Three ocean tech companies from Dartmouth are preparing to launch their advanced satellite, seismic, and acoustic data collection technologies.
According to the Government of Canada, this next step will create jobs and strengthen Nova Scotia’s position as a leader in ocean sensor surveillance, artificial intelligence, and monitoring technologies.
“I have seen firsthand the drive of Atlantic Canadians to work together and support the economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mélanie Joly, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“Innovative Canadian-made solutions have emerged from various industries across the country this past year, highlighting the solidarity, strength, and resilience of our entrepreneurs,” added Joly. “I’m proud that today’s investment in Nova Scotia firms will help them continue to do what they do best so they can contribute to Canada’s economic recovery.”
Federal government investments in technology
Darren Fisher, member of parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, announced a total of $1,313,742 in repayable contributions to help three companies pursue development and commercialization projects:
- Global Spatial Technology Solutions Inc. is developing new satellite surveillance features with maritime management applications, including tracking COVID-19 through maritime points of entry into Canada.
- Reftek Systems Inc.is launching its high-resolution seismic recorder in new global export markets.
- Sensor Technology Ltd. is boosting production of its custom acoustic sensor products.
“Canada’s new and improved ocean technologies are used in a variety of sectors around the world, strengthening the country’s world-class blue economy,” said Darren Fisher, member of parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour. “I’m pleased that our support for the innovative projects announced today will create skilled jobs in Dartmouth and enable Nova Scotian entrepreneurs to emerge from this pandemic stronger than before.”
According to the Government of Canada, these innovative technologies will help protect our oceans as well as the health, safety, and security of Canadians and others around the globe.
“The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled applications in the maritime domain is expanding rapidly,” said Richard Kolacz, CEO of Global Spatial Technology Solutions Inc. “The funding from ACOA will enable GSTS to hire additional staff and accelerate the roll out of our Global Maritime Management platform—OCIANA, to meet the growing demand for decision support to save lives, energy and the environment.”
Join Water Canada for its newest online discussion series: The Keys to a Blue Economy. This four-part series focuses on how Canada should define its blue economy and all of the key elements that will ensure a strong national water sector. Learn more here.