercluster supplemented its core programs with an additional project stream called Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP). This enables the development of smaller projects on a shorter timeline that deliver tangible outcomes, while continuing to build resiliency in our ocean sectors.
Media Contact:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070
Quotes:
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in their waters and the riches within them have created prosperity for generations of Canadians. Our people have expertise now that can take on the world. So, let’s take it on.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Three years ago, the government selected Canada’s five superclusters to accelerate innovation in areas of competitive advantage for Canada, including the ocean economy. We have seen unprecedented momentum from the superclusters, with hundreds of projects approved and thousands of jobs created. As Canada looks to grow its sustainable blue economy, the work the Ocean Supercluster is doing to advance our ocean industries is more valuable than ever.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Today we are excited to announce the newest Ocean Supercluster project led from British Columbia. The Real-Time Bubble Diffuser Aeration Entrainment Monitor Project will help improve aquaculture operations with reduced overall greenhouse gas emissions and fish mortality, while also increasing global competitiveness, and creating up to 120 direct and indirect jobs.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Our collaboration with MOWI Canada and the support of Ocean Supercluster is helping us transition from an Oil and Gas market. The Aeration Monitor project will provide us a new environmental monitoring technology stream and a potential world-wide market.” – René Chave, CEO, ASL Environmental
Ocean Supercluster announces mixed reality HydroSpark Project
The HypdroSpark project will secure ocean’s data visualization and collaboration solution to support training, mission planning, and operations in ocean, defence and other marine industries
On June 10, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new projects with a total value of over $3.5 million, including the HydroSpark project. This New Brunswick led project will focus on emerging mixed reality technologies to develop a secure ocean data visualization and collaboration application using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Microsoft Azure Mixed Reality Services. This application will visualize underwater environments in 3D mixed reality to support training, mission planning and rehearsal, and support defence and other marine sector underwater operations.
Mixed Reality is a technological capability that enables the visualization of data in a user’s real-world environment. This project aims to increase collaboration, efficiency, and task preparation for various subsea operations by delivering accurate holograms of oceans environments and points of interests to divers, ROV operators and subsea workers. Through project HydroSpark, workers will be able to gain advanced and intuitively understood insight into underwater tasks delivered through mixed reality maximizing the benefit of next-generation ocean imaging and mapping technologies.
This project will also seek to better understand the digital skill sets required to support the ‘Ocean Worker of the Future’ along with the education and training provision required to deliver training in the Atlantic Region.
This cutting-edge project brings together a collaborative partnership between two innovative Atlantic Canadian companies, NB-based Kognitiv Spark and NL-and-NS-based Kraken Robotics, with world leading applied research teams at the University of New Brunswick and workplace skills specialists at New Brunswick Community College.
With a total project value of more than $850 thousand, the Ocean Supercluster will provide close to $400 thousand in funding, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The project seeks to establish a technological foothold in defence and commercial ocean sectors and tap into three overlapping global markets – mixed reality, Internet of Things (IoT)/Sensor data, and sonar systems that are all projected to grow significantly over the next five years. This project will create up to five new full-time positions with the potential for more than 25 indirect jobs upon commercial success.
About OSC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared 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. To encourage innovation and trigger new industry investment during these challenging times, the Ocean Supercluster supplemented its core programs with an additional project stream called Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP). This enables the development of smaller projects on a shorter timeline that deliver tangible outcomes, while continuing to build resiliency in our ocean sectors.
About Kognitiv Spark
Kognitiv Spark is a Fredericton, New Brunswick-based tech company and Microsoft MRPP gold partner recognized for its competency in the secure, reliable, and network agnostic applications of Mixed Reality for remote support. Its flagship product, RemoteSpark is an industrial-grade platform that allows a remote worker to establish a low-bandwidth, secure audio-video call with a subject matter expert when they need help solving a complex problem. RemoteSpark can facilitate the transfer of photos, files (PDFs, Microsoft Office documents), and multi-step animated holograms. The tech company was founded in 2016 and supports a global footprint of clients and partners operating in manufacturing, energy, defence, public-sector, marine and other industrial sectors.
