Ocean start-up companies to develop new technologies, create jobs in the region with the help of the Government of Canada

“Strong regional economies are essential for Canada’s success and sustainability. Our regional development agencies are there to help businesses and innovators grow, succeed and create good jobs for Canadians. Our government is making investments that will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country. This will help our vibrant communities big and small reap benefits while showcasing Canada’s brand, centred on shared values of diversity and equality.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The ocean is a new economic frontier. In a little more than a decade, the global ocean economy is forecasted to double in size and create tremendous new employment opportunities, innovations and economic growth. Our government recognizes this huge potential and we are proud to support businesses that are developing real, sustainable solutions that can create prosperity for years to come.”

– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets

“More than half of Canada’s $30-billion ocean economy and 350,000 jobs are anchored in Atlantic Canada. Encouraging the continued growth of Atlantic Canada’s ocean technology sector helps Nova Scotian entrepreneurs and companies grow, succeed and provide good jobs here at home.”

– Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour

The Nova Scotia Innovation Hub is committed to building a more prosperous and sustainable future by fostering innovation in the oceans, forestry, solid waste, and agriculture sectors. We are proud to partner with ACOA and the National Research Council to support the scale up of DeNova’s sustainable protein production. Their innovative business model is well-aligned with our goal of creating real value in Nova Scotia through the growth of leading edge, bio-based businesses. This is a great day for the growing bioeconomy in Nova Scotia, and we are looking forward to working with DeNova on this exciting project.

– Rod Badcock, Executive Director Nova Scotia Innovation Hub

“Many graduates are building their futures in Nova Scotia, and their new perspectives and innovative ideas help businesses grow and succeed. This internship will expose students to the unique career opportunities in our province’s oceans sector, and will show employers the value that young people can bring to their organizations.”

- The Honourable Labi Kousoulis, Nova Scotia Minister of Labour and Advanced Education

“We appreciate the support that ACOA, NRC, and the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub are providing DeNova, and their belief in our team and our technology. We believe that DeNova’s sustainable protein can become a significant global player in the expanding alternative proteins market and will contribute to the sustainability of our oceans and more environmentally sound aquaculture practices.”

- Brianna Stratton, Chief Executive Officer, DeNova Inc.

“The ocean technology sector in Nova Scotia is thriving. New companies like DeNova and SEDNA are launching and scaling quickly, and long-standing ocean technology companies are growing new export markets and hiring talented Nova Scotians. COVE is pleased to be working with ACOA and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour & Advanced Education to bring needed new employees and entrepreneurs to this growing sector of the economy through enhanced youth training, mid-career transition planning and through attraction of new residents to the region."

- Jim Hanlon, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship

“Having support from ACOA allows us to invest the time and resources we need in order to bring our innovations to market as well as further advance our R&D and identify ways in which we can improve our ocean economy locally and globally."

- Sheamus MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Sedna Technologies Inc.

• Ocean technology focuses on creating or providing technologies for marine applications above and below the water and is a vital contributor to Atlantic Canada’s economy, providing more than 350,000 jobs in the region and supporting more than half of Canada’s $30-billion ocean economy.

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
• Atlantic Growth Strategy

Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen2@canada.ca

Lori Selig
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477 (cell)
Lori.Selig@canada.ca

Shannon Kerr
Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education
902-717-6061
Shannon.Kerr@novascotia.ca

Rod Badcock
Executive Director
Nova Scotia Innovation Hub
902-277-0795
rod.badcock@bioapplied.com

Brianna Stratton
President
DeNova Inc.
902-448-1900902-448-1900
bstratton@denova.ca 

Leslie Munro
Communications Manager
Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE)
902-266-2685 (cell)
Leslie.Munro@coveocean.com

Sheamus MacDonald
CEO
Sedna Technologies Inc.
902-318-0631
smacdonald@sednatech.io