Growing the Blue Economy
By: Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
As the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, I am continually reminded of a striking reality: Canada, a nation blessed with the world’s longest coastline, currently captures only about half the global average value from our ocean economy. Recognizing this underutilization presents a significant opportunity for improvement, not only economically but also for the betterment of our planet’s well-being.
Recently, during an interview on the Insights Podcast with Don Mills and David Campbell, I had the opportunity to explore a number of topics including the collective ocean ambition for Canada we launched last year, Ambition 2035. This national platform is designed to bring Canada’s ocean network together around the potential to grow Canada’s sustainable ocean economy 5X by the year 2035.
For the complete podcast, listen here: Canada’s Ocean Supercluster – Growing the Blue Economy with Kendra MacDonald, CEO of OSC
Supergrappe des océans du Canada fait équipe avec des entreprises océaniques et Shawn Kanungo Lancement de la campagne nationale de sensibilisation aux carrières océaniques « On the Job »
Supergrappe des océans du Canada (SOC) a lancé aujourd’hui l’annone-amorce de sa toute première entreprise nationale de carrières océaniques, appelée on the Job. La campagne de sensibilisation comporte six volets qui seront promus sur les médias sociaux et sur diverses plateformes numériques. La campagne vise à fournir aux jeunes de 18 à 30 ans un aperçu des rôles des travailleurs ayant une variété de compétences et d’expériences dans le secteur océanique.
« Alors qu’on s’attend à ce que l’économie océanique dépasse la croissance de l’ensemble de l’économie, le Canada a l’occasion de diriger et de réaliser une croissance significative grâce à Ambition 2035, soit un potentiel de croissance de 5 fois pour l’économie océanique durable du Canada », a déclaré Kendra MacDonald, directrice générale de Supergrappe des océans du Canada. « Cette croissance ne sera pas possible sans une main-d’oeuvre diversifiée et qualifiée qui est prête à occuper les emplois de notre économie océanique actuelle et future au Canada.»
Mme MacDonald affirme que l’accès aux talents est essentiel à ce genre de croissance transformationnelle possible dans les océans au Canada. Elle cite que de nombreuses entreprises canadiennes oeuvrant dans l’économie océanique ont du mal à trouver les talents dont elles ont besoin pour répondre aux demandes croissantes du marché et à une clientèle accrue.
Tirant parti de sa nature curieuse et de son style d’engagement dynamique, SOC s’est associée à Shawn Kanungo, conférencier, auteur et stratège renommé en innovation, pour organiser la campagne de sensibilisation. Kanungo a ainsi passé une journée à occuper des emplois en demande dans six organisations différentes du secteur océanique du Canada : Virtual Marine, Sensor Technology, Marine Thinking, Cascadia Seaweed, Katal Energy et Clearwater.
« Après avoir parcouru le pays pour rencontrer des entrepreneurs en technologie océanique, il est indéniable que cet espace est prêt à exploser », a déclaré Shawn Kanungo. « Les prochaines entreprises d’un milliard de dollars seront bâties dans l’industrie océanique. Nous n’avons pas seulement besoin de corps, nous avons besoin de gens qui ont faim de construire, de diriger et de créer une brèche dans l’univers dans une variété de rôles.”
La campagne nationale de sensibilisation On the Job sera sur le marché au moins pendant 12 mois. L’annone-amorce peut être consultée ici: https://youtu.be/dZO4oocTLhw
• L’ambition 2035 est une ambition de croissance de 5 fois pour le secteur océanique du Canada d’ici 2035, qui identifie six moteurs clés : l’énergie océanique à grande échelle, les fruits de mer durables, le transport maritime, la technologie océanique, le tourisme océanique et le secteur public.
• En 2018, les secteurs maritimes au Canada ont contribué aux économies provinciales, régionales et nationales avec des activités qui représentaient 1,6 % de l’emploi total et des estimations du produit intérieur brut (PIB) du Canada.
• Près de sept millions de Canadiens vivent dans des collectivités côtières qui dépendent fortement des industries océaniques. Ces industries contribuent ensemble à 36,6 milliards de dollars de notre PIB annuel et soutiennent près de 300 000 emplois bien rémunérés.