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
709.725.7070
Sean McCullum
Kognitiv Spark
sean@kognitivspark.com
506.470.5191
Quotes:
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in their waters and the riches within them have created prosperity for generations of Canadians. Our people have expertise now that can take on the world. So, let’s take it on.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Three years ago, the government selected Canada’s five superclusters to accelerate innovation in areas of competitive advantage for Canada, including the ocean economy. We have seen unprecedented momentum from the superclusters, with hundreds of projects approved and thousands of jobs created. As Canada looks to grow its sustainable blue economy, the work the Ocean Supercluster is doing to advance our ocean industries is more valuable than ever.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The HydroSpark project is an exciting Atlantic Canadian collaboration that will deliver a 3D Mixed Reality solution to increase collaboration, efficiency and preparation for ocean activity including training, mission planning and rehearsal, and defence. This is a New Brunswick-led project that is bringing together academic and industry partners across the region to build an advanced ocean solution and contribute to our growing ocean economy.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Kognitiv Spark is looking forward to working with our partners and the Ocean Supercluster on this next-generation Mixed Reality capability for sectors reliant on ocean’s data. By using Mixed Reality to explore subsea data in new ways, divers, ROV pilots and subsea workers can essentially walk on the seabed and examine points of interest to more intuitively understand their tasks before they conduct them.” – Yan Simard, CEO, Kognitiv Spark
“Modern ocean mapping data is inherently 3D, but we consistently represent it in two dimensions via tablets, computers and even annotations on charts. This project aims to bring this data into the real world with Mixed Reality. By presenting this critical data in spatially accurate Mixed Reality, HydroSpark aims to augment decision making and mission preparation. In this way sub-sea operators will be able to fully visualize a task before they commence operations in what are typically highly complex and safety critical industries.” – Duncan McSporran, COO and VP of Aerospace and Defence, Kognitiv Spark
“Kraken Robotic Systems Inc. is excited to collaborate on the Hydrospark Project being led by Kognitiv Spark. We believe that Kognitiv’s vision of creating a Mixed Reality by merging real-world subsea environments with virtual environments will help Kraken provide clients with subsea datasets that will allow them to see and interact with subsea environments like never before. Integrating Kognitiv’s Mixed Reality Solution with our world-leading Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) technology will significantly enhance an end-users experience while viewing seabed survey data.” – David Shea, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Kraken Robotic Systems Inc.
“This exciting project builds on our long-standing research relationship between UNB and Kognitiv Spark. I’m eager to bring our Human-Computer Interaction Lab’s growing expertise in augmented and mixed reality to the table, and to be joined by my colleague, Dr. Ian Church, and his deep knowledge of ocean mapping. Together, we’ll be able to leverage these different specializations for a common goal, while also growing our own understandings.” – Dr. Scott Bateman, UNB associate professor of computer science and co-director of the UNB Human-Computer Interaction Lab
“NBCC is pleased to leverage its research capacity for this important global initiative that will help map the ocean floor. This is a unique opportunity for our students to work directly on an innovative mixed reality solution that will further enhance our research development.” – Mary Butler, President and CEO of NBCC
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster partners with MIT Technology Review on Blue Technology Barometer
Research initiative to focus on how coastal economies, ocean solutions, and investment in innovation are supporting a sustainable blue future in countries around the world
June 8, 2021 – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its partnership with the MIT Technology Review Insights on the Blue Technology Barometer. The global index will examine advancing technology and innovation, regulations, and commercial solutions from countries around the world that will help support decarbonization and shape the future of the global blue economy.
“The sustainable growth of our ocean is a global conversation where innovation plays a key role in achieving greater ocean health and productivity,” said Kendra MacDonald. “As Canada’s national ocean cluster, we are proud to be the Canadian partner in the development of this research, report and index. This is a unique opportunity to tell Canada’s ocean story to the world, putting a spotlight on our collective focus on the impacts of climate change in ocean, the path to decarbonization, and realizing sustainable growth in the blue economy.”
The Blue Technology Barometer will examine where and how blue economy technologies and solutions are used to clean up oceans, reduce marine-related carbon emissions and make marine economic activities more economically and environmentally viable. These activities and assets will be quantified and ranked for more than 60 countries with significant ocean coastlines.
“We are delighted to count Canada’s Ocean Supercluster as a partner to our new initiative measuring the impact that analytics, biotech, and other technologies will have on future ocean sustainability,” said Nico Crepaldi, head of custom research at MIT Technology Review. “Based on the work we have done to create the Green Future Index—our foundational global ranking of decarbonization progress and potential—the Blue Technology Barometer will form an important complement to our expanding portfolio of holistic research projects that examine the role technology plays in advancing sustainable development.”
Through assessing innovative thinking and action, the Blue Technology Barometer will highlight which economies are working most effectively to ensure a sustainable future in ocean.
The Blue Technology Barometer report, findings and index will be released publicly in the Fall of 2021.
Ocean Supercluster announces the Unmanned Digital Twinning Project
One of four Ocean Supercluster projects announced today
Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new projects with a total value of almost $11 million including the Unmanned Digital Twinning project. This Atlantic Canada-led project will develop an innovative product for digital twinning of underwater infrastructures, without the need for external specialists working in remote offshore locations.
With a total project value of $592 thousand, the Ocean Supercluster will provide $320 thousand with the balance coming from project partners.
In this project, Welaptega Marine, an Ashtead Technology company, with its partners Whitecap Scientific, SubC Imaging, and Nova Scotia Community College SEATAC division, will develop an intuitive bridge between Welaptega’s and Whitecap Scientific’s technology systems. Upon successful introduction of the project, conventional offshore ROV/vessel crew will be able to confidently collect high quality image data for post-processing digital twins, guided by way of real-time 3D reconstruction giving feedback on image quality and coverage.
Digital twins are increasingly used for integrity management, simulations, and general visualization of remote infrastructure. The flexible product created through this project will meet diverse client requirements by providing:
• Real-time coarse models;
• Post-processed high accuracy models;
• Fully uncrewed operations; and
• Virtual connection to offshore vessel to view operations in real-time.
