The program has expanded internationally for the first time, welcoming UK-based ACUA Ocean and Armada Technologies alongside Canadian innovators. This reflects the deepening collaboration between the UK and Canada on shared priorities in maritime security, defense, and the energy transition. These international additions also signal British Columbia’s growing reputation as a global center of excellence for maritime technology and robotics innovation.

In a boost to British Columbia’s blue economy, Blue Action Canada will be supporting the UK ventures in establishing and growing their businesses in the region. Furthermore, Canadian cohort members will benefit from commercialization support and global go-to-market access via Founders Factory and Blue Action’s international network of ports, shipping, and government partners, which include the Port of San Diego, Zebox (CMA CGM), AltaSea, Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the Government of Barbados.

Second Cohort: Autonomous Ocean Vehicles, AI, and Biotech at Its Core

1. ACUA Ocean – Autonomous uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for full-ocean monitoring and data collection, protecting seas and oceans from threats. (Plymouth, UK)
2. Armada Technologies – Next-generation hull air lubrication system (ALS) for maritime decarbonization, reducing fuel consumption and emissions across global shipping fleets.  (Newcastle, UK)
3. Deepwater Robotics  – Long-range, low-cost autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for ocean survey, port and channel inspection, and threat detection, including mines and espionage. (Vancouver, Canada)
4. Flux Lines – Battery barges providing flexible shore power and grid-connected energy storage, accelerating maritime electrification at port. (Montreal, Canada)
5. PhyCo – Industrial-scale seaweed bioplastic reducing agriculture’s reliance on petroleum-based plastics. (Vancouver, Canada)
6. Whale Seeker – AI-powered visual detection of marine mammals and birds for energy, shipping, government, and conservation organizations. (Montreal, Canada)

The program, supported in partnership with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, will culminate in Victoria and Vancouver in May 2026, coinciding with Web Summit Vancouver and the MariTech event in Victoria.

Jason Goldsworthy, Executive Director, COAST: “Blue Action Canada was created to help early-stage companies turn innovation into impact,” said Jason Goldsworthy, Executive Director of COAST. “This cohort reflects the scale of talent and new ideas emerging at the intersection of ocean innovation, climate action, and security, and it’s exciting to see both Canadian and international ventures building that future here in British Columbia. By supporting their growth, we’re strengthening Canada’s leadership in a trillion-dollar economic opportunity.”

Kendra MacDonald, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster: “Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is proud to partner with COAST and Founders Factory in delivery of Blue Action Canada. With the goal to help develop more made-in-Canada ocean solutions that contribute to our security, decarbonization of shipping and other marine activities, while also scaling startups, this cohort will accelerate the potential for new commercial opportunities and sector growth.”

George Northcott, President, Founders Factory: “Defense, maritime fuel efficiency, and nature are the critical challenges of the day, and we are excited to welcome pioneering startups into this program in British Columbia. We see huge opportunities to develop cross-border commercialization pathways for our Canadian and UK founders and look forward to working with them over the coming weeks.”