Dual-use Technology at the Forefront of Latest Ocean Innovation
December 1, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(ST. JOHN’S, NL) – Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new ocean innovation projects valued at over $13 million, including the $7.7 million Ripple, AI for Ocean Platforms Project led by Visual Defence.
Ripple delivers edge AI capabilities through a comprehensive suite of tools and hardware, enabling rapid deployment of vision-based ocean AI applications for intelligent data capture and decision-making. The project will develop a customizable AI platform for ocean applications, provide edge AI solutions that operate without server connectivity, and deliver hardware and software tools for real-time maritime monitoring and analytics, including for defence and dual-use applications.
The project is led by Richmond Hill, ON-based Visual Defence in partnership with Compusult Limited in Mount Pearl, NL, and AXYS Technologies in Sidney, BC. With a total project value of $7.7 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $3 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
This initiative strengthens Canada’s position in global AI and ocean technology markets, supports supply chain resilience through Canadian-owned edge AI solutions, and advances Canada’s AI Compute objectives by providing affordable, cutting-edge infrastructure. As Canada increases focus on defence and security, the Ripple platform’s edge AI capabilities for real-time object detection and classification make it highly applicable for defence and security operations, including coastal surveillance, port protection, and underwater infrastructure inspection in low-connectivity environments.
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
Learn more at oceansupercluster.ca.
Quotes
“Supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, this innovative project harnesses advanced technologies to strengthen the marine sector and Canada’s ocean economy. Our government is investing in solutions that enhance marine training and skills development, improve coastal safety, and strengthen sustainable seafood production in Canada. This initiative drives economic resiliency and promotes the sustainable use of our ocean resources.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“Canada’s ocean economy grows when we invest in people, new ideas, and smart partnerships. By supporting projects that strengthen training, foster innovation, and bring digital technologies into our marine industries, our government is improving safety, sustainability, and efficiency while keeping Canada at the leading edge of ocean innovation. Together with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, we are unlocking new opportunities, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient ocean economy.” The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“Ripple is a game-changer for Canada’s ocean sector, enabling rapid deployment of AI-powered solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in maritime monitoring. By advancing edge AI technology, we’re creating new economic opportunities, strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem, and establishing Canadian IP that positions Canada as a global leader in maritime monitoring and marine object detection.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“With support from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Visual Defence is excited to advance cutting-edge AI technologies that will accelerate adoption across Canada and beyond. Through Project Ripple, we look forward to working closely with the project team to demonstrate how next-generation edge-AI solutions can send a ripple of innovation through the ecosystem and unlock new capabilities for Canada’s ocean economy.” – Roy Tal, Chief Technology Officer, Visual Defence Inc.
“AXYS is part of Canada’s long history of innovation in ocean technology. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and the Project Ripple collaboration will continue this leadership and leverage new generation technologies to [open new opportunities, build jobs, and] thoughtfully harness the commercial power of the ocean, both in Canada and around the world.” – PS Reilly, CEO & President, AXYS Technologies