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Oceans Advance Newsletter – May 27, 2025

Join Us for the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting
We’re excited to welcome our members and partners back for the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting. This is your opportunity to connect with peers in the ocean technology sector, hear updates on our initiatives, and help shape the future direction of our organization.
This year’s AGM will feature a keynote address by Andy Hoggarth, Senior Leader at Teledyne Geospatial, who will share insights on the latest innovations in ocean technology—from e-navigation and autonomous systems to the growing impact of AI. His experience in building global success from Atlantic Canada promises to offer valuable takeaways.
🗓 Thursday, June 19, 2025
📍 Johnson Geo Centre, St. John’s
🕣 Networking at 8:30 AM | Meeting begins at 9:00 AM
Spaces are limited—please register by emailing Shelly at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you there.


Join Shelly Petten for the Launch of the Industry Insight Coffee Chat Series
Oceans Advance Executive Director, Shelly Petten, will kick off the Co. Innovation Centre’s new Industry Insight Coffee Chat Series — a speaker series featuring leaders from key industry associations sharing real-world perspectives from their sectors.
Shelly will represent the ocean technology sector, offering insights on:
- Sector priorities and innovation opportunities
- Emerging technologies and market trends
- Workforce demands and skills gaps
- Growth areas and cross-sector collaboration
📅 Thursday, May 29, 2025
🕘 9:00–10:15 AM
📍 Co. Innovation Centre
Whether you’re directly involved in the ocean sector or curious about intersecting industries, this is a great opportunity to stay informed and engaged.

Member News

Kraken Robotics Secures $3M+ in Sonar Sales
Kraken Robotics has announced over $3 million in new contracts for its Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) technology, with orders coming from NATO and Allied navy customers. These sales highlight continued global demand for Kraken’s high-resolution seabed imaging solutions used in mine countermeasures and underwater surveillance.

Congratulations to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Top 50 CEOs
Oceans Advance extends congratulations to all the incredible Newfoundland and Labrador leaders recognized in Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2024 Top 50 CEO Awards! Your vision, leadership, and impact continue to drive our province forward.
We are especially proud to celebrate Carolann Harding, CEO of SmartICE and a valued member of our Industry Advisory Council. Carolann’s dedication to community-driven innovation and inclusive economic development exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires progress in the ocean technology sector and beyond.
👏 Well done to Carolann and all of this year’s honourees!

Events

We’re pleased to share an exciting opportunity to participate in the upcoming Southeastern United States – Canadian Provinces Conference (SEUS-CP), a premier conference designed to foster strategic partnerships, drive innovation and unlock new business opportunities taking place June 8-10. This is a must-attend event for companies within the energy, manufacturing and value-added food and beverage sectors who are looking to expand their business.
SEUS-CP connects manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and buyers from the Southeastern U.S. and Canada together with corporations and government agencies to explore procurement opportunities. This year’s conference will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, from June 8 to 10, with a focus on the energy, manufacturing and value-added food and beverage sectors.
Why Attend SEUS-CP 2025?
As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, strengthening relationships and enhancing cross-border collaboration is more important than ever. SEUS-CP 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore new avenues for partnership and growth.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
- Strategic Networking Opportunities: Engage with industry leaders, government officials and key decision-makers from the Southeastern U.S. and Canada who share your goals.
- Exclusive B2B Matchmaking Program: Sign up to participate in short, qualified business meetings with companies who are actively seeking products and services like yours.
- Key Market Insights: Be at the forefront of critical conversations within the energy, manufacturing, and value-added food sectors with expert panels, interviews with leaders and hands-on workshops.
Secure your spot today at seuscp-b2b.com.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you in June!
Gillian Chatman Manager, Internationalization 709-729-3922 | [email protected] Accelerated Growth Division |
Multi-Sector Atlantic Canada Trade Mission to South Korea & Japan
The Government of NL and ATIGS are recruiting up to 15 export-ready companies for a multi-sector trade mission to South Korea and Japan, taking place September 14–21, 2025. Sectors include ocean tech, clean tech, aerospace, ICT, energy, and more. The mission includes B2B meetings, site visits, and participation in Atlantic Canada Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
🗓️ Apply by June 13, 2025
💼 Cost: $1,000/company (travel & accommodations not included)

Opportunities

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Canada’s Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) is exploring the creation of the Canadian Fisheries Innovation Network (CFIN) — a national initiative designed to advance innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness across the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
CFIN will focus on:
✅ Cutting-edge research and innovation
✅ Robotics, automation, and AI adoption
✅ Sustainable economic growth in coastal, rural, and inland communities
📄 Learn more about the proposed CFIN:
🔗 CFIN Backgrounder (PDF)
👉 Take the Survey

Lead with Cultural Intelligence.
Empower Diverse Teams.
Strengthen your inclusive leadership skills with Culturally Responsive Leadership & Management, a live online course from Gardiner Centre. Build on previous training and learn practical strategies to lead diverse teams with equity and impact.
📅 June 12–13 & 19–20 | 🕒 1–4:30 PM NST | 💻 Live Online
Register 4 employees and get the 5th free.

Nominate an Outstanding Public Engagement Partnership
Nominations are now open for Memorial University’s President’s Award for Public Engagement Partnerships, the institution’s highest honour recognizing excellence in collaborative, community-focused work.
Know a partnership making a difference? Submit your nomination today.

Expand Your Business with CanExport SMEs
Looking to expand into new global markets? The CanExport SMEs program offers up to $50,000 to support international business development. Applications are open until May 31, 2025, for projects starting after April 1, 2025.
Note: New guidelines emphasize export diversification and updated eligibility—be sure to consult the updated Applicant’s Guide before applying CanExport SMEs Program: Applicant’s guide

The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association is pleased to announce our 2025 Aquaculture Hall of Achievement Awards.
Nominations are currently being accepted for four awards:
- AQUACULTURIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
- EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD
- AQUACULTURE AMBASSADOR AWARD
- LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN AQUACULTURE AWARD
Nominations must be received no later than May 30, 2025. (Please feel free to add a separate word file if there is more than one nomination.)
Please submit your nominations with rationale in confidence to [email protected], c/o 2025 Hall of Achievement Award Nominations.

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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