Latest Industry News
Oceans Advance Newsletter – July 8, 2025
Save the Date – Innovation Waves – October 6-8, 2025 – St. John’s
This three-day showcase will spotlight Newfoundland and Labrador’s leadership in ocean technology designed for extreme marine conditions. It will connect global stakeholders with the province’s innovation ecosystem through knowledge sharing and networking opportunities, B2B sessions and site visits to local test facilities.
Stay tuned to our newsletter and website in the coming weeks for more information and to register.
Member News
Virtual Marine Opens New Facility in Paradise
Congratulations to Virtual Marine on the official opening of their newest production facility in Paradise, NL.
Premier John Hogan and local councillors joined the celebration, marking a major milestone as the company expands to two buildings in the town. A big step forward for local innovation and job creation—well done to the entire team.
See their full post on LinkedIn
Events
Register for MASS 2025
Ticket sales are open for the 2025 Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety Conference (MASS), taking place at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador from July 16-18!
MASS 2025 WILL FEATURE:
- 200+ attendees
- 15+ exhibitors
- Networking socials
- Facilitated B2B/B2G meetings
- 10+ expert presentations
- Panel discussions on trending topics
- Global attendee and speaker list
Register now to secure your space!
3rd Annual COMPASS Golf Tournament
It’s time for the third annual COMPASS Golf Tournament. Join colleagues and leaders from across the marine and ocean industries for a day on the green. Whether you’re here to network or just enjoy a great round of golf, this annual event is the perfect mix of connection and competition. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, meet new faces, and support the growth of our sector — all while enjoying a day at Pippy Park.
12PM – Presentation/Guest Speaker
12:30PM – Lunch
2PM – Tee Off
6PM – Social
From now until July 18th, members can take advantage of early bird pricing. This will give you 10% off. Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout!
Register by sending Shelly Petten an email at [email protected]
Join us and celebrate the momentum in the marine renewable energy sector with Marine Renewables Canada! As the sector grows, so does our conference – a reflection of the immense potential and opportunities within Canada’s offshore wind, tidal, wave, and river current energy sector. MRC’s largest conference to date will bring together leading minds from across Canada and the world to explore new opportunities and chart the future of the industry.
- Expanded Exhibition
- Concurrent sessions – featuring a new Research & Technical Track
Event Name: Marine Renewables Canada 2025 Conference & Exhibition
Date: November 12-14, 2025
Location: Halifax Convention Centre | Halifax, NS
Opportunities
DIANA 2026 Challenges Now Open: €100K+ in Funding for Dual-Use Innovators
NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) has launched its 2026 Challenge Call, seeking groundbreaking dual-use technologies across 10 priority areas—from energy resilience and autonomous systems to maritime operations and secure communications.
Successful applicants will gain access to DIANA’s international accelerator program, mentorship, testing networks, and up to €400,000 in funding.
This is a unique opportunity for Atlantic Canadian innovators to contribute cutting-edge solutions with both civilian and defence applications.
Deadline to apply: July 11, 2025, at 12:00 UTC.
Smart Port Challenge (SPC) is an annual innovation challenge organised by Singapore’s PIER71 to attract startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions to step forward and address key challenges faced by the maritime industry.
Smart Port Challenge 2025 Innovation Opportunities
This year there are 4 main themes
- Maritime Green Technologies – recycling ship waste, charging stations for harbour craft
- Smart Shipping – connectivity for older maritime vessels, digital tools, crew training programs to adopt energy-efficient practices, safer pilot/crew transfers, situational awareness
- Digitalisation – managing cybersecurity risks, derisking onboard inspections
- Next Generation Ports – cargo hold cleaning and discharge
Application deadline is July 11. Here is the link to apply: Smart Port Challenge 2025 Application Form
For additional information, please contact [email protected]
A one-week, workshop by BIM and Hatch Blue, designed to help aquatech/fisheries/marine sector startups scale innovative solutions.
Participants receive:
- Mentorship from leading aquaculture experts and investors
- Global market insights and regulatory guidance
- Access to BIM’s network of producers and processors
- Exposure to grants, venture capital, and investment opportunities
- Real-world tech validation and industry feedback
- A results-driven approach to de-risk and accelerate growth, support with go to market strategies
Who Should Apply
Startups innovating in – AI, marine engineering, water quality, genetics, feed additives, marine biotech, supply chains etc – any company that has a solution that can support sustainable seafood or ocean health even if not a traditional marine/fisheries sector company can apply, the programme organisers welcome companies from a variety of backgrounds. Later stage companies also welcome to apply if seeking to increase market and industry access.
Benefits for Canadian Companies
Access to Irish marine/fisheries industry contacts, mentorship, pilot opportunities, and potential investment. European and UK based stakeholders will also participate so companies will gain networking opportunities beyond the Irish market.
Dates: 13–18 October 2025. Selected companies may also have the opportunity to present their solution at the BIM Blue Ambition Conference to 200+ industry professionals on 23 Oct in Dublin
Location: Galway, Ireland
Cost: No participation fee; However, companies cover their own travel and expenses
Spaces Available: 8–10 companies
Application: Open now via Hatch Blue Aquatech Innovation Studio 2025 and BIM – Call for Entries
Closing Date: 18 July 2025
Global Affairs Canada has launched the Canada-U.S. Engagement campaign to strengthen cross-border ties and promote mutual prosperity. The initiative highlights Canada’s key contributions to the U.S. economy, energy security, and defense collaboration, while spotlighting our shared values and integrated supply chains. From clean energy to innovation and infrastructure, Canada remains the U.S.’s closest and most reliable partner.
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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