New big data initiative to support Canada's ocean economy

The federal government, industry and academia have officially launched DeepSense, a “big ocean data innovation environment” based at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The partnership will enable companies to benefit from technology solutions for real-world ocean-related data challenges and help them make better-informed commercial decisions. DeepSense will also create a pool of highly qualified people with the expertise and skills to contribute to further growth in Canada’s ocean economy. IBM Canada is providing DeepSense with high-performance computing infrastructure and personnel support – a $12.6-million in-kind contribution. The federal Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program contributed $6.9 million to help establish DeepSense and fund operations for five years. Dalhousie University and the Ocean Frontier Institute are together investing more than $2.1 million. Additional partners include the Province of Nova Scotia and the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship. Over the next five years, DeepSense is expected to be involved in 60 to 100 projects.