Ocean AI & Technology Foundations (OAITF) Course

Shaping the Future of Ocean Tech Through AI

Welcome to the Ocean AI and Technology Foundations course – the pioneering program crafted specifically for ocean sector professionals to master AI and technology. This unique initiative offers online, seminar-style sessions led by industry experts, to foster digital maturity and promote the responsible and effective application of AI. 

This comprehensive program caters to a wide audience within the ocean sector, from entry-level through technical professionals to business leaders. It is designed to help participants harness AI and technology for strategic advantage and capacity building. The diverse range of topics ensures participants gain a thorough understanding of digital and AI technologies and learn how to apply them responsibly and effectively in various contexts. 

Hear from the first cohort’s participants about their learning experiences

  • “The fact that so many cybersecurity use cases were mentioned was valuable as it made me understand that I need to hire a pro to protect my network.”
  • For a 1.5 hour lecture, it covered a lot of content in a very complete and structured format. Well Done!”
  • “Simplified and lots of examples. It’s like attending a course introduction class!”

Key Features

  • Expert-Led Sessions: Insights provided by leading experts in digital and AI technologies specific to the ocean sector.  
  • Interactive Learning: Hands-on workshops and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge.  
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and experts to foster collaboration and idea exchange.  
  • Certificate of Completion: Participants receive a certificate acknowledging their completion of the program.  

About the
Program

Who should apply and why: 

This course is designed for anyone in the ocean sector looking to develop their knowledge of AI and ocean technology including: 

  • Founders and CEOs: Gain insights into leveraging AI for strategic growth, enhancing business processes, and driving innovation within your organization.  
  • IT Professionals and System Administrators: Update and expand technical skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. 
  • Business Leaders and Managers: Gain strategic insights into leveraging AI and digital technologies for competitive advantage and operational efficiency. 
  • Project Managers and Business Analysts: Understand the application of AI in streamlining project management and business analysis processes. 
  • Software Developers and Engineers: Deepen knowledge of AI algorithms, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity practices for developing advanced solutions. 
  • Early Career Professionals: Acquire practical skills that enhance and broaden expertise in data analysis and technological applications. 

What type of material is covered? 

Data Management

Data Management is designed to empower ocean sector professionals with the basic knowledge of how to effectively collect, process, and utilize ocean and marine data for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Focusing on the intricacies of handling a range of datasets from various applications and uses such as maritime operations, environmental monitoring, internal operations, to even social media data. This session will cover best practices in data storage and labelling in preparation for data sharing or analysis. Attendees will learn how to leverage free to low-cost digital tools and platforms for the efficient management of marine data, enhancing their ability to address complex challenges in ocean sector related, resource management, and commercial ventures. 

Data Science & Analytics

As a tangible skill for everyone, this section focused on data processing, statistical analysis, visualization techniques, and how data-driven insights can inform business decisions. This module equips ocean sector professionals with concepts of advanced analytical techniques to transform vast organizational datasets into actionable insights. This session delves into common statistical analysis, enabling attendees to uncover trends, forecast future oceanic conditions, and optimize maritime operations for better decision-making and strategic advantage in a highly competitive environment. 

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Participants will be introduced to key cybersecurity concepts and practical strategies for protecting data and systems in today’s digital environment. This session is designed for SMEs and non-technical roles, who are increasingly required to have some basic understanding and managing cybersecurity risks. It covers foundational topics with a focus on real-world applications that organizations face, including the use of third-party software and solutions. 

Cloud for Business

This session focuses on the critical aspects of cloud computing tailored for small and medium sized businesses, covering infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). By the end of this session, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage cloud computing to drive their small business forward, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of cloud services and make informed decisions about their cloud strategy.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

A core component of any foundational Ocean AI program, this area dives into the algorithms, models, and techniques that enable machines to learn from data and perform tasks without being explicitly programmed for each specific task. It covers a range of topics from supervised and unsupervised learning to neural networks and deep learning, along with practical applications of AI in various fields. Attendees learn AI algorithms and ML models can be applied to interpret complex marine data, automate processes, and develop innovative solutions for pressing oceanic challenges. This session is pivotal to build the idea of what is possible to leverage AI and ML for breakthrough advancements in marine science and maritime industries, driving efficiency and sustainability. In addition, attendees will understand the trade-offs between developing models internally, which allows for greater customization but requires significant resources, and the convenience of buying pre-built models, which may pose risks like lack of transparency or over-reliance on third-party providers. 

