Ocean Technology
Ocean Technology
Nova Scotia has become one of Canada’s prominent ocean tech centres, and a location of choice for businesses looking for top talent, a supportive ecosystem and access to programs and support.
The province attracts major technology companies from around the globe to locate their business and technology and R&D centres here. Companies including Kongsberg, IBM, Ultra, Lockheed Martin, Thales, Tesla and many others choose Nova Scotia to access the most competitive operating costs in North America, hire talented staff from our skilled workforce, leverage a host of government incentives and tap into the highest student intensity populations in Canada.
Home to the highest number of ocean technology companies in Canada
Nova Scotia has one of the highest per capita concentration of companies in North America involved in the development of underwater acoustics, sensors and instrumentation. We also have companies specializing in robotics and autonomous vehicles, marine communication and navigation, informatics and artificial intelligence, and enhanced engineering and environmental services.
Our ecosystem breeds innovation. Companies are leading research and commercial development of advanced ocean technologies. They have successfully developed, manufactured, and exported products to customers worldwide.
Nova Scotia boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of researchers in the oceans sector. Of all research and development performed by businesses in Nova Scotia, one-third is conducted in the oceans sector. Some of our research and collaborative partners include Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE), The Pier, Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO), DeepSense, Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), and Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI).
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
An industry-led partnership of government, small-to-large sized companies, and innovators collaborating on research and development, driving economic growth, and positioning Canada as an ocean tech leader.
Underwater vehicles and sensor cluster
Nova Scotia is a hub for underwater vehicle and sensor development. The region attracts leading manufacturers and resulting supply chain companies developing advanced sensors, and marine communications intelligent launch and recovery systems.
Research and Development Tax Credit
This credit offers tax relief to Nova Scotia corporations that incur qualified scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) expenditures made in Nova Scotia, as defined by the federal Income Tax Act.
The Nova Scotia Business Advantage
In just one day we can connect you to everyone you need to meet to choose Nova Scotia as the next location for your business. We secure meetings with senior leaders, government and the business community while curating a visit that perfectly suits your business needs.
A vibrant ecosystem
The ecosystem is growing at a rapid rate and is currently home to over 1500 tech companies, accounting for 5.4% of Nova Scotia's business sector output and more than 33% of all private sector R&D spending.
Competitive costs
According to FDI benchmark, Halifax offers the lowest operating costs for ocean technology firms compared to other jurisdictions like Boston, Vancouver, London and New York.
An unbeatable workforce
Supported by Nova Scotia's 10 universities and 14 community college campuses. In the last five years, we have seen 98% growth in computer science and math enrolments resulting in a larger number of skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce.
Leading research
Nova Scotia boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of researchers in the oceans sector. Of all research and development performed by businesses in Nova Scotia, one third is conducted in the oceans sector.
