New program accelerates aquaculture innovation across Atlantic Canada

Hatch Blue and Oceans Advance have launched the Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio, a program that brings together 10 early-stage aquaculture, technology (aquatech), and marine biotechnology companies from across the region.

The participating companies will receive training in commercial strategy, industry partnership development, and investment readiness. Also, they will benefit from one-to-one support from the Hatch Blue team and aquaculture experts to accelerate commercialization and build the partnerships needed to scale their businesses.

The Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio begins with a two-week intensive program in St. John's (Newfoundland and Labrador), followed by ongoing support throughout the rest of the year. Participation is free, and the program does not take any equity in participating companies.

The nine-month program is supported by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Canada's Ocean Supercluster, as well as the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year's inaugural cohort includes companies working across a wide range of disciplines, from aquafeed and animal health to emissions reduction, water treatment, and marine circular economy solutions.

"Atlantic Canada has every ingredient needed to lead the next wave of global aquaculture innovation - world-class science, deep ocean expertise and a growing community of ambitious technology companies," said Shelly Petten, CEO of Oceans Advance.

Additionally, co-Founder & Partner of Hatch Blue, Wayne Murphy noted: "Given the region's rich blue economy heritage, we see fertile ground here for both aquatech innovation and top talent to scale it. The timing is perfect, given the Canadian federal government's recent food security strategy to drive local, sustainable production and consumption."

This initiative will conclude with the invitation-only forum Innovate Aquaculture: The Solutions Shaping the Future on 23 July. The event will bring together salmon and shellfish producers, feed and technology companies, investors, and startups for keynote talks, panel discussions, and company presentations focused on the future of aquaculture.