Seven groups in the innovation community have received about $1.3 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to hire staff, streamline operations, increase production and reach new markets, ACOA said in a press release.

Among the recipients, most of whom are based in Dartmouth, are the following innovation-driven companies:

Lab4 specializes in critical mineral processing and engineering. It is receiving a loan of $500,000 to expand its pilot facility dedicated to the commercialization of its ARC technology that is able to process complex feed sources, one of which Is lithium-ion batteries. The project will support facility upgrades, acquisition of advanced machinery, and hiring skilled professionals to accelerate the company’s entry into the global market. By recovering over 99 percent of materials without the use of toxic chemicals, Lab 4 directly addresses global supply chain challenges while contributing to environmental sustainability.

SimplyCast is a global leader in self-serve, interactive IT marketing platforms, and is receiving a $450,000 loan to grow its Smart City, Smart Healthcare and Smart Government divisions. This project will support new highly-skilled jobs and marketing implementation to drive platform adoption in global markets. The company is also receiving a $50,000 grant to hire an executive director to manage and grow its Smart Government division, which aims to bring its technology to the public service sector.

Rising Tide BioAcoustics is an acoustic technology company in the oceans sector, and is receiving a $101,250 loan to test and demonstrate its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system. The system cancels underwater noise produced by docked and seagoing vessels, lessening sound pollution and its environmental impact on marine life. The project includes customer engagement, business development and strategic planning to maximize growth opportunities.

Aurea Technologies is receiving a $50,000 grant to hire an electrical engineer to enhance the capabilities of the Shine 2.0 turbine, a portable wind turbine for powering handheld devices. The engineer will find ways to reduce production costs and design a custom power station adaptor. The project will help the company scale up production of its flagship product to meet increased demand for renewable energy solutions across a variety of sectors.

Sandpiper Ventures is Atlantic Canada’s only venture capital fund led by women, investing primarily in Atlantic Canadian women-owned technology companies operating across various sectors. The company is receiving a $45,725 grant to hire expertise to support the attraction of new angel investment into the region. This will increase access to capital for women founders leading to new business growth, job creation and regional economic benefits.

Eosense designs and manufactures advanced environmental gas monitoring devices for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. It is receiving a $22,500 grant to hire a marketing expert to develop a marketing and implementation strategy for domestic and international growth. This will support Eosense in achieving ambitious revenue growth targets, while enhancing customer acquisition and retention. 

EcoMarine Technologies is receiving a $50,000 grant to engage business development expertise to support the launch of its product in Southeast Asia. The project will support the commercialization of its subsea marine Remote Operated Vehicle-based (ROV) solutions for underwater maintenance and biofouling management on vessel hulls.

Disclosure: The CEO of Aurea Technologies is the daughter of the founders of Entrevestor.