À propos de Supergrappe des océans du Canada Supergrappe des océans du Canada accélère le développement et la commercialisation de solutions océaniques créées au Canada dans les domaines de la transition énergétique, la sécurité alimentaire, l’avenir des transports et les changements climatiques tout en faisant croître davantage d’entreprises, en créant plus d’emplois et en attirant des talents océaniques. En tant que grappe océanique nationale du Canada, SOC est un coordonnateur de membres, de partenaires et de réseaux. Elle agit de catalyseur pour favoriser une croissance transformatrice qui contribue à bâtir l’écosystème robuste nécessaire pour réaliser Ambition 2035, soit un potentiel de croissance de 5 fois dans l’océan d’ici 2035. À ce jour, Supergrappe des océans du Canada a approuvé plus de 90 projets qui permettront de produire plus de 200 nouveaux produits, procédés et services océaniques créés au Canada en vue d’une commercialisation à l’échelle mondiale. Pour obtenir plus d’informations, veuillez consulter le site à oceansupercluster.ca
Personnes-ressources pour les médias : Nancy Andrews Supergrappe des océans du Canada nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster teams up with ocean companies and Shawn Kanungo in launch of national “On the Job” ocean careers awareness campaign
Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has launched its official teaser to its national ocean
careers campaign, called On the Job. The six-part awareness campaign, which will be promoted
across social media and a variety of digital platforms, aims to provide youth ages 18-30 with an
inside look at the kinds of roles for workers with a variety of skillsets and experiences across the
ocean sector.
“As the ocean economy is set to outpace the growth of the broader ocean economy globally,
Canada has the opportunity to lead and realize significant growth through Ambition 2035 – a 5X
growth potential in Canada’s sustainable ocean economy,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This will not be possible without a well-skilled, diverse
workforce that is ready to take on the jobs of our current and future ocean economy in
Canada.”
MacDonald says access to talent is critical to the kind of transformational growth that is
possible in ocean in Canada, citing many Canadian companies operating in the ocean economy
struggle to find the talent they need to support growing market demands and an increased
customer base.
Drawing on his inquisitive nature and dynamic style of engagement, the OSC teamed up with
renowned innovation speaker, author and strategist, Shawn Kanungo to host the awareness
campaign. Kanungo spent a day taking on assigned in-demand jobs across six different
organizations in Canada’s ocean sector including Virtual Marine, Sensor Technology, Marine
Thinking, Cascadia Seaweed, Katal Energy, and Clearwater.
“After travelling around the country meeting with ocean tech entrepreneurs, it’s undeniable
this space is ready to explode,” said Shawn Kanungo. “The next billion-dollar companies will be
built in the ocean industry. We don’t just need bodies, we need people that are hungry to build,
lead and create a dent in the universe in a variety of roles.”
The On the Job national awareness campaign will be on the market for at least a 12 month
period. The teaser can be viewed here: OSC Presents – On The Job with Shawn Kanungo
Quick facts:
Ambition 2035 is a 5X growth ambition for Canada’s ocean sector by 2035 which
identifies six key drivers: scaled ocean energy, sustainable seafood, marine shipping,
ocean technology, ocean tourism, and public sector.
In 2018 Marine sectors in Canada contributed to provincial, regional and national
economies with activities that represented 1.6% of both Canada’s total employment and
gross domestic product (GDP) estimates.
Nearly seven million Canadians live in coastal communities that rely heavily on ocean
industries. Combined, these industries contribute $36.6 billion to our annual GDP and
support almost 300,000 jobs.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-
Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate
change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As
Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks
and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help
realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has
approved more than 90 projects which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean
products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit
oceansupercluster.ca
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $2.6M OceanAI Navigator ProjectAI-Integrated Fleet Management platform
(London,UK) – At Oceanology International today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the OceanAI Navigator Project. This project is designed to help marine shipping companies optimize their fuel-emissions, maintenance and operations by creating a co-pilot for marine fleet operations. The advanced AI models will be interactive and adaptive, allowing marine engineers to feed in their insights, and operational context, ensuring more accurate and efficient results.
The OceanAI Navigator Project represents a pivotal opportunity for Canada to provide leadership in the AI landscape. By focusing on AI development within a key growth sector and also one where emissions reductions are critical to achieving net zero, this project contributes significantly to the broader AI ecosystem where marine fleet operators will gain greater agility, insight, and adaptability, bolstering their competitive edge on the global stage.
