GREAT VILLAGE – A local business received a major infusion of federal cash on Monday.
Ocean Sonics and Instrument Concepts was awarded a $296,892 contract under the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP).
Ocean Sonics and Instrument Concepts’ innovation, icListen, protects marine borders by autonomously listening for and detecting boating activity.
This smart hydrophone can listen for, detect and notify border security personnel of any boating activity by being configured to listen for specific sounds in a marine environment and then reporting to an off‑site control centre.
“We are very pleased to receive the support of the government with this program,” said Desirée Stockermans, operations manager, Ocean Sonics and Instrument Concepts, in a news release. “This initiative will give a boost to our business and the ocean innovation sector in Nova Scotia.”
The funding announcement was made by Scott Armstrong, MP for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women.
“I am proud that our government is promoting local innovation and reinforcing Nova Scotia’s tremendous entrepreneurial spirit,” said Armstrong in a news release. “Innovation is the engine of economic growth and is the best way for Canada to be competitive globally.”
Launched in 2010, the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program connects Canadian companies with federal departments and agencies that have a need for innovative products and services. By selling to the federal government, businesses can demonstrate the value of their products and services, and potentially generate future sales to non-federal customers.
