Latest Industry News
Oceans Advance Newsletter – July 7, 2026
Join Us for Innovate Aquaculture Industry Day
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of aquaculture at Innovate Aquaculture Industry Day on July 23, 2026, in St. John’s. Hosted by Oceans Advance and Hatch Blue, this event brings together innovators, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and technology developers to explore the latest advances and opportunities driving the sector forward.
A highlight of the day will be presentations from companies participating in the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Innovation Studio, who will showcase innovative technologies and business solutions developed to address real-world industry challenges. Attendees will gain early insight into emerging innovations, connect with leaders from across the aquaculture ecosystem, and discover new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of industry trends, expand your network, or support the next generation of ocean innovation, Innovate Aquaculture Industry Day is an event you won’t want to miss. Register today and join us as we help shape the future of aquaculture in Atlantic Canada.
📅 Thursday, July 23
🕰️ 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
🏢 Co-Innovation Centre
📍 710 Torbay Road, St. John’s, NL
Shelly Petten, CEO, Oceans Advance
In this edition of our Innovation Waves series, our CEO, Shelly Petten, shares how Oceans Advance continues to strengthen and support Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector through industry collaboration, export development, and strategic connections. Shelly highlights the organization’s role in helping members grow beyond local markets by leading export-focused initiatives and creating opportunities to build national and international partnerships.
Throughout the conversation, Shelly also speaks to the value of connection – bringing together industry, academia, and government to help members solve challenges, identify opportunities, and access the right networks and resources. From fostering relationships with researchers to maintaining strong connections with both provincial and federal government partners, Oceans Advance continues to serve as a trusted voice and connector for the province’s ocean technology community.
Kraken Robotics Announces Closing of Strategic Acquisition of Covelya Group Limited, Updated 2026 Guidance and Appointments to Executive Team
We’re pleased to share that Kraken Robotics has completed the acquisition of the Covelya Group, including Sonardyne, EIVA, Forcys, Voyis, and Chelsea Technologies. Together, we’re creating a world-leading marine technology company focused on transforming subsea intelligence.
Newfoundland and Labrador teams own the podium on home turf at global ocean technology competition!
The 2026 Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition World Championship was held in St. John’s from June 23 to June 27, 2026. Over 1000 competitors made up the 87 teams from 16 countries that competed in the three competition classes; Explorer, Pioneer, and Ranger.
Eastern Edge Robotics – 1st Place: Explorer Class
Eastern Edge Robotics, an Explorer class team comprised of students from the Marine Institute and Memorial University, came out on top with a 1st place finish amongst the 36 teams competing in their competition class.
Western Wave Robotics – 3rd Place: Pioneer Class
Western Wave Robotics, a Pioneer class team comprised of students from Memorial’s Grenfell campus and CNA’s Corner Brook campus, placed 3rd amongst 11 other teams competing in their competition class.
Cougar Robotics – 3rd Place: Ranger Class
Cougar Robotics, a Ranger class team comprised of Clarenville Highschool students came in 3rd place amongst 40 other teams competing in their competition class.
The three other Ranger teams from Newfoundland and Labrador also performed well; Shark Tech (Labrador Straits Academy) placed 7th; Heart Innovators (Holy Heart of Mary Highschool) placed 13th; and St. Marks Robotics (St. Marks School) placed 20th.
Support from sponsors at the regional competition level helped these teams compete and excel on the world stage; Hibernia Management and Development Company; Equinor; Cenovus; Kraken Robotics; Newdock; GRi Simulations; DOF; Cooke; Pan Maritime Energy Services; Subsea 7; SubC Imaging; SEAMOR Marine; Fortis; Deep Trekker; Blu-Sub Mechatronics; Instrumar; Angler Solutions; INCOSE; Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency | Agence de promotion économique du Canada atlantique, Memorial University of Newfoundland; and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University.
Expression of Interest
Canadian Trade Delegation to Singapore and Bangkok – AI & Smart Ports
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is pleased to invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified Canadian registered companies of varying sizes, with a preference for those demonstrating proven technologies in smart port and marine sectors to participate in an in-market mission to Singapore and Thailand from October 26 to 30, 2026.
This mission will focus on advancing commercial partnerships and showcasing Canadian innovation in port automation and digitalization—two rapidly evolving priority areas across Southeast Asia’s maritime and logistics sectors.
Mission Overview
📅 October 26–30, 2026
📍 Singapore & Thailand
Format: In-market program including:
- Targeted B2B meetings
- Site visits to port operators and digital infrastructure stakeholders
- Ecosystem briefings with government and industry leaders
- Company promotion session in front of curated audiences.
- Networking opportunities
Priority Focus Areas
We are seeking Canadian SMEs with demonstrated expertise and market-ready solutions in the following priority areas:
- Autonomous Port Operations – Robotics, automation systems, autonomous vehicles, smart terminal operations
- AI-Driven Optimization and Decision Intelligence – Predictive analytics, machine learning for logistics optimization, decision-support systems
- Real-Time Digital Infrastructure and Data Platforms – Integrated data ecosystems, cloud-based platforms, digital port management systems
- IoT and Edge Connectivity – Smart sensors, real-time monitoring solutions, connectivity frameworks for port environments
- Digital Twin and Simulation / Predictive Port Management – Virtual modelling, simulation tools, predictive maintenance, scenario planning systems
- Cybersecurity & Digital Governance – Guarding and protecting information assets and port infrastructure
- Unmanned Systems (Drones & Autonomous Vessels) – Maritime drones (inspection, delivery & surveillance).
- Intelligent & Integrated Port Services (Ecosystem Digitalisation) – Intelligent & integrated port services, AI enabled logistics coordination, digital bunkering & documentation, integrated supply chain platforms.
- Robotics & Advanced Automation Systems – Robotic container handling systems.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have previously registered with Trade Commissioner Service (TCS).
- Be a Canadian registered company.
- Offer commercially viable solutions aligned with the priority areas.
- Demonstrate technical expertise and proven experience.
- Have clear international business objectives for Southeast Asia.
Why Participate?
- Market Access: Engage directly with key decision-makers in two of ASEAN’s most strategic port ecosystems
- Partnership Development: Identify partners, clients, and collaborators
- Market Intelligence: Gain insights into regional infrastructure priorities and procurement pipelines
- Brand Visibility: Position your company within a curated group of Canadian innovators
How to Apply
Interested companies are invited to submit a brief Expression of Interest through this online form.
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
For any questions, please reach out to all 3 emails as follows:
Additional Information
- Participation is subject to a selection process
- Selected companies will be informed by August 30, 2026 and will then receive further onboarding information.
- Travel, accommodation and personal costs for attending this Mission are to your company account. Regret that No funding is provided by TCS.
- Competitive CanExport funding applications are currently open to August 31, 2026. Please refer: https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/en/our-solutions/funding-financing-international-business/canexport-smes.html
- Limited spaces available on the Mission to ensure high-quality engagement.
We look forward to showcasing Canada’s innovation leadership in port digitalization and supporting your business growth in Southeast Asia.
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