November 27, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(VANCOUVER, BC) – Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new ocean innovation projects valued at $22.1 million, including the $3.6 million Marsupial Flying Robots Project led by Avestec.
This project is advancing robotics innovation through the development of Marsupial Flying Robots – an integrated system designed for complex inspection and maintenance tasks, such as those involving rope access, scaffolding, and diver-based inspections in offshore and marine environments. The project enhances safety, reduces downtime, and lowers costs by minimizing human exposure to hazardous conditions.
The project is led by Burnaby, BC-based Avestec, in partnership with Nanaimo, BC-based Reach Systems Inc, and Coquitlam, BC-based Anarampower Ltd. With a total project value of $3.6 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.4 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
Avestec’s Marsupial Flying Robot Project will deliver a dual-robot system functioning as a collaborative robotic mechanism to conduct complex inspections in offshore and challenging environments. By driving the commercialization of advanced robotic inspection solutions, the initiative is set to generate revenue growth and market expansion for Canadian SMEs, strengthen supply chains, and foster innovation-driven economic development.
Through collaboration among SMEs, academia, and industry leaders, the project enhances Canada’s innovation ecosystem while improving operational safety and efficiency in marine and offshore industries. These advancements position Canada as a global leader in industrial inspection technology.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved about 150 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Every dollar invested in Ocean Supercluster projects generates more than five times its value in GDP contribution, with the following economic benefits to Canada as of March 2025:
- $1.7 billion in total economic output
- $1 billion in GDP contribution
- ️Nearly $748 million in total labour income
- ️Close to 10,000 jobs created
- ️$286 million in total tax revenues generated
- $295 million in follow-on investment raised
Quotes
“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is driving industrial innovation, accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies and strengthening Canada’s economy. By advancing electrification solutions, robotics and automation, these projects are boosting productivity, creating high-quality jobs and positioning Canada’s marine and offshore industries as global leaders in the blue economy.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and its partners are doing innovative, groundbreaking work. Their collaborative efforts are placing Canada at the forefront of sustainable ocean technology, with innovative advancements in electrification solutions, robotics and automation. Together, these projects are tackling some of the most complex challenges in the ocean economy and driving meaningful change for a more prosperous, sustainable future.” – Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
“The Marsupial Flying Robots Project demonstrates how Canadian innovation can transform global industries. By advancing robotic inspection technology, we’re creating new opportunities for Canadian SMEs to scale and compete internationally, and positioning Canada as a global leader in industrial inspection technology.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“We are honored to receive OSC support. This recognition strengthens our mission to advance Canadian-made robotic solutions that enhance safety, intelligence, and efficiency in marine and offshore operations worldwide.” – Reza Tavakoli, CEO, Avestec