Industrial Internet of Things helps to transform the seafood sector
News release
March 12, 2021 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan is an ambitious effort to strengthen the country’s position as a world leader in innovation and technology and create well-paying jobs to grow the economy. By strategically investing in technology, innovation, and research and development (R&D) in Atlantic Canada, the federal government is ramping up efforts to help businesses start up, scale up and succeed.
Area52 Ltd receives investment
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and the Honourable Arlene Dunn, New Brunswick Minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business and Minister responsible for Opportunities NB, today announced a joint government investment of more than $400,000 to Moncton-based Area52 Ltd. to help commercialize its Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) product suite. MP Petitpas Taylor made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
The funding will support IIOT pilot projects to help seafood processing plants digitize their operations. The IIOT technology retrieves data indentifying stumbling blocks in the process that are critical to future company growth. The project will create six new jobs at Area52.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help businesses grow, reach new markets, drive innovation and contribute to Atlantic Canada’s economic recovery.
Quotes
“Canada is a nation of innovators and trailblazers and we are investing in them to ensure that this entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive our economy now and into the future. Through Regional Development Agencies like ACOA, we will support the efforts of innovative small businesses to help them succeed and create well-paying jobs for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This support from the federal government is a win-win for Area52 and the seafood processing sector. Developing customized digital technology such as IIOT to meet plant needs will help this vital sector boost productivity and grow even further. Helping businesses to scale up, grow and create new jobs is an important step on Canada’s road to economic recovery.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe
“Productivity and innovation are key drivers to ensuring long-term economic growth and prosperity. As companies like Area52 continue to expand, create and innovate right here in New Brunswick, they are laying the foundation for future growth by transforming the way we do business. This important work will create new jobs, energize the private sector, and strengthen New Brunswick’s competitiveness on the world stage.”
- The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business and Minister responsible for Opportunities NB
“The Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) product allows easy sensory data collection from factory processes with the ability to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The collected data is presented in visual analytics enabling quick business decisions regarding a factory’s productivity, preventative maintenance and predictive analysis. Designed to communicate over 2-10 kilometres, it offers asset data to be collected from fields to factory without wifi. This product goes beyond our designing automation equipment ability and into the AI/digitization for full factory solutions.”
- Timothy Fogarty, Owner, Area52 Ltd
Quick facts
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Area52 Ltd develops automated products, offering new and viable customized solutions for industry.
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The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing a conditionally repayable contribution of $384,545 to Area52 Ltd., while Opportunities New Brunswick is investing $46,063 towards the project.
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ACOA’s contribution is provided through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Associated links
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca
Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Paulcj.leblanc@canada.ca
Timothy Fogarty
Owner
Area52 Ltd
506-295-5251
tim@area52.ca
Autumn Lawrence
Communications
Province of New Brunswick
autumn.lawrence@onbcanada.ca
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