The project will be led by CORSphere Software Inc. Along with Dartmouth, NS based project partner Leeway Marine and collaborator Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL). With a total project value of $2.4M, OSC will contribute $950K from its funding under the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS) with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The project entails developing an AI-powered SaaS platform by CORSphere for optimizing marine fleet operations, a co-pilot to proactively assist fleet operators. This platform will seamlessly integrate with existing systems, utilizing AI to minimize fuel consumption, lower emissions, and predict maintenance needs accurately. Its interactive and adaptive AI models allow marine engineers to contribute insights and add operational context, ensuring efficiency in a continuously evolving industry.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 90 projects which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews Canada’s Ocean Supercluster nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About CORSphere
CORSphere aims to democratize AI across defence, marine, and industrial sectors to enhance operational efficiency. Our next-generation AI suite, featuring a unique Human-Machine-Teaming interface, transforms machinery and IoT data analysis, focusing on predictive maintenance, logistics, and operations. CORSphere aims to pave the way for organizations to use their data to leverage secure and reliable AI solutions.
Quotes:
“Canadian innovation is stepping up to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. The OceanAI Navigator Project has the potential to significantly impact our ocean economy. By optimizing routes and reducing fuel consumption, this initiative by Canada’s Ocean Cluster will contribute to cleaner oceans and a cleaner environment for Canadians.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new projects with a total value of almost $18 million, including the OceanAI Navigator Project. This project will deliver a solution that leverages the power of AI to act as a co-pilot to proactively assist fleet operators. Leveraging existing systems, operator insights, and AI, the solution will help minimize fuel consumption, lower emissions, and predict maintenance needs accurately in marine transportation.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Today marks an important milestone as we embark on this journey to work on the OceanAI Navigator, an AI co-pilot to propel the marine industry and Canada’s blue economy towards a greener future, promising enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. We’re thrilled to steer this initiative towards a cleaner, more sustainable global ocean economy with our partners.” – Co-founder & CEO, CORSphere, M Sazied Hassan.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announced $3.2M AtoN Project for Safer Marine Transport
(London, UK) – At Oceanology International, today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the $3.2 million Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Project. The focus of this project is to ensure safer and more efficient maritime transportation by enabling important upgrades to navigation buoys and mooring systems, through advanced technology, design, and management software integration. Beyond preventing damage and drifting occurrences of bouys, this project will make a significant contribution to maritime safety, fostering innovation, benefiting businesses, and providing cost-effective solutions for the lighthouse authorities and coast guards in Canada and around the world.
The project will create a Software as a Service (SaaS) product for AtoN systems with advanced dynamic analysis capabilities. Project lead DSA Ocean will leverage ProteusDS software platform and marine dynamics expertise. The project will help ensure safe navigation, protecting those working on the water, the environment, and marine industry operations. This project is a significant advancement for Canadian maritime safety where the Canadian Coast Guard and its supply chain can benefit from this innovative SaaS tool, aligning with the national AtoN modernization goals.
The project will be led by Victoria, BC based DSA Ocean, with partner Go Deep International (NB) Inc. based in Saint John, NB. With the total project value of $3.2 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.2 million, with the balance invested by the project partners.
Potential end-users, including the Canadian Coast Guard the US Coast Guard, and Bouy designers will receive tailored products, ensuring enhanced operational capabilities and substantial cost savings.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 90 projects which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews Canada’s Ocean Supercluster nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes:
“Canadian innovation is stepping up to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Aids to Navigation Project, an initiative by Canada’s Ocean Cluster, exemplifies how Canadian innovation can reduce operating costs while promoting a safer and healthier environment for Canadians.”
“Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new projects with a total value of almost $18 million, including the Aids to Navigation Project. This project will be delivered by project partners from Canada’s west and east coasts who will work collaboratively to deliver a solution that will make a significant contribution to both increased maritime safety and providing cost-effective solutions for the lighthouse authorities and coast guards in Canada and worldwide. ” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $12M AI powered berth schedule management project
(London, UK) – At Oceanology International, today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the launch of a project for Empowering Maritime Collaboration with AI powered intelligence. This project will develop and implement a Collaborative Berth Scheduler, a solution which connects ships, pilotages, and ports to provide optimal berth schedule management, the equivalent of an Air Traffic Control System for Ships. This advancement in digitization will empower increased maritime collaboration, enablement of digital corridors, facilitation of just in time operations, and optimized management of resources to minimize emissions, reduce fuel consumption and decrease wait-times.
