Canadian east coast bids to become leading aquaculture innovation hub

The organisation says it is doubling down on its ambition to become a global centre for aquaculture innovation, with the launch of a new Innovation studio designed to help companies scale faster, attract investment, and commercialise technologies built in the region.

The Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio, delivered by aquaculture investor Hatch Blue in partnership with Oceans Advance, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Ocean technology innovation cluster, will launch the programme this July in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The plan is being funded by the federal government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The programme will support high-potential aquaculture, aquatech, and marine biotechnology companies that are ready to move beyond early validation and into growth.

The Aquaculture Studio will support up to ten companies through a nine month founder-focused programme combining in-person workshops, industry engagement, and investment readiness support.

Atlantic Canada said the region “is built for aquaculture innovation”.

The announcement added: “As global demand for sustainable protein and ocean-based solutions grows, regions that combine marine science, industry infrastructure, and entrepreneurial talent are becoming increasingly competitive.

“Atlantic Canada already has strong research and aquaculture expertise. The opportunity now is to translate that strength into scalable aquaculture technology companies rooted in the region.”

Shelly Petten, CEO of Oceans Advance, said: “Atlantic Canada has every ingredient needed to lead the next wave of global aquaculture innovation - world-class science, deep ocean expertise, and a growing community of ambitious technology companies.

“The launch of the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio marks a pivotal moment for our region. We are creating the conditions for company founders to accelerate their ideas, attract investment, and build scalable companies right here at home.”