Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio will be launched this July in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Hatch Blue, in collaboration with Oceans Advance, has introduced the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio to help companies in the sector scale faster, attract investment, and commercialize technologies developed in the region.
This program, funded by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canada's Ocean Supercluster, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, will launch this July in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
"The launch of the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio marks a pivotal moment for the region. We are creating the conditions for founders to accelerate their ideas, attract investment, and build scalable companies from here," explained Shelly Petten, CEO of Oceans Advance.
Up to ten companies will benefit from a nine-month founder-focused program that will combine in-person workshops, industry engagement, and support for investment readiness and access to capital.
According to Hatch Blue, Atlantic Canada is an ideal region for this type of initiative due to its abundant coastal resources, strong maritime heritage, and a regulatory environment that supports the growth of the sector.
"We run aquaculture innovation programs around the world, and Atlantic Canada stands out. In addition to its deep seafood heritage, what is notable is the strong government support and a regulatory environment that enables aquaculture to grow," added Dylan Terry, Studio Director, Hatch Blue.
The program aims to host projects focused on sustainable feed and nutrition, animal health, aquaculture technology and automation, marine biotechnology and new ocean-derived products, as well as biomaterials, nutraceuticals, and industrial applications.