Digital Harbour Phase 2 and new vessel tracking challenge support innovation in maritime technology
August 12, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) / National Defence
High quality data, and the platforms necessary to collect and analyze that data, are key to enabling public and private organizations in the marine sector to make informed decisions. The Government of Canada is investing to support innovation, research and commercialization across marine sectors.
Support for marine sector innovation
Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth - Cole Harbour, announced a total Government of Canada investment of $3,196,647 for two data-related projects at COVE. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
A non-repayable contribution of $586,807 through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program will help COVE design, implement and launch phase two of its Digital Harbour Initiative. Digital Harbour uses an integrated system of sensors to collect and analyze marine data to help users make important operational, logistical, security and lifesaving decisions in real time. Phase two will develop the necessary digital infrastucture to collect data on a larger scale.
An additional $2,609,840 in federal support through Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and ACOA will support the launch of a vessel tracking challenge in partersnhip with COVE.
This two-year challenge will give small- to medium-size businesses access to DRDC underwater acoustic sensors in the Halifax Harbour to help them develop innovative solutions to detect, classify and track vessels under a variety of conditions.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen the region's growing ocean economy.
