Rockland Scientific and Other Marine Tech Companies Are Turning Collaboration into Competitive Advantage at Canada’s Marine Innovation Hub.
Canada’s marine economy is connecting to the world at an unprecedented pace—and at the center of this momentum is COVE. Located on Halifax’s working waterfront, COVE is a globally recognized hub where start-ups, multinationals, researchers, and defence agencies collaborate to turn marine technology ideas into solutions with international impact.
For Victoria-based Rockland Scientific, a leader in ocean turbulence measurement, joining COVE offered more than an East Coast presence. “It gave us a foothold in a nationally significant marine tech cluster and positioned us close to customers, collaborators, and a skilled workforce,” says Candace Smith, Sales Manager for North America. “The access to decision-makers and global partners is unparalleled,” she adds. “COVE opens doors we wouldn’t reach from a traditional office or lab.” The cluster spans over 500 organizations worldwide, connecting Canadian companies to a network of partners, investors, and decision-makers across continents.
COVE’s strength lies in turning ideas into impact. Companies come here to move from prototype to product, supported by deep domain expertise, real-world testing, and direct access to buyers. This support spans the full lifecycle of marine innovation—from research-born ventures refining new technologies to defence firms developing dual-use solutions—creating a clear pathway to market that goes far beyond providing workspace. Across sectors like marine autonomy, decarbonization, defence, and offshore energy, COVE reinforces this role through high-profile partnerships, strategic initiatives, and collaborative projects that demonstrate how Canadian marine innovations reach global markets.
Collaboration is at the heart of the COVE experience. Rockland works closely with Dalhousie University’s Ocean Tracking Network Glider Group—also based at COVE—to co-develop high-resolution sensor data that informs climate research, naval operations, and fisheries management globally. Delegations from NATO, foreign governments, and international investors regularly visit, offering companies exposure and partnerships that are difficult to access elsewhere.
Talent is another critical advantage. Half of Rockland’s Halifax team are alumni of NSCC’s Ocean Technology program, while proximity to Dalhousie University, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) strengthens recruitment and R&D opportunities.
From local development to global deployment, COVE is the platform where business, science, and strategy intersect. It is the hub where marine industry leaders accelerate growth, expand markets, and shape the future of the marine economy—making Canada a destination for marine innovation worldwide