BetaKit Spotlights Atlantic Canada’s Emerging Deep Tech Ecosystem

A researcher in a lab at Universite de Moncton

From the Springboard Content LAb

A recent BetaKit article highlighted Atlantic Canada’s growing prominence in the deep tech sector, recognizing how the region’s tech ecosystem is driving innovation.

While tech hubs in Central and Western Canada often get the attention, Atlantic Canada is quietly punching above its weight, despite challenges of geography and a smaller population, according to the article.

BetaKit, a news portal covering Canadian startup and tech innovation news, said the region is emerging as a global contender, driven by strong research institutions, cost advantages, and strategic industry collaboration.

In the article, Iain Klugman, former CEO of Communitech, said Atlantic Canada is seeing “a new level of ambition and determination” to solve big challenges, from healthcare advancements to environmental sustainability.

Atlantic Canada uniquely positioned for tech innovation

A key advantage is affordability. Nova Scotia offers R&D tax credits covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, and organizations like ACOA actively fund high-potential tech ventures.

Jennifer Wagner, former president of CarbonCure Technologies, credits government support as a critical factor in the company’s success, saying, “Without that funding, there would be no CarbonCure.”

With collaborative hubs like Dalhousie’s ideaHUB, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, and the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub Atlantic Canada is positioning itself as a major force in deep tech. As BetaKit highlights, the region’s combination of ambition, affordability, and innovation makes it an increasingly attractive destination for startups and investors.

“There’s such a determination right now in Atlantic Canada, whether it’s fixing healthcare or saving the planet,” Klugman shared with BetaKit.”

Iain Klugman, former CEO of Communitech

With affordability, abundant non-dilutive funding, and opportunities to create groundbreaking discoveries and solutions, the region is becoming a launchpad for startups tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges.

Dalhousie research in battery lab

Regional Specializations Gaining Recognition

Betakit highlights Atlantic Canada’s strengths in ocean technology, clean energy, and life sciences. “The region’s natural geography and historical industries have shaped its technological specializations, creating unexpected advantages in blue economy innovations.”

This regional focus has allowed Atlantic institutions to develop world-class expertise in specific deep tech verticals despite the relatively small population base.

The article references breakthrough technologies emerging from Atlantic Canada, including advanced marine robotics, sustainable aquaculture systems, and specialized renewable energy solutions designed for harsh coastal environments.

These innovations demonstrate how the region’s academic and research institutions are successfully commercializing intellectual property through strategic industry partnerships.

Collaborative Advantage

Betakit pointed out that Atlantic Canada’s innovation success stems from its collaborative approach. The region’s 19 post-secondary institutions share resources, expertise, and networks to ensure promising research makes the critical leap from lab to the marketplace.

This model has proven particularly effective in facilitating commercialization in complex deep tech sectors that often face lengthy development timelines and regulatory challenges.

“Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem demonstrates how specialized regional expertise can create global impact when properly supported and connected.”