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Oceans Advance Newsletter – June 9, 2026
Oceans Advance Members Gather for Annual General Meeting
Oceans Advance recently welcomed members and partners to its Annual General Meeting, where we reflected on a successful year and looked ahead to new opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector.
We were pleased to receive greetings from the Honourable Minister Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development, and Dave Boland, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Vice President for Newfoundland and Labrador, who highlighted the importance of the ocean economy and the contributions of Oceans Advance members to innovation and economic growth.
A special thank you to Mike Maguire, CEO of Copsys Technologies, whose keynote presentation shared insights from his journey developing the company’s coating-based sensing technology. Copsys Intelligent Digital Skin (CIDS) or “paint with feelings” is capable of remotely detecting coating failures and corrosion risks in marine and industrial assets.
The AGM also marked the confirmation of Oceans Advance’s Board of Directors. We welcome newly-elected directors Renee Dyer (Virtual Marine) and Anthony Peach (Fugro Canada Corp.), and congratulate Ashley Noseworthy (Edgewise Environmental) and Dr. Freeman Ralph (C-CORE) on their re-election.
They join continuing directors Kristopher Drodge (Marine Institute of Memorial University), Paul Dwyer (Rutter), Justin So (JASCO Applied Sciences), and Dr. Paul Brett (Marine Institute of Memorial University).
Oceans Advance thanks its members, partners and stakeholders for their continued support as we work together to advance Newfoundland and Labrador’s position as a global ocean technology leader.
Innovation Waves: Mayor Danny Breen
As part of the ongoing Innovation Waves video series, St. John’s Mayor, Danny Breen, shares his perspective on the growing global impact of Newfoundland and Labrador companies and the province’s expanding role in defence and security opportunities. Mayor Breen highlights how local ocean technology and innovation companies are increasingly being recognized on the world stage for their expertise, capabilities, and contributions to global industries.
During the conversation, Mayor Breen also speaks to the strategic importance of the Port of St. John’s and its geographic position as a gateway between North America and Europe. With Newfoundland and Labrador’s strong marine expertise, infrastructure, and proximity to key North Atlantic routes, he notes the province is well positioned to support emerging defence, security, and Arctic opportunities. The discussion reinforces the important role local companies and organizations can play in shaping future international partnerships and economic growth.
Altomaxx Launches Altomaxx Offshore
Congratulations to OA member company Altomaxx on the launch of Altomaxx Offshore, a new division dedicated to providing specialized drone inspection and survey services to the offshore energy sector.
Building on years of offshore experience and innovation, Altomaxx Offshore will help operators improve safety, efficiency, and asset management through advanced drone technology. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for the company as it continues to grow its presence in offshore markets at home and around the world.
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.
Applications Open for Lab2Market Oceans Programs
Researchers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to apply for upcoming Lab2Market Oceans programs delivered by the Ocean Startup Project. These virtual programs help participants explore research commercialization, validate innovative ideas, and develop entrepreneurial skills within Canada’s ocean sector.
- L2M Oceans Validate Foundations (June 23–25, 2026) is a three-day virtual workshop designed for students, recent graduates, faculty, and research staff interested in commercialization and entrepreneurship.
- L2M Oceans Validate (January–March 2027) is a 10-week full-time virtual program, delivered in partnership with Memorial University, that supports researchers and students developing ocean-related technologies as they assess market opportunities and advance their ventures.
Learn more about all available programs at lab2market.ca and apply through the Ocean Startup Project.
ICTC now accepting Summer applications for WIL Digital Student Wage Subsidy.
WIL Digital offers employers a 50% wage subsidy (up to $5,000) to hire post-secondary students in full-time or part-time roles related to the digital economy. Positions involving software, products, platforms, tools, or digital marketing are all strong fits.
Start your application through the WIL Digital application portal, and review the step-by-step employer guide on the program website to learn more.
Already hired your student? We’ve still got you covered for wages paid from the date you start your application. For more details, reach out to Tim Perron, Senior Advisor, Industry and Ecosystem Engagement (Atlantic) at [email protected]
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