Berth on-time arrival rates is an industry-wide challenge and can be as low as 30-50% at ports around the world. At the same time, vessels often arrive in port to find no berth available. This results in inefficient port resource utilization, excess shipping costs, excess fuel use and excess GHG emissions along trade routes and/or at anchor. The project lead, Global Spatial Technology Solutions Inc. (GSTS), based in Halifax, NS, will work in partnership with Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) as well as its customers and collaborators, Montreal Port Authority (MPA), Laurentian Pilotage Authority (LPA) and Clear Seas, to leverage its proprietary platform, OCIANA™ and implement novel AI algorithms to improve the overall efficiency of the maritime supply chain as well as support Green Digital Shipping Corridors.
The total value of this project is $12 million with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster investing $5 million through its funding through the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS) and with the balance of investment coming from project partners.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 90 projects which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
About Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS)
Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS) is a global maritime intelligence company delivering solutions to enhance decision making across the maritime and logistics industry. Our predictive solutions are enabled by a range of operational, environmental, vessel and cargo data to provide real-time decision making intelligence for ports, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics companies, importers, exporters, national and international agencies as well as security organisations.
About Canada Steamship Lines (CSL)
The CSL Group is a world-leading provider of marine dry bulk cargo handling and delivery services. CSL owns and operates a highly diversified fleet of specialized self-unloading vessels, offshore transhippers and handy-size bulk carriers, and delivers more than 78 million tonnes of cargo to industrial customers annually.
About Montreal Port Authority (MPA)
Montreal Port Authority is a hub for international trade that contributes to the economic development of Canada. It does everything in its power to put innovation, sustainable development, and collaboration at the heart of its business processes. Their mission is to build together a more resilient, smarter and sustainable marine corridor.
About Laurentian Pilotage Authority (LPA)
The Laurentian Pilotage Authority, a federal Crown corporation created in 1972, is responsible for establishing, managing and providing marine pilotage services as well as related services in the Laurentian region waters, notably in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River. The LPA monitors navigation manages regulations and provides services for three pilotage districts that cover a distance of 265 nautical miles between Montreal and Les Escoumins and another 70 nautical miles on the Saguenay River.
About Clear Seas
Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping was established in 2014 after extensive discussions among government, industry, environmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities revealed a need for impartial information about the Canadian marine shipping industry. It provides impartial information on marine shipping in Canada to policy makers and the public.
Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews Canada’s Ocean Supercluster nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes:
“Canadian innovation is stepping up to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Empowering Maritime Collaboration through AI Project has the potential to significantly impact our ocean economy. By optimizing routes and improving port efficiencies, this initiative by Canada’s Ocean Cluster will strengthen supply chains and support cleaner oceans for Canadians.”
“Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new projects with a total value of almost $18 million, including the Empowering Maritime Collaboration through AI Project. This project will help advance maritime operations through enhanced digitization, fostering collaboration, and streamlining processes. By creating digital corridors and enabling just-in-time operations, the project will help optimize resource management, minimize emissions, and reduce fuel consumption in marine shipping.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“We are extremely pleased to continue to work with our valued customers and innovation partners”, said Richard Kolacz, Chief Executive Officer, GSTS. “On a daily basis we see events that have an impact on vessel routing and schedules. These include the Red Sea Crisis, Panama Canal issues, weather events, like hurricanes and labour events such as strikes. OCIANA’s novel capability will allow vessels to respond to events and identify optimal routes and arrival times by coordinating with ports and pilotage authorities thereby reducing emissions, fuel use and transport costs”.
“As the first shipowner to participate in the Ocean Supercluster project, we are excited to support GSTS’ development of the OCIANA™ platform”, said Jean Fahmy, Vice President – Digital, Canada Steamship Lines. “By contributing real-time data from our Canadian fleet, we aim to help advance efforts to leverage artificial intelligence to support decarbonization in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway by optimizing Just-in-Time routing and voyage ETAs.”
“We are particularly proud of the work accomplished by our multidisciplinary team, in close collaboration with GSTS. This collaborative effort has resulted in a significant advance in port management. I congratulate the multidisciplinary team of experts in information technology, the environment, research and port operations management, who worked together at every stage of the project to create a collaborative platform dedicated to dock occupancy management”, said Julie Gascon, Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Port Authority. “Our approach began with the aim of improving the predictability of ship arrivals at the port, and then expanded to integrate the operational needs of stakeholders on the ground. This approach enabled us to develop an innovative tool that facilitates collaboration among all stakeholders, with the goal of optimizing the entire supply chain and the efficiency of maritime trade corridors”, she added.
