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Oceans Advance Newsletter – February 11, 2026
Innovation Waves Interview #2: Arctic Opportunity and Strategic Advantage
In the second interview of our Innovation Waves series, the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development, shares his perspective on why Newfoundland and Labrador is uniquely positioned as the “center of gravity for Arctic opportunities.”
Minister Paddock highlights the province’s strategic geographic location, deep-water access, and established ocean and defence capabilities as key national assets. He emphasizes that Newfoundland and Labrador’s proximity to the Arctic places the province at the forefront of emerging opportunities related to Arctic security, sovereignty, and innovation.
The Minister also underscores the importance of Newfoundland and Labrador being included in federal-level discussions on defence and security. He points to the opportunity for the province to advocate for a NATO test centre, positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a hub for testing, innovation, and collaboration in Arctic and defence-related technologies.
This interview reinforces the role Newfoundland and Labrador can play in supporting Canada’s Arctic objectives, while creating economic and innovation opportunities for the province’s ocean technology sector.
Watch the full interview as part of the Innovation Waves series.
Aquaculture UK & Norway Business Development Mission
Oceans Advance, in partnership with ACOA and the Atlantic Provinces, invites ocean technology companies to join a dual-market trade mission featuring business development meetings in Stavanger, Norway (June 10–12)followed by a shared Canada Pavilion presence at Aquaculture UK 2026 in Glasgow (June 16–17), including a targeted Canada networking reception to connect delegates with international buyers.
SMM Hamburg 2026 – Canada Technology Pavilion
OTCNS, in partnership with ACOA, Atlantic partners, and ABCMI, invites export-ready Canadian ocean technology companies to join a trade mission to SMM Hamburg 2026, the world’s leading maritime trade fair.
Participants will showcase within the Canada Technology Pavilion (Hall B6), take part in a Maritime Defence Roundtable, and attend a Canada Networking Reception, all designed to connect Canadian innovation with global buyers and partners. Space is limited and subject to screening.
Canadian Marine Industries & Shipbuilding Hybrid Workshop
Tickets are now on sale for the CMISA–FedDev Hybrid Workshop on Marine ITB/IRB programs, Indigenous participation, and supply chain opportunities, taking place February 26, 2026 (hybrid: Ottawa + virtual). This half-day, practical session brings together industry, Indigenous organizations, and federal partners for program insights, panels, and a dedicated networking reception.
Digital Offshore ’26 Conference
Interested in the latest developments in digitalization and how it can help your company? Want to meet face to face with leaders and experts in the innovation ecosystem?
Attend Digital Offshore ’26 on March 10-11, 2026, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, organized by Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador (ERI) partnering with Co. Innovation Centre and Energy NL.
There will also be pre- and post-conference events on March 9 & 12, including workshops & ecosystem facility tours.
Marine Institute Open House – March 25
Marine Institute is hosting an Open House on March 25. Meet faculty, admissions, student supports, housing, and student aid teams—and enter for a chance to win a $1,000 tuition voucher.Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University
Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University
📍 155 Ridge Road, St. John’s, NL, Canada
⏰ 3 p.m. – 7 p.m
Youth and the Ocean – Call for Content
The upcoming fall issue will spotlight youth (up to age 29) engaged in ocean technology—through entrepreneurship, research, education, competitions, volunteering, and more.
We’re pleased to welcome Bethany Randell and Michaela Barnes as guest editors for this special youth-focused issue.
Submissions may be written by or about young people and can include technical papers, essays, or short articles. Topics can range from youth education programs and competitions (e.g. MATE ROV), to graduate research, shipboard science, and innovative uses of ocean technology.
CanExport SMEs Funding – Now Open
The CanExport SMEs Program opens February 4 at 12:00 PM (EST) and runs until May 29, 2026. Eligible Canadian SMEs can apply for up to $50,000 to support international business development.
This year’s program includes updated eligibility criteria, expanded eligible expenses, and a stronger emphasis on defence-related projects. Funding is competitive and awarded on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Eligible activities include travel, trade events, marketing, consulting services, IP protection, and more. Companies may target up to five international markets or the United States (not both).
Team Canada Trade Mission – South Korea | March 30–April 2, 2026
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to Seoul, South Korea, from March 30 to April 2, 2026. The mission will focus on aerospace and defence, along with clean energy, ICT, and life sciences.
This in-market mission offers Canadian companies the opportunity to explore partnerships and engage in targeted business-to-business meetings.
🗓 Dates: March 30 – April 2, 2026
📍 Location: Seoul, South Korea
🧭 Sectors: Aerospace & defence, clean energy transition, ICT, life sciences
⏰ Application deadline: February 13, 2026 (23:59 PT)
⚡ Early deadline: Apply by February 6, 2026 to be considered for pre-arranged B2B meetings
Have news you would like shared in the Oceans Advance Newsletter?
If you have upcoming events, exciting achievements, or news you’d like featured in the next Oceans Advance newsletter, let us know.
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