Successful Proposal Highlights Newfoundland and Labrador’s Internationally-Recognized Innovative Capabilities

  • Executive Council

February 15, 2018

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is congratulating the province’s world class business and academic institutions that played an integral role in the Atlantic Oceans Supercluster’s successful proposal under the Federal Government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative. The announcement was made today in Ottawa by the Federal Government.

Newfoundland Labrador’s businesses and research capabilities have proven results and supported the safe and responsible development of ocean industries in one of the world’s harshest marine environments. Their success, as part of this regional proposal, will help bring their technologies to global markets and serve as a catalyst for business and economic growth locally.

The Atlantic Oceans Supercluster represents aquaculture, defence, fisheries, marine renewable energy, ocean technology, oil and gas, shipbuilding and transportation, partnering with entrepreneurs, governments and post-secondary institutions. Newfoundland and Labrador will be well represented with almost 40 organizations as part of the Supercluster, including Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University, PAL Aerospace, Kraken Sonar Inc., radient360, GJ Cahill, Bluedrop and Ocean Choice International.

The Ocean Supercluster will:

  • Strengthen links between ocean-based value chains and providers of enabling technologies
  • Develop, deploy, and export innovative technology platforms applicable to multiple ocean industries
  • Fill capability gaps in the innovation ecosystem through the attraction, recruitment, training, and retention of diverse, highly qualified personnel
  • Extend the global reach, attraction, network, and market opportunities for Ocean Supercluster partners
  • Address global challenges related to sustainability and improve energy efficiency

The Provincial Government is committed to supporting innovation and technology in the province. As part of The Way Forward vision, in the coming weeks the Provincial Government will join with the technology sector in hosting a Technology Summit including the release of an action plan to further support the industry.

Quotes
“The world’s oceans are home to vast commercial and economic opportunities.  Through this successful proposal, local companies and academic institutions and their world class expertise are well-positioned to capitalize on these emerging opportunities. It is an exciting day for the province and I congratulate them on their successful collaboration with other Atlantic Canadian innovators.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We have such an enormous opportunity in our oceans, with the longest coastline in the world and one of the biggest exclusive economic zones.  We’re excited about the potential of the Ocean Supercluster to accelerate the safe, responsible development of those resources for the benefit of the province, and all Canadians.”
Alan Clarke, CEO
Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Learn more
Federal Government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative – www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/programs/small-business-financing-growth/innovation-superclusters.html 

Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

Bridget Burgess
NATIONAL Public Relations
902-332-8017
bburgess@national.ca

2018 02 15 12:25 pm