Before diving into a dynamic day of bold conversations, big ideas, and innovation in action, join us for a grounding start to OceanFest with coffee and tea on arrival. See More.

Without our oceans, the earth would have already warmed by 36C. As the most powerful buffer to climate change, it's no surprise that study after study shows that ocean-based climate solutions have the potential to be the highest-scale tools we have. So why have you never heard of them? In this session, Mike Kelland will take us on the journey from Planetary's founding to winning an XPRIZE for demonstrating the highest-scale form of carbon removal in the world. Along the way, we'll see why working on things that everyone "knows" are impossible can sometimes be the simplest path to success. See More.

When big companies and startups join forces, the results can be transformative. This panel will explore how collaborations like Thales and Corsphere create win-win outcomes, driving innovation and growth for both parties. Featuring insights from COVE’s Naval Technology Innovation Challenge, we will discuss how these partnerships accelerate R&D, open new markets, and solve complex challenges in the sustainable ocean economy. Learn how startups gain scale and resources, while corporates tap into agility and fresh ideas proving that together, they can achieve far more than they could alone. See More.

Oceans and space represent two of humanity’s most exciting and challenging frontiers. But which holds the greatest potential for innovation, investment, and impact? In this session, we’ll pit space against oceans in a lively debate, exploring the biggest opportunities, challenges, and synergies between these sectors. From satellite monitoring of ocean health to deep-sea robotics inspired by space exploration, discover how cutting-edge technologies are bridging these two worlds. Join us to hear from leading experts, uncover cross-sector collaborations, and decide which frontier will shape the future of our planet and beyond. See More.

The Ocean Startup Showcase is an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors, government funders, and entrepreneurs as we shine a spotlight on some of the most innovative ocean technology startups in Canada. We will feature rapid-fire pitches from emerging ocean companies, sparking meaningful conversations and networking opportunities among attendees. See More.

Join us for an inspiring closing keynote with ECOP Canada Ambassador and founder of The Imaginative Scientist, Moronke Harris, an award-winning deep-sea scientist, TEDx speaker, and creative leader driving innovation at the intersection of ocean sustainability, exploration, and communication. See More.