COVE to host seven UK companies in the ten-month Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator

Seven innovative marine technology companies from the United Kingdom (UK) will spend ten months at COVE, Canada’s hub for marine sector innovation. This unique international partnership aims to advance these businesses by building connections with industry leaders, partners, and potential customers in North America.

This Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator is delivered as part of Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Programme, an international collaboration between COVE and Innovate UK, which is a part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a national funding agency supported by the UK government. The Accelerator brings together forward-thinking marine sector businesses from the United Kingdom to foster innovation within COVE’s thriving marine technology hub and expansive industrial network. The 2025 cohort will be the third to participate in the programme.

The seven Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator participants began their immersive ten-month program in January 2025 and arrived in Nova Scotia the first week of February 2025 for their Canadian market visit. The cohort of companies, including AUTOMASS, BioBright, Marble, RAB-Microfluidics, Samudra Oceans Ltd., Verlume, and Walker Subsea Engineering Ltd., will engage in key industries such as aquaculture, offshore energy, robotics, and marine environmental monitoring.

“This program is a significant step towards advancing marine innovation and commercialization on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Melanie Nadeau, CEO at COVE. “By welcoming the ScaleUp Accelerator cohort, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a sustainable future for our ocean through global collaboration and technological advancement.”

During their time at COVE in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, participating companies will engage in a dynamic program designed to accelerate their growth and deepen their understanding of the North American market. The cohort will benefit from tailored mentorship, market visits, and workshops, all aimed at refining their market entry strategies. Additionally, the in-person visit portion of the program creates opportunities for invaluable networking, connecting companies with industry leaders, potential customers, and partners.

The program culminates at COVE Demo Day, a premier event for viewing the most recent advancements in marine technology, where the cohort presents their innovative solutions to a curated global audience of stakeholders.

“Innovate UK is proud to support this partnership with COVE as part of the Global Incubator Programme, enabling UK marine tech companies to explore new markets and develop innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable ocean economy,” said Jon Hazell, Innovate UK Partnership Manager North America. “Together, we can drive meaningful change.”

The ten-month collaboration is poised to strengthen the partnership between Canada and the United Kingdom, fostering innovative solutions for the nations’ shared interests in marine technologies. With Canada’s vast coastline and an abundance of marine resources, this partnership focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that support sustainable growth and advance the marine sector.

COVE has established itself as a vibrant marine technology hub where innovative ideas are nurtured into impactful solutions. Dedicated to advancing marine commerce and fostering sustainable practices for the economy, COVE is home to over 65 local and global marine technology businesses, start-ups, researchers, and service providers. It also facilitates collaboration with more than 400 organizations through its programs and services. Engaging with a global network of over 3,000 companies, academic institutions, and government partners, COVE is at the forefront of driving progress in the marine sector.

About COVE

COVE is a world-leading innovation centre and global tech hub for advancing marine technology through industry-led collaborations. Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, COVE connects marine tech companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive innovation and accelerate the commercialization of marine solutions.

With state-of-the-art facilities, including a marine terminal, machine shops, in-water testing labs, and co-working spaces, COVE provides the resources and infrastructure needed to scale and bring innovative ideas to market. COVE’s specialized programs and services foster industry partnerships, helping companies develop and commercialize groundbreaking marine technologies.

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations.

Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.