Some say Atlantic Canada’s innovation tide is changing with a growing start-up sector and ecosystem supporting research, development and the commercialization of innovation.
Looking to the seas for innovation
One of the most interesting innovation developments in Atlantic Canada is occurring in an area we’ve had all along: the ocean industry.
The Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led partnership with governments and research institutions which is designed to grow the ocean-based industry through innovation. Through these partnerships, the Supercluster will develop new technologies for existing businesses, while supporting new ocean-tech businesses.
The federal government has contributed $153 million and a coalition of private-sector companies, such as Clearwater and Emera, matches the funding to create an innovation, research and development fund of more than $300 million.
The Ocean Frontier Institute is another example of ocean-based innovation. It was formed by Dalhousie and Memorial universities and University of P.E.I. to drive research and innovation areas such as sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine safety and ocean data systems.
The Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) is a research and collaboration facility in Dartmouth which provides space for new companies to develop technologies in the ocean sector.
The idea here is to link up key players in the ocean industry and form a mutually-supportive economic engine that will not end up competing with itself or duplicating products and services.
Read the full article, published in the Cape Breton Post ...
