Six winners of the annual Spark Nova Scotia competition for rural, coastal and edtech startups were announced during an event Tuesday, beating out 64 other applicants.

The winning companies in each of three regions — Cape Breton, Nova Scotia North and Nova Scotia Southwest — received $50,000 each, while the second place finishers received $40,000.

Spark is organized by the Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations and funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Invest Nova Scotia, Cox & Palmer, Grant Thornton and others.

“Spark Nova Scotia gives people in rural communities the chance to show the type of creativity and opportunities that exist in all corners of our province,” said provincial Minister of Economic Development Susan Corkum-Greek. 

Here’s a look at this year’s victors:

CAPE BRETON

Net Zero Edge, First Place

Kyle Burton

Net Zero Edge is building underwater data centres using ocean cooling solutions.

Defort Bio, Second Place

Steeve LeFort and Jacob Deveau

Defort Bio is replacing rubber lobster bands with biodegradable alternatives for harvesters.

NOVA SCOTIA NORTH

CM Marine Safety Equipment, First Place

Ben Collins-MacKay

CM Marine is developing comfortable, safe lifejackets for commercial fishing and promoting water safety.

iNav4U, Second Place

Brenda Robinson

iNav4U is automating yacht systems for safety using coordinated hardware and software.

NOVA SCOTIA SOUTHWEST

Resolve Composites, First Place

Leitha Haysom

Resolve is developing technology to recycle large-scale composite structures and reclaim valuable materials.

Handy Rescue Company, Second Place

Brennan Handy

Handy Rescue offers stand-by emergency rescue services, as well as training and specialized equipment.