Innovate Canada 2023 – Oceans united global industry leaders in Victoria, British Columbia from September 11 to 14, 2023 to showcase Canada’s unique tech-inspired marine and ocean business ecosystem and the various systems and solutions being brought to market by its entrepreneurial leadership. ON&T’s editorial team was delighted to participate in this year’s event and here, in this exclusive Check the Tech showpiece, spotlights some the innovative technologies, tools, and thinking at the foundation of Canada’s prosperous ocean sector.
THE HARDWARE
SEAMOR Marine manufactures and produces observation-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). This ocean tech company is expanding the operational limits of work and exploration into some of the ocean’s most complex and challenging regions. Catering for a broadening range of applications, from subsea monitoring and intervention tasks to search and rescue missions, SEAMOR Marine’s ROVs provide a reliable and versatile platform to carry out offshore and nearshore operations.
Founded in 2018, Open Ocean Robotics blazed a trail from rowboats to robotics. As the first uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) company in Canada, Open Ocean Robotics operates both as a USV manufacturer and a data-as-a-service provider. The robotics innovator’s signature self-righting hull has proven successful among operators from the defense and ocean observation industries. The company is planning further expansion of its USV portfolio to include a next generation self-righting wing design and upgrades to thermal imagery.
Trusted autonomy. That’s what Cellula Robotics delivers with their turnkey subsea robotic systems. With a team of highly skilled engineers, Cellula is developing uncrewed solutions with newfound defense applications. Some of the world’s most formidable environments exist in the polar, remote regions of the world’s oceans. New uncrewed developments by Cellula are breaking down barriers beneath the ice and are improving the community’s knowledge of real-world, subsea operating conditions.
GENERATING THE DATA
The new age use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity survey and environmental impact assessments has driven a need for viable and efficient eDNA sampling solutions. Ocean Diagnostics, an ocean science sensor and sampling developer, has designed technology for sampling microplastics and eDNA. Through additional scientific laboratory analysis services, Ocean Diagnostics offers a unique and novel solution for researchers, industry scientists, and decision makers.
With over 50 years of experience in the development, deployment, and maintenance of offshore systems, AXYS Technologies Inc. offers an extensive product line for ocean monitoring and observation. With applications in coastal development, MetOcean observing, and oil and gas monitoring, AXYS provides accurate, reliable, and complete ocean data measurements solutions.
An expert in the measurement of turbulent flow, Rockland Scientific Inc. offers a wide array of products including profiling, modular, and moored systems. With sensor and software solutions for the oceanographic community, Rockland Scientific prides itself on assisting and consulting on measurement campaigns, experimental instrumentation, and data collection and processing.
OCEAN SIMULATION
Ocean and coastal environments are quick changing and temperamental regions. DSA Ocean provides consulting services focused on moorings, anchoring, hydrodynamics, and more. From aquaculture to defense to offshore infrastructure and more, DSA Ocean software systems allow for the simulation and consideration of marine variables like wind, waves, and currents.
DATA PROCESSING
The influx of marine data generated by marine operations allows for better forecasting, monitoring, and data-backed decision making, but it isn’t without its challenges. Data ingestion and analysis can be complicated when the coming from multiple sources. BRNKL, an IoT hub, provides a solution for data collection and capture. This system provides an innovative solution to quickly and efficiently analyze incoming data that is foundational to making quick intervention.
CREATING MARKET VALUE
Partnered with coastal First Nations, Cascadia Seaweed is committed to building a profitable and scalable business centered around the cultivation of seaweed. Cascadia Seaweed sees a world where there is value market for seaweed for whole food, animal and livestock feed, pharmaceuticals, and more. Through this new venture business global and local solutions are presented for mitigating climate change, increasing food production, and improving ocean habitats.
