Ocean technology company Ashored Innovation has been named one of five grand prize winners in the national TELUS #StandWithOwners competition, receiving a $200,000 prize package in cash and in-kind services.
The Debert, NS-based company was recognized for its development of a “rope-on-demand” fishing system designed to reduce the risk of marine animal entanglement in traditional trap gear. The system allows ropes used to retrieve crab or lobster traps to remain coiled around a device on the ocean floor until an acoustic signal triggers their release. This approach helps protect whales and other marine life from becoming ensnared in vertical fishing lines.
Ashored was founded by Aaron Stevenson, who began developing the technology following a 2017 North Atlantic right whale mortality event linked to fishing gear entanglements. The company’s acoustic-release buoy system retrofits existing traps and is now used across three continents for both commercial fishing and scientific research related to underwater noise and environmental change.
“This incredible recognition celebrates Canadian businesses driving innovation and positive change – and we’re proud to represent the ocean technology sector and sustainable fishing community on this stage,” Stevenson said in a social media post announcing the award.
Each of the five grand prize winners receives $75,000 in direct funding, $80,000 in advertising and business exposure, $35,000 in technology from TELUS and Samsung, and $10,000 in TELUS Health wellbeing support.
In addition to the five grand prize recipients, TELUS recognized 15 other small businesses with $20,000 each in funding and technology support. Three of those winners are based in Atlantic Canada:
- Newbornlander, a St. John’s social enterprise founded by Constanza Safatle Ferrari, employs newcomer women to produce ethically made baby products.
- Pollen Nation Farm, owned by Chef Nathan Hornidge and Amanda Oake in Little Rapids, NL, operates an Indigenous-owned honey farm and culinary destination promoting food security and sustainability.
- And SudDrop Laundry Services, founded by Jayrell Diggs in East Preston, NS, provides a tech-enabled laundry service that partners with local laundromats and emphasizes community impact.
Since its launch in 2020, TELUS’s #StandWithOwners program has distributed more than $6 million in funding, technology, and promotional support to Canadian small businesses, the company said.
“Businesses like these embody the spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship while making a meaningful difference in their communities,” said Katherine Emberly, Senior Vice-President and President, Small and Medium Business at TELUS.
