British Columbia’s COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) Innovation Challenge is offering up to $100,000 (USD$72,000) and testing support for companies developing innovations in the maritime transition.
As part of British Columbia’s Look West economic strategy, which includes a focus on growing B.C.’s maritime sector, the organization is seeking solutions including:
- Energy generation from renewable sources (wave, tidal, off- and on-shore wind, solar)
- Energy management and storage to increase capacity and resilience
- Rapidly deployable, modular and scalable systems tidal, off- and on-shore wind, solar)
“Through our Look West economic strategy, we’re creating opportunities for B.C.’s technology sector to lead Canada’s maritime transition to renewable energy,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “The COAST Innovation Challenge will help our local innovators develop solutions that serve both civilian and defence maritime operations, building a stronger, more independent B.C. economy while advancing our clean-energy future.”
Successful applicants could receive up to $100,000 or 50% of eligible project costs. They will also receive testing and demonstration support from the British Columbia Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub. The challenge is designed to help the maritime industry, including the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy, transition to renewable energy through the Province’s Integrated Marketplace platform.
“For blue economy entrepreneurs, finding appropriate testing and demonstration sites poses a major challenge on the pathway to commercialization,” said Jason Goldsworthy, executive director, COAST. “The B.C. Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub’s inaugural innovation challenge offers a unique program to address these issues by allowing multiple technology providers to demonstrate their innovations directly within and to the communities and industry clientele they aim to serve.”
The call for applications closes on Dec. 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time).
