Canada's Ocean Supercluster has announced three new ocean innovation projects totalling more than $25 million, with the largest going to Vancouver-based Miru Smart Technologies to develop a next-generation smart glass system for marine vessels.
The $11.7 million Project OceanShade will design, develop, and validate Miru dynamic glass — a window system that automatically adjusts its tint in response to changing light conditions. The goal is to reduce glare and solar heat gain, improving visibility, passenger comfort, and vessel energy efficiency. Canada's Ocean Supercluster is contributing $4.1 million, with the remainder coming from project partners Innovative Finishing Solutions in Orangeville, Ontario, and Maple Advanced Robotics in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The consortium will develop marine-adapted prototypes, conduct durability and certification testing, and produce a technical package to support commercial deployment.
"Miru is building one dynamic glass platform that can be deployed wherever intelligent control of light creates value," said Curtis Berlinguette, founder and CEO of Miru. "Project OceanShade extends that platform into the marine sector, validating our technology in one of the world's most demanding operating environments, while accelerating the path toward commercial deployment."
The $25 million investment also included two other B.C.-led projects. Squamish-based Celerity Craft is receiving $2.9 million toward a $7.6 million project to develop the Dynamic Air Cushion Electric Vehicle — a zero-emission vessel that combines an air cushion system with fully electric propulsion to reduce drag and energy consumption. The project will move through two phases: a 5.5-metre technology demonstrator, followed by an 11.9-metre, 12-passenger commercial water taxi. The company says early assessments suggest the technology could apply to up to 70% of the marine sector.
Richmond-based Ocean Master Foods International is receiving $2.4 million toward a $6.2 million project to develop High Pressure Processing methods for uni and premium Canadian whitefish. The project will establish the first HPP system in Canada built specifically for seafood, with the aim of improving product quality and extending shelf life to open new export markets for high-value seafood categories.
"By supporting Canadian innovators today, we are ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of the industries that will shape the future," said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster.
Canada's Ocean Supercluster has now approved nearly 160 projects valued at more than $600 million since its founding, with the stated goal of growing Canada's ocean economy fivefold to $220 billion by 2035.