AI in Productivity and Business Processes

This area explores the intersection of artificial intelligence with personal and organizational productivity, focusing on how AI tools and techniques can automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making processes, and optimize workflows whether internally to improve operations or for potential products and services. The curriculum covers AI-driven applications in project management, customer relationship management (CRM), among others. By understanding how to leverage AI for productivity, learners can help identify opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and foster innovation within their organizations.    

Ethics, Policy, and Governance in Digital and AI Technologies

As digital and AI technologies increasingly impact every aspect of society, it is critical for foundational programs to address the ethical considerations, policy implications, and governance structures related to their deployment in the ocean sector. This includes understanding privacy concerns, bias and fairness in AI, regulatory and compliance issues, and how to design and implement technology in a way that is ethical, responsible, and inclusive.  

Emerging Technologies

This session on emerging technologies will delve into cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of industries. Topics will include blockchain and its applications for secure transactions and supply chain management, the Internet of Things (IoT) for creating interconnected systems that optimize operations, and quantum computing’s potential to revolutionize data processing and problem-solving. The session will also explore the role of 5G in enabling faster, more reliable communication networks and how extended reality (XR) technologies like augmented and virtual reality are transforming training, marketing, and customer engagement. Participants will gain practical insights into how these emerging technologies can be harnessed to drive innovation and stay ahead of the curve. 

Digital Transformation Strategies

Provide insights into how organizations can strategically implement digital and AI technologies to innovate, compete, and thrive utilizing information/takeaways from previous modules. This session will also touch on organizational readiness, strategic alignment, cultural shift, and change management. 

When does the course take place?

There are nine topic sessions in each cohort, with three different group times options offered. Each session is 90 minutes of learning and networking focused on a specific topic. Please look carefully at the dates below as attendance is mandatory.  Participants will attend the course sessions at the same day of the week and time throughout the duration of the course. Changes to the selected day and time option will not be permitted after registration. This ensures networking, relationship building, and maintains confidentiality for all participants. 

  • Cohort 2: At Capacity
  • Cohort 3: April to June 2025 (Registration in February 2025. Join the waitlist)

*The order of sessions is subject to change.

Cohort 2 — Tuesday Group:

  • Session 1 – January 28th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 2 – February 4th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 3 – February 11th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 4 – February 18th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 5 – February 25th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 6 – March 4th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 7 – March 11th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT 
  • Session 8 – March 18th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT  
  • Session 9 – March 25th, 8am PT | 11am ET | noon AT  

Cohort 2 — Wednesday Group:

  • Session 1 – January 22nd, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 2 – January 27th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT **
  • Session 3 – February 5th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 4 – February 12th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 5 – February 19th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 6 – February 26th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 7 – March 5th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 8 – March 12th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 
  • Session 9 – March 19th, 11am PT | 2pm ET | 3pm AT 

**Facilitator scheduling conflict moved this session to the prior Monday

Cohort 2 — Thursday Group:

  • Session 1 – January 23rd, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 2 – January 30th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 3 – February 6th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 4 – February 13th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 5 – February 20th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 6 – February 27th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 7 – March 6th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 8 – March 13th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 
  • Session 9 – March 20th, 3pm PT | 6pm ET | 7pm AT 

Application

  • Registration fee of $100 plus applicable taxes must be paid upon acceptance. The link to the course modules will not be sent until receipt of payment.  
  • Interested individuals apply for one of the 20 seats available per session. 
  • Please specify preferred group (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 
  • Please send inquiries to: oaitf@oceansupercluster.ca
  • Cohort 3 starts in April 2025; click the button below to be added to the waitlist.