Latest Industry News
Oceans Advance – October 15, 2025

Innovation Waves 2025
20+ Speakers Confirmed for Innovation Waves
📅 December 1-3, 2025 | St. John’s, NL
We’re pleased to have Dr. Freeman Ralph, C-CORE’s Vice President, Oceans & Energy as a Keynote Speaker for Innovation Waves. His keynote address “Innovating for the Edge: Cold Ocean Technologies for a Resilient and Secure Future” promises to be a thoughtful exploration of the opportunities and challenges facing cold ocean technologies.
With over 20 years of experience at C-CORE, Dr. Ralph has led teams tackling some of the most pressing challenges in Arctic and cold ocean environments. His expertise spans ice loads, ice management, and sustainable offshore operations—with projects ranging from Canada’s East Coast to the Caspian Sea and Arctic regions under consideration for oil and gas exploration and development.
A three-time graduate of Memorial University, Dr. Ralph’s career has focused on advancing safe, responsible, and innovative practices for operating in harsh environments. Recognized by PEGNL with the Early Achievement Award, he continues to drive research that balances technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leader dedicated to solving the challenges of working in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
Operating in Harsh Environments – ExxonMobil’s Technology Development in Collaboration with Newfoundland and Labrador SMEs
We’re excited to welcome Tyler Beatty and Chris Baughman from ExxonMobil, to share insights on how global energy operations can thrive in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Their session will highlight recent R&D and training collaborations between ExxonMobil’s Technology Department and local SMEs—showcasing how partnerships can accelerate solutions for cold ocean environments.
Come to Innovation Waves and join the conversation on how industry and local innovators are working together to strengthen capabilities and create long-term value.
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👉 Register now to join Freeman, Tyler, Chris and other global leaders at Innovation Waves
📸 Get Your Free Professional Headshot at Innovation Waves
Why settle for a selfie when you’re already dressed to impress? At this year’s conference, you’ll have the chance to refresh your professional image with the Headshot Photobooth by Alex Stead – complimentary for all attendees.
Step in front of the camera with professional lighting, an experienced photographer, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to look your best. Even better—your photos are delivered instantly to your phone or inbox, so you can update LinkedIn, your website, or your team profile right away.
Take advantage of this exclusive conference perk.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support innovation in ocean technology while putting your organization in front of global leaders. Innovation Waves sponsorship packages offer high-visibility benefits, from branded sessions and networking events to direct engagement with delegates. Secure your spot as a sponsor and showcase your commitment to advancing cold ocean solutions.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact Shelly Petten ([email protected])


Showcase your bold ideas on cutting-edge cold ocean technologies at this special edition Industry & Research Connector during Innovation Waves 2025. Calls for presentations due by November 14, 2025.


Congratulations to Oceans Advance member Kraken Robotics on their recent successful deployment at REPMUS 2025.


The Canadian Horizon Europe Secretariat is pleased to share some upcoming Horizon Europe events for your consideration.
- October 23, 2025 (11:00AM – 12:15 PM ET): Horizon Europe as seen from Canada – Maximizing Chances of Success
- ISED and the Delegation of the EU to Canada are collaborating to host an information session on how Canadian researchers can make the most of the opportunities within Horizon Europe. The session will feature expert perspectives on Horizon Europe, offer best practices for proposal preparation and will highlight the support resources available to Canadian researchers and innovators. Stay tuned for registration details!Â
- November 6, 2025 (01:00 PM – 03:00 PM ET): Advancing Climate Science – Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Virtual Matchmaking Event
- ISED is hosting a virtual matchmaking event on climate science calls under the draft 2026 Cluster 5 work programme of  Horizon Europe. This event will bring together researchers and innovators from Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and New Zealand to forge new collaborations that bring together deep expertise in climate research with connection to the polar regions. Stay tuned for registration details!
- December 4, 2025 (01 :00 PM – 2 :30 PM ET): Destination Grant Information Session (English Session)
- SSHRC is offering grants up to $15,000 to support researchers affiliated with eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions working towards applying to Horizon Europe Pillar 2 calls. The next round of calls will close on January 22, 2026 with an information session scheduled for December 4th. You can register here:Â Destination Horizon Grants: 2025 Competitions
To stay updated with all things Horizon Europe, we encourage you to register for the email distribution list and regularly visit the website.

