OceanFest

Explore the Ocean of Opportunities for Blue Economy Innovation
July 10th, 2025

Make waves in the ocean economy

Our water systems, including oceans, rivers, and lakes, are vital to the health of our planet, our economies, and our communities. OceanFest is your gateway to discovering how innovation can sustainably shape the future of our oceans. 

About OceanFest
Who should attend?
What to expect?
background image

OceanFest 2025 Agenda

July 10

1:00 PM

OceanFest

Welcome to OceanFest!

1:10 PM

OceanFest

Catalyzing the Blue Economy: Innovation at the Intersection of Climate and Ocean Tech

Climate action and the growth of the sustainable ocean economy are deeply interconnected. This session will explore how cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches are driving progress at the intersection of these two critical fields. From carbon capture, utilization and storage to renewable energy and beyond, learn how ocean tech can address climate challenges while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth. Join us to discover how innovation is shaping a future where the health of our oceans and sustainable economic growth go hand in hand. See More.

1:25 PM

OceanFest

Stronger Together: How Big Companies and Startups Unlock Mutual Success in the Ocean Economy

Collaboration between established companies and agile startups is a powerful driver of innovation. This session will explore how these partnerships create win-win outcomes, from accelerating R&D to solving complex challenges and opening new markets. Featuring insights from successful partnerships, panellists will share their experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for building impactful partnerships. Whether you’re a startup looking to scale or a corporate leader seeking fresh ideas, this discussion will inspire you to think differently about collaboration and its potential to transform the ocean economy. See More.

2:05 PM

OceanFest

Ocean vs. Space: The Next Frontier for Innovation

Oceans and space represent two of humanity’s most exciting and challenging frontiers. But which holds the greatest potential for innovation, investment, and impact? In this session, we’ll pit space against oceans in a lively debate, exploring the biggest opportunities, challenges, and synergies between these sectors. From satellite monitoring of ocean health to deep-sea robotics inspired by space exploration, discover how cutting-edge technologies are bridging these two worlds. Join us to hear from leading experts, uncover cross-sector collaborations, and decide which frontier will shape the future of our planet and beyond. See More.

3:00 PM

OceanFest

Startup Showcase

The Ocean Startup Showcase is an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors, government funders, and entrepreneurs as we shine a spotlight on some of the most innovative ocean technology startups in Canada. We will feature rapid-fire pitches from emerging ocean companies, sparking meaningful conversations and networking opportunities among attendees. See More.

3:40 PM

OceanFest

Innovating for a Sustainable Blue Economy: Leadership in Action

As OceanFest draws to a close, join us for an inspiring keynote highlighting the power of leadership and innovation in shaping a sustainable ocean economy. Learn insights into how bold vision, collaboration, and cutting-edge solutions are driving transformative change in ocean industries. From tackling global challenges to unlocking new economic opportunities, this session will leave you energized and ready to take action. See More.

3:55 PM

OceanFest

That's a wrap!

2024 Speakers

Jennifer LaPlante

Chief Growth & Investment Officer, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Kendra MacDonald

Chief Executive Officer  , Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Ted Janulis

Founder & Principal , Investable Oceans

Julie Gascon

President and CEO, Port of Montreal

Simon Olivier

Head of Cycle H2O Fund
Senior Partner, Cycle Capital

Emily Charry Tissier

CEO, Whale Seeker

Pierre Erwes

Partner & Deal flow and strategic partnerships , Blue Forward Fund

The Honorable Ethel Blondin-Andrew PC OC

Co-chair of the Board of Directors , National Indigenous Fisheries Institute

Derrick Whalen

Director, Information and Technology Services, Halifax Port Authority

Paula Mendonça

Executive Director, Ocean Startup Project

Nancy Andrews

Chief Engagement and Communications Officer, Canada's Ocean Supercluster

Barry Stevens

President, Stevens Solutions & Design Inc. 3D Wave Design

Ann Carpenter

CEO, Braid Theory

Lauren McGuire

VP Banking, RBCx, Royal Bank of Canada

Rodrigo Prudencio

Managing Partner, Propeller VC

Sophie Silkes

Director of Strategic Engagement, COAST

Dr. Chris Whidden

DeepSense/COVE Digital Ocean Research Chair, Dalhousie University

Susan Hunt

Chief Innovation Officer, Oneka Technologies

Ken Paul

Principal / Owner, Pokiok Associates

Rachel Cox

Accelerator Program Manager, COVE

Simon Savard

Project Manager, Port de Montréal

Kimberly Buffitt

Chief Operating Officer , NIFI TECH CORP

Sophie LeDrew

Senior Advisor, Partnerships, Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute

Rémi Fournier

Partner, BDC Capital | Industry, Clean Energy & Technology Funds and Sustainability Venture Fund, BDC

Partners & Sponsors

Presented by:

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.