Investment in real-time data propels marine research

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Digital Harbour Phase 2 and new vessel tracking challenge support innovation in maritime technology

August 12, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) / National Defence

High quality data, and the platforms necessary to collect and analyze that data, are key to enabling public and private organizations in the marine sector to make informed decisions. The Government of Canada is investing to support innovation, research and commercialization across marine sectors.  

Support for marine sector innovation

Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a total Government of Canada investment of $3,196,647 for two data-related projects at COVE. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.

A non-repayable contribution of $586,807 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program will help COVE design, implement and launch phase two of its Digital Harbour Initiative. Digital Harbour uses an integrated system of sensors to collect and analyze marine data to help users make important operational, logistical, security and lifesaving decisions in real time. Phase two will develop the necessary digital infrastucture to collect data on a larger scale.

An additional $2,609,840 in federal support through Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and ACOA will support the launch of a vessel tracking challenge in partersnhip with COVE.

This two-year challenge will give small- to medium-size businesses access to DRDC underwater acoustic sensors in the Halifax Harbour to help them develop innovative solutions to detect, classify and track vessels under a variety of conditions.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen the region’s growing ocean economy.

Quotes

“We are leading the way in marine research and tech here in Atlantic Canada. Through great partnerships between ACOA, Defence Research and Development Canada and COVE, we are helping companies access the tools they need to make breakthroughs and create jobs and opportunities for people in our region.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"Improving maritime surveillance is a key priority under Canada’s updated defence policy, Our North Strong and Free. Today’s announcement will strengthen COVE’s ability to find innovative solutions to the security challenges faced by Canada and its Allies. We are pleased to partner with COVE – a valuable partner to Defence Research and Development Canada, and a member of the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network.”
- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“Big things are happening in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, and COVE, a one-of-kind innovation hub in the marine tech sector is playing a significant role in our region’s success. A real jewel in Halifax Harbour, COVE is helping start-ups, companies of all sizes, research institutions, and government work together to expedite innovation, competitiveness, and development of various ocean technologies. By investing in projects like the Digital Harbour Initiative and the vessel tracking challenge, we are helping develop talent, improve supply chain opportunities, and build the entrepreneurial ecosystems needed to foster more ocean start-ups.”
-Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour 

“Our partnership with ACOA is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving marine innovation. Together, along with partners like Defence Research and Development Canada, we are building a robust ecosystem that leverages cutting-edge data technology to advance the marine sector. This support not only enhances our ability to innovate but also strengthens the global competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian small and medium enterprises.”
-Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer, COVE

Quick facts

  • COVE is an innovation hub and home to more than 60 marine tech companies and organizations that are creating the world’s next practical, commercial and revolutionary marine tech advances and more than 350 through its programs. 

  • The Digital Harbour Initiative, launched in January 2023, provides data collection, storage and transmission infrastructure, insights related to collected data, infrastructure for testing of products and other services, and access to real-time and historical data to support research and industry activities.  

  • In June, at the 2024 H2O Home To Overseas Conference in Halifax, DRDC challenged small- to medium-size companies to take on the vessel tracking challenge. Innovators will be able to apply to join this challenge through Innovative Solutions Canada this fall.

  • DRDC is funding the vessel tracking program at $2,381,634 (non-repayable), through ACOA.

  • This vessel tracking challenge is part of DRDC’s future Maritime Surveillance program, to support NORAD modernization through science and technology.

  • ACOA is providing an additional $228,206 non-repayable contribution to the challenge through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

Associated links

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
613-904-3333

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
782-641-6365

Emily MacPherson
Director of Marketing and Communications
COVE
emily.macpherson@coveocean.com
902-402-8303

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