PSPC SME Procurement Fair
SME Procurement Fair on November 5th – 15 Years of the National Shipbuilding Strategy!
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and explore marine procurement opportunities.
Meet public servants who can speak to the processes, needs, and policies shaping federal marine projects, and take part in Government-to-Business (G2B) sessions to connect directly with the right government representatives.
đź’ˇ Free to attend!
Register now:

Introducing a new Canadian Tech Accelerator program for dual use Maritime Safety and Security Applications (Finland and Germany). Now open for applications.Â
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Who should apply?
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Companies must be interested in expanding into the German and Finnish markets. We are looking for high-potential, scale-up stage companies with technologies (dual-use) in the following areas:
Autonomous underwater/ surface vehicles:Â Surveillance, inspection, and data collection.
Advanced radar, lidar, and sonar systems:Â These systems enhance the detection and tracking of vessels and underwater objects, improving situational awareness and response times.
Cybersecurity solutions:Â These are essential for protecting maritime infrastructure from cyber threats. They include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML):Â AI and ML are used to analyze vast amounts of data for threat detection and decision-making processes, improving the efficiency and accuracy of maritime security operations.Â
To participate, your company must have:a revenue-generating business with fully built and validated technologya passionate and committed team with market-entry goals for the German and Finnish markets sufficient resources to target and achieve growth in new markets and to fully commit to participate in the programÂ
Application deadline is December 3, 2025.
Program dates:Â Feb 1-May 8, 2026.
In-market components:Â May 19-22 2026 in Germany and May 25-27 2026 in Germany.

Maritime Security: Standing Guard
In the newly released fall issue of the Journal of Ocean Technology, the focus is on maritime security with Maggie de Haan as guest editor. Maggie is the manager of maritime security and intelligence with the Canadian Coast Guard. With her input, the JOT has a published a variety of topics related to maritime security from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Iceland.
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All materials in the JOT are published in open access format, making them accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. You can read, download, and share the full issue in flipbook format and in downloadable PDFs by following the link below.Â
www.thejot.net

Stay ahead of cyber threats
Join the Maritime Cybersecurity Seminar (Oct 29–30) for insights, training, and collaboration to strengthen Canada’s marine sector.

Have Your Say: Canada’s Next AI Strategy
The Government of Canada is inviting public input on the next phase of its national AI strategy. The consultation (open until October 31, 2025) seeks feedback on how Canada can strengthen its global AI leadership through:
- Research and talent development
- Industry adoption and commercialization
- Safe, responsible, and transparent AI systems
Anyone—from researchers and businesses to educators and citizens—can share their views online.

FIERCE 2025: Own the Room. Shape the Future.
Join Stephanie Howlett of DiversityNL and Krista Lee Hynes on November 6, 2025 when women and gender-diverse leaders will come together for a full day of empowerment, connection, and bold leadership at FIERCE 2025.
📍 Location: AMAL Unite & Empower, 7 Ricketts Avenue, St. John’s, NL.
đź’ˇ Accessibility & inclusion are at the heart of this event as we are committed to creating a safer, welcoming space for all.
Your seat is waiting. Will you claim it?
Get Your Early Release Ticket(s):Â https://fierceleadership.eventbrite.ca/

Marine Renewables Canada 2025 Conference & Exhibition
November 12-14, 2025 | Halifax Convention Centre | Halifax, NS
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.
Exhibition opportunities are available for organizations looking to showcase their technologies, services, and leadership in marine renewable energy. The exhibition will be a central hub for networking, B2B meetings, and engagement throughout the conference. Learn more about exhibiting on our website.

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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