COAST Progress

We will update this page regularly as the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies continues to move forward.

March 2023

  • The BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation announces $2 million in funding has been awarded to COAST. Provided through B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund, the investment will support COAST’s development of a world-class ocean technology innovation hub and cluster across Pacific Canada.

November 2022

  • COAST launches its first Venture Acceleration Program, delivered in partnership with VIATEC and funded by Innovate BC. The program provides new ventures focused on opportunities in the ocean economy with a proven pathway to growth through online training and coaching sessions.

November 2021

  • COAST announces that South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) will lead the incubation phase of the ocean innovation hub. SIPP CEO Emilie de Rosenroll is appointed Startup CEO of COAST and assumes the role on a part-time basis in addition to her role as CEO of SIPP.

October 2021

  • The Interim Board develops and adopts a framework for the development of COAST including the identification and development of foundation projects and COAST’s first physical location.

June 2021

  • The Interim Board develops COAST’s mission, vision and initial membership model.

May 2021

  • The COAST Talks series is launched with the goal of highlighting local and global innovators in the blue economy.

February 2021

  • The ocean hub and cluster is incorporated the Centre for Ocean Sustainable Technologies (COAST) and the COAST Interim Board is founded; see news release.

December 2020

November 2020

  • On November 4, Design Workshop #3 covered topics from funding options to governance models and the real estate component of a hub).
  • Slides from the November 4 workshop can be found here.
  • November 4 Meeting – Youtube Video

October 2020

  • On October 6 and 7, the working group and project consultants host a two-day workshop designed to capture details to inform the operating model and overall direction of the hub, with 95 participants. Slides used in the two-day workshop on October 6 and 7 are available. 
  • October 6 meeting – Youtube Video
  • October 7 meeting – Youtube Video

September 2020

  • A working group is established to shape the hub and cluster concept and submit an application to Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). 
  • The WD application receives a $100,000 contribution from WD. 
  • The City of Victoria contributes $20,000.
  • The team of Urban Systems, Hatch and Engage//Innovate of Norway is contracted to develop the business plan for the hub and cluster.