“The Laurentian Pilotage Authority is pleased to join GSTS and the Ocean Supercluster project and thus contribute to the protection of the environment on the waters under its jurisdiction”, said Marc-Yves Bertin, Chief Executive Officer, Laurentian Pilotage Authority. “This initiative is directly in line with the Authority’s mission to provide a safe, effective, and efficient pilotage service with strong willingness to protecting human health, property and the environment, by innovating and using state-of-the-art technology that will improve the fluidity of the supply chain.”
“Clear Seas is excited to collaborate on this new initiative to develop a more efficient and intelligent maritime system in Canada”, said Paul Blomerus, Executive Director, Clear Seas. “Better information leads to better decisions, enabling marine shipping to continue its critical role in the supply chain while reducing its impact on the ocean.”
The ocean opportunity in Africa
By: Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Last week I was in market for the Ocean Innovation Africa conference. Following several conversations with different groups and leaders in ocean in Africa, I was looking forward to joining them in person for this conference now in its fifth year. During COVID, I had the opportunity to virtually present at this conference, but the opportunity to be in person was critical to advancing some of the connections and conversations already underway.
Taking advantage of a variety of experiences throughout the week from presentations to workshops, to matchmaking to networking at a historical property and finally a study tour that included a kelp farm, seaweed lunch, wastewater management and rehabilitating turtles, it was exciting to explore ocean solutions being developed and deployed and also to have conversations around where Canada has complimentary solutions on offer. There were hundreds of participants from all over Africa and around the world.
There are many takeaways from my time at Ocean Innovation Africa, as well as opportunities for us to learn from each other and about each other. Here are a few:
- Community: While South Africa is very far from Iqaluit, I heard many themes at this conference that were very similar to those that I heard at our roundtable in the North last month – the importance of community, sustainable practices, food security and thinking for the long term. There was also a lot of discussion about the value of Indigenous knowledge, how to make sure it is captured and how to right size projects for communities. Finally, a focus on the importance of consultation, taking the time to understand communities before proposing solutions. While I am a big believer in the power of technology, there are many low-tech solutions that can create positive impact for a community and scale to others.
- Talent: Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest growing population, expected to nearly double by 2050. I was impressed by the energy and passion at the conference from startups to NGOs to investors looking to both grow the ocean economy for Africa creating economic prosperity and build sustainable solutions for a healthier ocean and a healthier planet. Those that had the opportunity to present their solutions had tailored them to the local environment and community. At the same time, South Africa’s unemployment rate is over 30%, a significant challenge to address as the population continues to increase.
- Biodiversity: Throughout the week, we were exposed to the tremendous biodiversity within South Africa. From seaweed to kelp forests to sharks, penguins, seals, and turtles, we were reminded of the tremendous adverse impact we are having on our planet as many of these species are under threat – this reinforced the important link between a healthy ocean and economic prosperity. South Africa is increasing its focus on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and the impacts of climate change as we continue to increase our focus on the North Atlantic and Arctic.
- Collaboration: Throughout the conference, there were many networking opportunities. I was impressed by the number of conversations intended to provide support, mentoring and new contacts and avenues to explore. There is much more opportunity for collaboration with Canada and I am thankful for the Canadian Trade Commissioner’s support in identifying meetings and opportunities for connections.
As I sat at a restaurant on Thursday in the dark as Cape Town experiences significant and repetitive energy shortages, I was reminded that while Africa has many opportunities, it also faces many challenges including corruption, poverty, health and education outcomes which brings me back to my first point, this is all about building the right solutions that fit the community and as we bring our solutions from all over the world to Africa to try to help, we need to remember this.
One thing is certain, there is much more to come from the ocean ecosystem in Africa, they are just getting started and there is a role for us to play as collaborators and global partners.
Actions and Reactions: the future of the sustainable ocean economy in the Arctic
By: Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Over the last couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to spend time in the Arctic exploring both the opportunities and challenges. Last week, with the much-appreciated support of our local partners, including our host sponsor Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, we held our first Ocean Innovation for a Sustainable Arctic workshop in Iqaluit, Nunavut. This week I attended the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromso, Norway. The theme of the conference was Actions and Reactions, our responsibility to be proactive in shaping the future of the Arctic despite the challenges we are facing.
