The COVE 2025 Naval Technology Innovation Challenge has recognized Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing transformative solutions for naval operations. This program, which provides funding and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to advance technology for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), is supported by COVE, Thales Canada, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). This year’s winners demonstrate innovation in autonomous systems and additive manufacturing, enhancing fleet readiness, operational efficiency, and safety.
From concept to deployment, Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises are shaping the future of naval operations
Challenge: Innovating Automated Inspection and Analysis of Maritime Infrastructure
Winning proponent: MarineNav, in partnership with Voyis
Located in Panmure Island, PEI, MarineNav’s autonomous remote operated vehicle (ROV) system, “Mobula,” represents a significant step forward in hull inspection technology. Unlike conventional systems that rely on inertial navigation, Mobula uses visual reference markers to autonomously navigate precise flight paths along ship hulls while maintaining safe offsets. The system collects high-resolution data capable of producing millimetric-accurate hull models and incorporates “keep-out zones” near propellers to enhance operational safety. All positioning technology development will be completed in Prince Edward Island.
“The collaboration between MarineNav ROV systems, Voyis stereo cameras and autonomous software from EIVA provides naval crews a dependable way to inspect ship hulls without the guesswork,” said Kevan Merson, Chief Executive Officer of MarineNav. “By automating navigation and collecting detailed data with our partners using our customized Oceanus Ultimate ROV platform, inspections are made safer and more efficient, while giving operators the information they need to keep vessels ready for service. The Naval Technology Innovation Challenge has allowed us to advance this technology and demonstrate its impact for the Royal Canadian Navy.”
Challenge: Control Regimes Enabling Sustainable Additive Manufacturing for Ships
Winning proponent: Precise Design Engineering Solutions, with Tronos and NSCC/SEATAC
Precise Design Engineering Solutions, with three locations in Atlantic Canada, brings aerospace-grade additive manufacturing expertise to the naval sector, tackling challenges such as long lead times, obsolete parts, and complex supply chains. Through collaboration with Tronos and NSCC/SEATAC, the partnership integrates CAD modeling, material traceability, workflow optimization, post-processing, and quality inspection. This approach enables rapid production of high-precision components, supporting ships operating in remote environments and strengthening naval operational readiness.
“Our work, along with our partners who we are collaborating with on this project, will demonstrates how additive manufacturing can address some of the Navy’s most pressing sustainment challenges,” said Bruce Stover, President and Chief Executive Officer of Precise Design Engineering Solutions. “Our intention is to create a framework, which will include and establish build is a system processes and procedures that takes the uncertainty out of replacing critical components. By controlling the full process—from CAD modeling through to testing, certification, and production inspection—we believe we can deliver reliable, high-quality parts exactly when and where they’re needed.”
“The Naval Technology Innovation Challenge shows what’s possible when government and industry work together with research partners, ” said Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “By teaming up, we’re building a robust ecosystem that delivers innovative solutions to the women and men who serve at sea, strengthens our defence capabilities, and supports good jobs here at home.”
“Through the Naval Technology Innovation Challenge, and in partnership with Thales, COVE is helping Canadian SMEs transform innovative ideas into operational capability,” said Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer | COVE. “This collaboration delivers practical solutions that enhance fleet readiness, streamline maintenance, reduce operational risk, and position the Royal Canadian Navy—and Canada—at the forefront of global maritime innovation.”
“The Naval Technology Innovation Challenge empowers Canadian SMEs to develop mission-critical advanced technologies that align with the Royal Canadian Navy’s evolving operational needs,” said Ian Krepps, Chief Executive Officer of Thales Canada. “This partnership is not only essential to keeping the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleets ready and prepared for future challenges but strengthens the industrial capacity available in Canada.”
