Ocean Challenge: Boost

The Ocean Challenge: Boost was launched in 2024 - and was designed to help our program alumni reach near-term milestones for their startup.

2024

  • A modular runway system for remote and northern communities made from recyclable materials

    Received funding from Boost to Integrate scale into mobile recycling solution

    Learn more about ASL Energy here.

  • Replacing single-use plastic waste from research labs and medical facilities, using ocean-based materials for a greener future

    Received funding from Boost to conduct research and lab-scale testing of MVP at the Verschuren Centre

    Learn more about BioLabMate here.

  • Blue Lion Labs is developing a system to automatically identity and count different types of algae in your water through the power of Artificial Intelligence and unique data collection. Through revolutionary technology built based on established research at the University of Waterloo, Blue Lion Labs aims to change the way we protect our water globally forever.

    Received funding from Boost to advance MVP development

    Learn more about Blue Lion Labs here.

  • Shipborne Data Acquisition system for Arctic Autonomous Shipping

    Received funding from Boost to integrate new equipment into Ice Cube product to enable demonstration with key potential customers

  • A novel EI spectroscopy based sensor with efficient ocean sensing capabilities

    Received funding from Boost to Integrate high-performance mass flow controllers into latest version of prototype to help achieve DOE spec requirements for technology

    Learn more about Integrative Nanotechnologies here.

  • Developing a seaweed-based wound dressing solution that improves the healing process and reduces subsequent scarring

    Received funding from Boost to develop and test initial prototype and use insights to inform future patent application and IP strategy

    Learn more about Miha Biotech here.

  • A digital twin-driven system for real-time monitoring of the hazardous gases in marine operations

    Received funding from Boost to purchase equipment for further development of MVP 3.0, and initiate patent application process with legal firm

    Learn more about Nditive3D here.

  • Harnessing the power of sonar with AI to create an Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) system for detecting underwater objects in real-time.

    Received funding from Boost to collect additional sonar data to augment training datasets and scale AI models to detect more ocean objects, and commercialize first product using combination of in-house software and off-the-shelf hardware

    Learn more about Ocean AID here.

  • Developing biodegradable and non-toxic bioplastic from seaweed, grown in partnership with Indigenous Nations in British Columbia.

    Received funding from Boost to Initiate pilot project to map Sargassum hotspot in collaboration with First Nations and technology partners, and begin development and testing to determine prototype composition with new species.

    Learn more about PhyCo here.

  • qualiTEAS is a corrosion inspection and management company. Our vibrant material research team has expertise ranging from material science to programming. Our proactive chemical approach towards corrosion inspection identifies the specific type and degree of corrosion. Our services also include additional environmental analysis (chemical and microbial analysis of soil and water), which provides information on the origin and further impacts of (due to) any ongoing corrosion issue.

    Received funding from Boost to hire a business development subcontractor to identify and initiate conversations with potential customers in the Canadian market

    Learn more about qualiTEAS here.

  • Rising Tide BioAcoustics (Dartmouth, NS) provides acoustic systems for fish deterrence, guidance and attraction, marine mammal deterrence, and control/eradication of invasive species.

    Received funding from Boost to develop simulation of cruise ship generator noises to model the performance of underwater noise cancellation and collect data for future pilot project

    Learn more about Rising Tide BioAcoustics here.

  • Developing a technology to avoid trawler seabed scraping and reduce fuel consumption in the fishery industry

    Received funding from Boost to confirm selection of MVP components and begin purchasing key equipment