ResearchNB investments fuel innovation pipeline at UNB

From the Springboard Content Lab and UNB Newsroom (Jeremy Elder-Jublen)

Key Takeaways

• ResearchNB is funding five innovation projects at University of New Brunswick in AI, ocean tech, clean energy and agri-tech.
• The projects support commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
• Research includes smart port technology, AI-driven healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing and greenhouse robotics.
• UNB’s work highlights the growing role of universities in driving innovation and workforce development.
• As a member of Springboard Atlantic, UNB helps connect research expertise with industry needs across the region.

Five UNB-led projects have received support through ResearchNB’s Priority Sector Development Fund. Initiatives include AI-enabled healthcare systems, digital twins for marine ports and robotics for greenhouse agriculture.

As a member of the Springboard Atlantic network, UNB demonstrates how post-secondary institutions help companies and communities access expertise, research infrastructure and commercialization pathways. Through collaborative research partnerships, these projects are expected to contribute to regional competitiveness while strengthening talent development across Atlantic Canada.

Digital twins and smart ports position New Brunswick for global trade growth

Among the largest investments is a $350,000 project led by Dr. Ian Church. This will create advanced digital twin technologies for the Port of Saint John and the Port of Belledune. The initiative combines ocean mapping, artificial intelligence, IoT infrastructure and coastal monitoring technologies to improve port productivity, environmental sustainability and security.

The project reflects a broader trend across Atlantic Canada toward smart infrastructure and ocean innovation. With global supply chains increasingly dependent on resilient ports and maritime logistics, technologies developed through university-industry collaborations are becoming strategically important for economic development.

Partners involved in the project include companies such as Teledyne CARIS, SeafarerAI, Spatialnetics and Kongsberg Discovery.

AI and healthcare innovation drive ethical data solutions

Another initiative receiving support is the STREAM-Health project led by Dr. Jon Sensinger, director of UNB’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering. The project aims to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system using data science and AI-driven analytical tools while protecting sensitive medical information.

As healthcare systems across Canada face rising costs and labour pressures, ethical AI applications are emerging as a critical area of research and commercialization. Atlantic Canada’s universities are increasingly contributing expertise in responsible AI, cybersecurity and data governance — themes that are also central to the upcoming Atlantic AI Summit hosted by UNB in June 2026.

Advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies gain momentum

UNB researchers are also advancing innovation in marine additive manufacturing and green energy infrastructure.

A project led by Dr. Mohsen Mohammadi will apply advanced 3D metal printing and predictive maintenance technologies to hydroelectric turbine repair and maintenance. The research builds on UNB’s internationally recognized expertise in marine additive manufacturing and supports Canada’s transition toward more resilient clean energy systems.

These types of projects align closely with Atlantic Canada’s broader economic priorities in clean technology, energy resilience and industrial modernization. Increasingly, universities are helping companies adopt advanced manufacturing processes that improve sustainability and competitiveness.

Robotics and food security research support sustainable agriculture

Research into automated greenhouse technologies is another area receiving support through the ResearchNB program.

Dr. Rickey Dubay’s project focuses on developing lightweight robotic systems capable of performing delicate greenhouse tasks that traditionally require human precision. As labour shortages and climate pressures affect agriculture globally, automation technologies may become increasingly important in ensuring food security and sustainable production systems.

Applied agricultural innovation is becoming a major opportunity area for Atlantic Canada, particularly as the region looks to strengthen domestic food systems and support agri-tech entrepreneurship.

Why this matters for Atlantic Canada

The ResearchNB investments demonstrate how applied university research can support regional economic growth, commercialization and workforce development simultaneously.

Atlantic Canadian universities are increasingly serving as anchors in innovation ecosystems by:

• Supporting commercialization-ready research
• Helping SMEs adopt emerging technologies
• Creating partnerships between industry and academia
• Training highly skilled talent in strategic sectors
• Accelerating innovation in AI, ocean tech, clean energy and advanced manufacturing

Through organizations like Springboard Atlantic, these collaborations help bridge the gap between academic discovery and industry adoption, ensuring research outcomes create measurable economic and societal impact.

FAQs

What is ResearchNB?

ResearchNB is New Brunswick’s provincial research and innovation agency. It supports research partnerships, commercialization and innovation projects that contribute to economic growth and societal impact.

What is the Priority Sector Development Fund?

The fund supports research projects aligned with strategic growth sectors in New Brunswick, including AI, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, ocean technology and health innovation.

Why is UNB important to Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem?

University of New Brunswick is one of Atlantic Canada’s leading research universities and a member of the Springboard Atlantic network. The university collaborates extensively with industry and government partners to commercialize research and support economic growth.

How does Springboard Atlantic support innovation?

Springboard Atlantic connects businesses with research expertise across 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada, helping organizations access applied research, commercialization support and innovation partnerships.

What sectors are seeing the strongest growth in Atlantic Canadian research?

Key growth sectors include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, ocean technology, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology and digital health.

About Springboard

UNB is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. Springboard connect businesses and community organizations with research expertise, commercialization support and innovation opportunities. Learn more at Springboard Atlantic.