These provided me with an important opportunity to connect with communities in the North – to listen and understand more about opportunities and priorities in ocean. We heard from Government, communities, NGOs, researchers and industry and focused discussions both on the significant opportunities that exist across the Arctic but also the significant challenges.
While there are certainly many differences across Arctic nations, I was also struck by the consistency of several of the messages over the last two weeks including:
- Arctic has unique challenges – there are harsh weather conditions, communities are small, remote, and widely spread, there is a very high cost of operations and development, and there are infrastructure and data gaps. At the same time, Northern communities have a long history and experience facing these challenges and much can be learned from their experiences. Challenges bring opportunities, therefore innovative approaches and solutions are needed. The Arctic needs long-term thinking and long-term funding commitments and partnerships.
- Climate – the Arctic is warming at least 4X as quickly as the rest of the planet. One speaker referred to the Arctic as the canary in the coal mine, giving us a glimpse into the impacts of climate to come to the rest of the world. There was much focus on changing sea ice, biodiversity loss, vulnerable ecosystems, and significant impacts on traditional ways of life. Any solutions must be sustainable. How do we move quickly given the urgency of the climate challenges but also with respect?
- Solutions or programs must be co-designed and co-led with communities – this was repeated throughout the two weeks. Every community is different, and solutions must meet them where they are at. However, we must balance engaging communities and overburdening them. Communication with communities must be culturally relevant. Priorities of the communities can be season dependent and organizations that wish to work with them must have a good understanding of these priorities. Traditional knowledge within communities must be respected and can bring significant value to any partnership. There must be ongoing dialogue with those who call Arctic home, Indigenous communities are partners and rightsholders, not just stakeholder consultations that tick a box. Looking at the opportunity in inshore fisheries for example – this is important both for food security and market opportunities and solutions must be co-led by communities. Solutions need to consider the broader challenges facing communities including food security, day care, housing, health care and education. As more than one Indigenous speaker shared “nothing about us without us.
- Significant gaps in data – it is hard for decision-makers to make the right decisions without access to the data. There is a lack of baseline data, shortage of publicly accessible data exchange platforms, no interoperability of existing datasets, as well as capacity and training on visualizing raw data. This is a significant challenge across the Arctic. Knowledge must be at the centre of decisions. There is a need to leverage technology to collect more data but there was also a reminder that gathering data should not be extractive, companies and researchers need to be mindful of the CARE principles, data should be for the Collective benefit of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous people should have the Authority to control the data, those working with the data have a Responsibility to share how that data is being used and data should be used Ethically with Indigenous People’s rights and concerns a primary concern throughout. There is much opportunity for artificial intelligence to support better decision making but this is more difficult with missing data.
- Increasing access – Melting sea ice is increasing access to shipping lanes and natural resources. There is significant focus on maintaining peace across the North but also risk with Russia as a key Arctic stakeholder. Regulation plays on important role in ensuring appropriate activity in the North and Arctic governance continues to evolve.
- There is a meaningful value in enhancing collaborative innovation by bringing people together where ideas happen. Additionally, it creates opportunities to offer novel technological solutions to support the traditional knowledge.
It is our hope that the discussions that began in Iqaluit will continue to grow and flourish into opportunities to work together in the Arctic in a way that benefits Arctic communities. More than half of Canada’s coastline is in the Arctic, and meaningful relationships with Inuit communities are critical to achieving Ambition 2035 for our ocean economy. As we work towards a 5X growth potential in ocean, it is more important than ever that we first understand the unique opportunities across all three oceans, and find ways to work together to deliver important solutions for communities, as well as generate significant economic opportunity in the process.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Launches 2024 AI Ocean Call for Proposals
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has launched its 2024 AI Ocean Call for Proposals. This new call program is focused on the accelerated advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ocean, recognizing its substantial potential to profoundly influence the future, health, and prosperity of the world’s oceans.
Through Ambition 2035, Canada has a five times growth, $220 billion potential in the ocean economy. The pervasive use of AI in operational decision-making is poised to significantly shape global opportunities and contribute to transformational growth in Canada’s sustainable ocean economy.
Through its AI Ocean Program, the OSC will collaboratively invest with industry partners in successful project proposals. This financial support aims to provide the necessary means for companies to secure the capabilities required for Canadian firms to establish and maintain a competitive global position.
