September 17, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(WATERLOO, ON) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced two new ocean innovation projects valued at over $8 million, including the $3.4 million Autonomous Quantum Underwater Awareness (AQUA) Digital Platform Project led by Phantom Photonics.
This project will develop a scalable Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution for high-resolution subsea imaging by combining Phantom Photonics’ proprietary quantum LiDAR technology – which delivers up to ten times the resolution of conventional SONAR systems – with a commercial Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) platform. The result is a persistent ocean-intelligence service that replaces costly manned survey vessels. Quantum LiDAR mapping supports recovery of lost fishing gear, protection of sensitive habitats, and improved biodiversity monitoring.
The project is led by Waterloo, ON-based Phantom Photonics, in partnership with KYNZE in Longueuil, QC. With a total project value of $3.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.4 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
This project strengthens Canada’s ocean industrial capacity by integrating expertise in photonics, edge AI, multi-sensor fusion, autonomous systems, and Indigenous marine operation through engagement with three Indigenous communities. Long-term, communities gain opportunities for technical training and high-tech employment, with eight jobs to be created over the course of the project. This collaborative approach reinforces connections across Canada’s ocean innovation ecosystem while introducing new national capabilities in subsea imaging, real-time onboard analytics, and autonomous monitoring technologies.
As global demand grows for resilient offshore infrastructure, marine security, and environmental monitoring solutions, the AQUA Digital Platform positions Canada as a leader in next-generation ocean intelligence technologies, strengthening national competitiveness and contributing to the long-term growth of Canada’s ocean economy.
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.
-30-
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 blue food, arctic and security, ocean Energy, and marine decarbonization, 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 approved160 projects valued at more than $600 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
Quotes
“Supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, one of Canada’s global innovation clusters, these projects aim to accelerate next-generation ocean technology breakthroughs. This is innovation with purpose: improving safety, advancing sustainable ocean industries and creating opportunities for Canadian companies to compete globally. With these investments, we are building a more resilient and prosperous future for coastal communities and for all Canadians.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“AI is transforming how we understand and protect our oceans, and Canada intends to lead in this new era of AI‑powered ocean intelligence. By integrating AI with quantum photonics, robotics and underwater sensing, these projects will unlock powerful new capabilities. AI is a strategic asset for Canada’s ocean future, as this work strengthens our ability to respond to environmental, economic and security challenges.” – The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“By bringing together expertise in quantum photonics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and marine operations, Phantom Photonics and KYNZE are developing solutions that will improve the understanding of our oceans at a time when it has never been more important, while increasing the sustainability, safety, and competitiveness of our ocean sector. This project adds to our portfolio of dual-use solutions, which make up more than 50% of our projects.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Phantom is grateful to have a partner in the Ocean Super Cluster to propel and bolster our product development in the maritime sector. We’re looking forward to deploying high-resolution and high-speed imaging solutions in collaboration with Kynze who produce low-latency high-bandwidth electronics for sensor fusion.” – Alex Maierean, CEO and Co-founder, Phantom Photonics