UNB maritime 3D digital twin project receives $813K in federal funding
From the Springboard Content Lab and ACOA
Springboard congratulates our Network member University of New Brunswick on the federal announcement of $813,739 to develop a UNB maritime 3D digital twin project. This will support improved management of port infrastructure. The project will create a digital model of port environments. It is part of the federal Defence Industrial Strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Project focuses on maritime digital twin technology
- Work will support port infrastructure and operations
- Part of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
- Involves collaboration across academic and operational partners
Additionally, there was also an announcement $30,000 for CE3 Electronics Inc. This support will be used to launch a cybersecurity compliance initiative to help with eligibility for US and Canadian contracts.
“We could not be prouder of the role New Brunswick is playing in strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities. Through Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, local companies and institutions are growing, innovating, and building more of what Canada needs at home to stay secure, sovereign, and economically strong.”
Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Funding delivered through Regional Regional Defence Investment Initiative
The anouncement is part of ACOA’s $38.2 million allocation under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative(RDII). This is a $379.2 million three-year initiative delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).
The RDII aims to accelerate the integration of businesses and regional ecosystems into domestic and international defence supply chains to increase their industrial and innovation capacity.
Role of post-secondary collaboration
UNB’s project reflects the role of post-secondary institutions in applied research in the development of Canadian infrastructure and technology development.
The Springboard Network supports this type of collaboration by connecting researchers with industry partners in the aerospace and defence sectors of Atlantic Canada.
“UNB’s Maritime 3D Digital Twin project aligns directly with Canada’s emerging security and economic priorities by strengthening domestic research capacity, reinforcing critical infrastructure and accelerating technologies that can serve both civilian and defence needs. It also positions New Brunswick—and UNB—as a national leader in next‑generation maritime innovation.”
– Dr. Kathy Wilson, acting president and vice chancellor, UNB
Quick facts
- Canada has achieved the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) defence spending target in the 2025–26 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s approach to national defence and collective security.
- Canada’s defence sector is an important contributor to the economy with close to 600 firms directly accounting for 36,000 jobs in 2022, supporting a total of 61,200 jobs across the defence value chain.
- Atlantic Canada plays a critical role in advancing Canada’s economic and national security – home to nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing 20% of Canada’s defence industry employment.
- With more than 200 firms in the defence industry, Atlantic Canada delivers advanced shipbuilding, aircraft and engine maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, training and simulation, ground vehicle technologies and cyber resilience.
About Springboard
Springboard Atlantic connects researchers with industry to advance projects that address real-world challenges across Atlantic Canada. We also help researchers commercialize their intellectual property to move ideas from lab to market.