June 17, 2024 – Media Release
Dartmouth, NS – SEATAC, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)’s ocean-focused Technology Access Centre (TAC), proudly announces the renewal of its funding with a $1.75 million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Over the next 5 years, this funding will support research and development projects with ocean technology companies, providing the industry with access to the College’s research expertise and facilities. A first-time recipient of the grant in 2019 and Nova Scotia’s first and only TAC, SEATAC is among 15 established centres that received renewal funding this year.
This renewal is part of a total investment of $30.6 million by the federal government to support 74 awards to colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics through the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. The centres supported by this funding join over 60 TACs across Canada that provide access to colleges’ cutting-edge resources in a wide range of industrial sectors.
“The renewal application process is getting increasingly competitive each year, we are grateful to NSERC and its College and Community Innovation program for this continued funding,” said John Stratton, SEATAC Program Director. “This renewal will enable our team to keep providing crucial support for small and medium-sized businesses in Atlantic Canada. It will also offer a number of students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to industry challenges and gain hands-on experience in the ocean sector.”
This funding renewal coincides with NSCC’s recent acquisition of a 9-metre vessel, custom-built for inshore and nearshore research. This Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), maintained and operated by SEATAC, fills a gap in the market for mid-sized vessels and provides a cost-effective solution for at-sea product testing.
Continued funding to operate the vessel over the next 5 years will be a vital resource for local industry. SEATAC works closely with the College’s Applied Research department, leveraging their expertise and equipment in areas including geomatics, information technology and clean marine propulsion.
“It’s more difficult to do R&D on the water, and SMEs don’t often have both on-water expertise and in-house research departments,” explained Stratton. “They need supports like SEATAC to get to the next stage of development and closer to commercialization. Between our team of researchers at NSCC and SEATAC’s on-water technicians and new infrastructure, together, we can help every step of the way.”
About SEATAC
SEATAC is Nova Scotia’s first Technology Access Centre, affiliated with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). It supports small- and medium-sized ocean tech businesses through research and development services. SEATAC operates from both the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) and the NSCC Ivany Campus, driving innovation in the ocean technology sector.
About Applied Research at Nova Scotia Community College
NSCC Applied Research develops practical solutions for industry and community’s real-world challenges. With an expert research team and network of faculty and students, they help industry improve their products, enhance processes and grow their businesses. NSCC’s well-equipped facilities provide the tools to contribute to the development of new technologies for partners. Their research findings add value to the communities they serve and contribute to the economic growth of the province. NSCC Applied Research specializes in five areas of research: energy, engineered technologies, environment and agriculture technology, geomatics and information technology.
About Nova Scotia Community College
NSCC is committed to building Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 140 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Programs are offered through five academic schools – Access, Education and Language; Business and Creative Industries; Health and Human Services; Technology and Environment; and Trades and Transportation. These reflect Nova Scotia’s labour market needs and opportunities. An annual survey of NSCC graduates shows that 92% are employed one year after graduation, most in their field of study, with 93% of those employed living and working in Nova Scotia.
For more information
Ruth Ballard, Marketing Associate, SEATAC
902-442-4650, Ruth.Ballard@nscc.ca