Bringing a marine tech innovation to market is never smooth sailing. From navigating complex regulations to securing testing environments and attracting the right talent, the journey is full of obstacles. But at COVE, those barriers begin to vanish. Whether refining a prototype or scaling a successful solution, COVE provides marine innovators with the tools, expertise, and connections they need to succeed.
COVE offers direct ocean access and purpose-built infrastructure that enables companies to deploy and test technologies just steps from their workspaces. This setup allows for rapid iteration and real-time data collection in a dynamic, real-world environment. Companies have access to marine testbeds, fabrication spaces, laydown areas, and fully equipped workshops—all designed to streamline product development and testing. “Imagine being able to test your prototype just steps from your workspace, iterating rapidly and gaining invaluable insights in real time,” said Michel Lechmann, Vice President | Programs and Development at COVE. “This is the reality COVE offers.” Targeted programming supports companies through regulatory and environmental compliance, helping them move from concept to commercialization with greater speed and confidence.
COVE’s innovation ecosystem is supercharged by initiatives like Digital Harbour, SmartATLANTIC, and Stella Maris Testing Solutions. Digital Harbour integrates onshore and offshore platforms, giving companies access to real-time data from satellites, vessels, and subsea systems. This data backbone enables the use of AI, digital twins, and predictive analytics to enhance product performance. SmartATLANTIC provides critical ocean data, buoy monitoring, and weather intelligence, allowing companies to make informed decisions and refine technologies for real-world marine operations. Stella Maris Testing Solutions offers a comprehensive subsea testbed, with a dockside area for easy deployment, underwater testing capabilities, and a shoreside operations centre for remote monitoring and analysis. “The live data streams made possible through Stella Maris allow companies to demonstrate the use of their technologies to potential customers and stakeholders globally,” Lechmann explained. “From the shores of COVE, our solutions have international reach.”
Beyond infrastructure, COVE is a catalyst for global collaboration. As the host site for NATO’s Canadian accelerator under the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), and through programs like the Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator, COVE provides structured support, mentorship, and pathways into both commercial and defence markets. COVE also partners with research institutions like Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), working on initiatives such as the Seasonal Vessel Tracking project, which uses acoustic data and machine learning to advance vessel detection technologies. Technical workshops, networking events, and innovation challenges hosted by COVE bring together start-ups, researchers, and industry leaders to solve pressing real-world problems and accelerate commercialization.
Hexsor Scientific’s success exemplifies the impact of COVE’s ecosystem. In 2023, Hexsor joined through the Innovate UK Global Incubator Program, gaining access to COVE’s infrastructure and forging key partnerships, including one with Nova Scotia Community College. This foothold in Nova Scotia helped Hexsor secure the Naval Technology Innovation Challenge, a collaboration between COVE and Thales Canada aimed at supporting SMEs and start-ups in developing solutions for the Royal Canadian Navy. With funding and resources from COVE, Thales Canada, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Hexsor developed technology to improve air quality aboard Canadian naval vessels. Today, their solution is being integrated into Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS) through Thales’ AJISS program. This initiative will create thousands of jobs, drive Canadian innovation, build a new domestic supply chain, and ensure mission-ready ships across the country. By leveraging COVE’s resources and network, Hexsor overcame regulatory and market barriers, expanding into both commercial and defence sectors.
COVE’s comprehensive infrastructure, tailored programming, and collaborative environment are reshaping how marine technology companies develop, test, and commercialize their innovations. With a focus on enabling rapid iteration, fostering global partnerships, and supporting companies every step of the way, COVE is where marine innovation truly takes off.