This Call for Proposals is a deadline-driven and competitive framework, providing companies seeking to co-invest with the OSC an avenue to enhance their AI knowledge, capabilities, and overall competitiveness.
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AI Ocean Call for Proposals is February 27th, 2024, at 8:00PM Atlantic | 7:00PM Eastern | 4:00pmPM Pacific. Full program guidelines can be found here [LINK]. Complete EOI submissions must be submitted via email to: AI@oceansupercluster.ca. To learn more about AI Ocean Call for Proposals here – https://oceansupercluster.ca/aioceancall2024/.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC)
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has grown its membership to almost 600 members from across the country and approved more than 90 projects with a total value of approximately $400 million which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Media Contact:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
Canada Ranks Amongst Leaders In New Global Blue Economy And Climatetech Report
Atlantic Canada’s Blue Economy Ecosystem Named 8th Strongest Worldwide
(Dubai, UAE) With the backdrop of the world’s most important convention on climate, a new global report demonstrating the interconnectivity of the blue economy with clean and climate technologies was released. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report – Climatetech Edition was officially launched by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network today together with their partners Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Cleantech Group, La Zone Bleue, and Mississippi Development Authority at COP 28. The report focuses on current startup activity, investments, and rankings identifying the global ecosystems propelling innovation. The full report is now live and free to access.
The world is increasingly focused on the blue economy given its interconnectedness to some of the biggest challenges that face humanity and the planet:
- The OECD projects the blue economy will outpace the broader global economy by 20 per cent by 2030.
- A recent report by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy indicates that up to 35 per cent of emissions reduction can come from the ocean.
- Offshore renewables are critical in the world’s energy transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of power
- As the world’s population grows, the demand for sustainable protein is increasing and seafood consumption is expected to double by 2050.
- Ocean technologies to help decarbonize marine shipping are contributing to significant emissions reductions where businesses, such as Apple, may increasingly consider this form of shipping over others.
- Regional ocean innovation hubs, ocean clusters and superclusters are growing in Canada and world-wide to harness the opportunity the new blue economy presents.
- Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has released a five times growth ambition for Canada called Ambition 2035 which would see the blue economy increase from 1.6 per cent of Canada’s GDP to more than 5 per cent.
The new global report provides key findings, including Canadian rankings in the Blue Economy and Climatetech:
- In world rankings, Singapore remains the world-leading startup ecosystem for the blue economy. There were four countries which have two ecosystems in the top 25 blue economy rankings including Canada, Denmark, Germany, and the U.K. The inclusion of Canada and Denmark on this list is notable given their smaller populations and market size relative to Germany and the U.K.
- For the Strongest Blue Economy Ecosystem Atlantic Canada ranks 8th globally (and top 5 in North America), with Vancouver ranked 14th and Toronto-Waterloo coming in under the top 30 best blue economy ecosystems. As a top accelerator in North America, the Ocean Startup Project receives special mention in the report – a pan-Canadian project under Canada’s Ocean Supercluster which has supported almost 100 new ocean companies get a start in Canada in the last 3 years, and with the aim to make Canada the best place to start an ocean company.
- For top 5 Cleantech Ecosystems in North America, Vancouver takes the fifth ranking.
- Calgary and Edmonton were the top 2 Ecosystems to Watch in North America.
- Europe has surpassed North America in its share of blue economy Series A funding.
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC)
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 90 projects with a total value of more than $400 million which will deliver more than 200 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca
Quotes:
Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster:
“We are a proud partner in this new global report on the interconnectedness of climate tech and the blue economy. As a catalyst for accelerated growth in ocean and a convenor of Canada’s ocean network, we are even more proud of the demonstrated momentum and gains in global rankings we are seeing. From our pan-Canadian Ocean Startup Project to our portfolio of more than 90 ocean innovation solutions involving 300 partners from across the country, more than 200 new ocean products, processes, and services are being delivered to the world and helping increase Canada’s competitiveness.”
“If you look at what’s happening in clean tech, climate tech, and blue tech today, it’s the ocean which is at the heart of not only solving some of the biggest challenges the world is facing, but also in creating some of the most significant, sustainable economic opportunities now and for the future.”
“Here at COP28 our message is one around the sense of urgency that is required around the blue economy. It is critical for us as a country and a planet that we prioritize our ocean because without it, we will not achieve our net-zero ambitions or achieve the kind of economic growth that is very much needed.”
Media Contact:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca