Phantom Photonics Leads Quantum LiDAR Subsea Imaging Platform with Ocean Supercluster Backing

17 September 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

Canada's Ocean Supercluster announced two new ocean innovation projects valued at over $8 million, including the $3.4 million Autonomous Quantum Underwater Awareness (AQUA) Digital Platform Project led by Phantom Photonics.

(Image credit: Canada’s Ocean Supercluster)

This project will develop a scalable Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution for high-resolution subsea imaging by combining Phantom Photonics’ proprietary quantum LiDAR technology—which delivers up to 10 times the resolution of conventional sonar systems—with a commercial Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) platform. The result is a persistent ocean-intelligence service that replaces costly manned survey vessels. Quantum LiDAR mapping supports recovery of lost fishing gear, protection of sensitive habitats, and improved biodiversity monitoring.

The project is led by Waterloo, ON-based Phantom Photonics, in partnership with KYNZE in Longueuil, QC. With a total project value of $3.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.4 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

This project strengthens Canada’s ocean industrial capacity by integrating expertise in photonics, edge AI, multi-sensor fusion, autonomous systems, and Indigenous marine operation through engagement with three Indigenous communities. Long-term, communities gain opportunities for technical training and high-tech employment, with eight jobs to be created over the course of the project. This collaborative approach reinforces connections across Canada’s ocean innovation ecosystem while introducing new national capabilities in subsea imaging, real-time onboard analytics, and autonomous monitoring technologies.

As global demand grows for resilient offshore infrastructure, marine security, and environmental monitoring solutions, the AQUA Digital Platform positions Canada as a leader in next-generation ocean intelligence technologies, strengthening national competitiveness and contributing to the long-term growth of Canada’s ocean economy.

Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition.