This Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator is delivered as part of Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Program, an international collaboration between COVE and Innovate UK, which is a part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a national funding agency supported by the UK government. The Accelerator brings together forward-thinking marine sector businesses from the United Kingdom to foster innovation within COVE’s thriving marine technology hub and expansive industrial network. The 2025 cohort will be the third to participate in the program.
The seven Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator participants began their immersive ten-month program in January 2025 and are scheduled to arrive in Nova Scotia the first week of February 2025 for their Canadian market visit. The cohort of companies, including AUTOMASS, BioBright, Marble, RAB-Microfluidics, Samudra Oceans Ltd., Verlume, and Walker Subsea Engineering Ltd., will engage in key industries such as aquaculture, offshore energy, robotics, and marine environmental monitoring.
“This program is a significant step towards advancing marine innovation and commercialization on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Melanie Nadeau, CEO at COVE. “By welcoming the ScaleUp Accelerator cohort, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a sustainable future for our ocean through global collaboration and technological advancement.”
During their time at COVE in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, participating companies will engage in a dynamic program designed to accelerate their growth and deepen their understanding of the North American market. The cohort will benefit from tailored mentorship, market visits, and workshops, all aimed at refining their market entry strategies. Additionally, the in-person visit portion of the program creates opportunities for invaluable networking, connecting companies with industry leaders, potential customers, and partners.
The program culminates at COVE Demo Day, a premier event for viewing the most recent advancements in marine technology, where the cohort presents their innovative solutions to a curated global audience of stakeholders.
“Innovate UK is proud to support this partnership with COVE as part of the Global Incubator Program, enabling UK marine tech companies to explore new markets and develop innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable ocean economy,” said Jon Hazell, Innovate UK Partnership Manager North America. “Together, we can drive meaningful change.”
The ten-month collaboration is poised to strengthen the partnership between Canada and the United Kingdom, fostering innovative solutions for the nations’ shared interests in marine technologies. With Canada’s vast coastline and an abundance of marine resources, this partnership focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that support sustainable growth and advance the marine sector.
COVE has established itself as a vibrant marine technology hub where innovative ideas are nurtured into impactful solutions. Dedicated to advancing marine commerce and fostering sustainable practices for the economy, COVE is home to over 65 local and global marine technology businesses, start-ups, researchers, and service providers. It also facilitates collaboration with more than 400 organizations through its programs and services. Engaging with a global network of over 3,000 companies, academic institutions, and government partners, COVE is at the forefront of driving progress in the marine sector.
