Atlantic Canada launches aquaculture innovation studio to scale technology companies.
Atlantic Canada is launching a new accelerator programme aimed at helping aquaculture technology companies scale and attract investment, as the region seeks to position itself as a global centre for aquaculture innovation.
The Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio, delivered by investment and accelerator firm Hatch Blue in partnership with industry association Oceans Advance, will launch in July in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the initiative will support up to ten aquaculture, aquatech and marine biotechnology companies over a nine-month programme.
The founder-focused scheme is designed for companies moving beyond early-stage validation and into commercial growth, combining in-person workshops, industry engagement and support for investment readiness.
Participation in the programme will be offered at no cost and without equity being taken from participating firms.
Shelly Petten, CEO of Oceans Advance, said the initiative aims to translate the region’s research capacity and aquaculture expertise into scalable technology businesses.
“Atlantic Canada has every ingredient needed to lead the next wave of global aquaculture innovation,” she said. “The launch of the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio marks a pivotal moment for our region.”
The programme will target companies developing technologies across the aquaculture value chain, including sustainable feed and nutrition, animal health and genetics, aquaculture technology and automation, marine biotechnology and new ocean-derived products.
Dylan Terry, studio director at Hatch Blue, said Atlantic Canada offers a favourable environment for aquaculture innovation due to its industry base and regulatory framework.
“We run aquaculture innovation programmes around the world, and Atlantic Canada stands out,” he said. “For founders building the next generation of aquaculture technologies, this creates a real opportunity to build companies, attract investment and scale globally from the region.”
The programme is open to companies registered and operating in Atlantic Canada.
Hatch Blue is a global aquaculture investment firm headquartered in Ireland, with additional offices in Norway, Germany and Singapore. Oceans Advance, founded in 2005, represents more than 90 ocean technology companies and organisations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
