Ottawa announces $29M for space to test classified ocean technology in Dartmouth, N.S.

The federal government made a major defence announcement in Halifax.

A secure space where Canadian researchers and scientists can develop and test classified ocean technology is opening in Dartmouth, N.S.

The Dartmouth COVE site is home to Canada’s first maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH).

National Defence Minister David McGuinty made the announcement Friday, alongside Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Minister Sean Fraser.

“This pilot initiative marks the beginning of a national network of secure, purpose-built spaces, where Canadian researchers and scientists and their trusted partners can co-develop, test, and validate emerging technologies requiring classified handling,” said the Department of National Defence (DND) in a news release Friday.

“These hubs will focus on critical areas of defence research and development essential to a resilient Canadian innovation industry.”

DND says the critical areas include:

• quantum technologies
• artificial intelligence
• biotechnology
• autonomous systems
• arctic research
• space

The Maritime DISH at Dartmouth COVE will focus on the ocean, with defence and security partners developing, testing and transitioning new maritime technologies.

DND says key areas of focus will include:

• undersea domain awareness
• uncrewed autonomous systems
• advanced sensing and surveillance technologies
• AI-enabled maritime analytics

“We need stronger homegrown tools to keep Canada safe, so our government is setting up a secure place in Dartmouth where experts can work on new ocean and defence technology,” said McGuinty.

“This new hub, called the Maritime DISH, will help protect our coastline and the Arctic. It also means more good jobs in our region and more chances for local companies to work directly with our Armed Forces.”

Last month, DND’s science and technology organization signed collaboration agreements with COVE and ACOA to launch the pilot project.

DND noted the Halifax Regional Municipality “provides an excellent backdrop to support the Maritime Dish” as it’s home to several major universities, research centres, technology startups, as well as Canada’s Atlantic naval fleet and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic North American regional office.

“Atlantic Canada is a culture of innovation, and COVE, with its strategic location along the shores of Dartmouth, is helping drive Canada’s ocean technology sector,” said Dartmouth-Cole Harbour MP Darren Fisher.

“As I always say, companies and stakeholders in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour are doing big things, and I’m thrilled that we will host this first-of-its-kind hub, creating new opportunities and supporting Canada’s security for years to come.”

The federal government has allocated $29.4 million to establish the Maritime DISH.

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