Quotes:
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in their waters, and the riches underneath them have created prosperity for generations of Canadians. Our people have expertise now that can take on the world. So, that’s what they’re doing.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“There is so much opportunity for growth in the ocean sector, and I am thrilled to see Atlantic businesses leading the way with innovative projects that will make lasting contributions in this area. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has done fantastic work connecting small businesses with the networks and expertise they need to succeed in today’s economy.”– Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“It’s when we work together to solve shared challenges in ocean, that we achieve the greatest outcomes. We are thrilled to see small companies come together from across the region, in collaboration with academia to help bring a new digital twinning solution to ocean industries for management of infrastructure at sea with a solution built in Atlantic Canada.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“We’re excited to be at the forefront of transitioning high-quality digital twinning services from the domain of specialists to conventional ROV and vessel crew, and even better that we’re able to achieve this through collaboration between Atlantic Canadian companies. Demand for digital twinning services is growing exponentially. This project will result in a world-class product with strong technical advantages that will provide ongoing employment opportunities and strengthen Atlantic Canada’s export industry.” – Tyler de Gier, General Manager of Welaptega
Supergrappe des océans du Canada annonce le projet Jumelage numérique sans personnel sur place
L’un des quatre projets de Supergrappe des océans du Canada annoncés aujourd’hui
Aujourd’hui, Supergrappe des océans du Canada a annoncé quatre nouveaux projets d’une valeur totale de presque 11 millions de dollars dont le projet Jumelage numérique sans personnel sur place (Unmanned Digital Twinning). Ce projet dirigé par le Canada atlantique permettra de développer des produits novateurs pour le jumelage numérique d’infrastructures sous-marines sans nécessiter la présence physique des spécialistes externes dans les régions extracôtières éloignées.
De la valeur totale du projet de plus de 592 000 $, Supergrappe des océans fournira un financement de 320 000 $ pour compléter le financement provenant de partenaires du projet.
Dans le cadre de ce projet, Welaptega Marine, une entreprise d’Ashtead Technology , avec ses partenaires Whitecap Scientific, SubC Imaging et Nova Scotia Community College SEATAC division, élaborera un pont intuitif entre les systèmes technologiques de Welaptega et de Whitecap Scientific. Dès l’introduction du projet, l’équipage de navires/ROV extracôtiers conventionnels pourront recueillir des données d’images de haute qualité en toute confiance pour le post-traitement de jumeaux numériques guidés par la reconstruction 3D en temps réel en vue de leur procurer des données sur la qualité de l’image et de la couverture.
Des jumeaux numériques sont de plus en plus utilisés pour la gestion de l’intégrité, les simulations et la visualisation générale de l’infrastructure distante. Le produit polyvalent créé par ce projet permettra de répondre à diverses exigences du client en fournissant :
• Des modèles grossiers en temps réel;
• Des modèles post-traités de haute précision;
• Des opérations complètes sans personnel sur place; et
• Une connexion virtuelle au navire en mer pour afficher les opérations en temps réel.
Citations
« Les océans du Canada, la générosité de leurs eaux et les richesses qui les composent ont créé la prospérité de générations de Canadiens. Nos gens ont maintenant une expertise qui peut conquérir le monde. Alors, c’est ce qu’ils font. » – Le ministre des Ressources naturelles, l’honorable Seamus O’Regan Jr
« Le secteur de l’économie océanique est propice à la croissance, et je suis très heureux de voir des entreprises de l’Atlantique ouvrir la voie grâce à des projets innovateurs qui auront un effet bénéfique durable dans ce domaine. La Supergrappe de l’économie océanique du Canada fait un travail formidable en aidant les petites entreprises à tisser des liens avec les réseaux et les experts dont elles ont besoin pour réussir dans le contexte économique actuel. » – Le secrétaire parlementaire de la ministre de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités, et député d’Halifax, Andy Fillmore
« C’est lorsque nous travaillons ensemble pour résoudre des défis communs dans l’océan que nous obtenons le plus de résultats. Nous sommes ravis de voir que les petites entreprises se réunissent dans l’ensemble de la région en collaboration avec le milieu universitaire en vue d’instaurer une nouvelle solution de jumelage numérique aux industries de l’océan pour la gestion de l’infrastructure en mer avec une solution construite au Canada atlantique. » Kendra MacDonald, présidente-directrice générale de Supergrappe des océans du Canada
« Nous sommes très enthousiastes d’être à l’avant-garde de la transition vers les services de jumelage numérique de haute qualité du domaine de spécialistes jusqu’aux équipages de navires et de ROV et encore plus puisque nous sommes en mesure d’atteindre ce résultat grâce à la collaboration entre des entreprises du Canada atlantique. La demande de services de jumelage numérique croît d’ailleurs de façon exponentielle. Ce projet se traduira donc par un produit de classe mondiale offrant de solides avantages techniques qui créeront des possibilités d’emploi et renforceront l’industrie d’exportation du Canada atlantique. » – Tyler de Gier, directeur général de Welaptega