The only non-profit research and training centre in the world dedicated exclusively to hydrography, the Centre interdisciplinaire de développement en cartographie des océans (CIDCO) has a mission to modernize its discipline through research, development, training and technology transfer. It also enhances the value of its results through a sustainable approach based on partnerships and advanced expertise in automating hydrographic surveys, inspecting port infrastructure, characterizing seabeds, detecting and salvaging fishing gear to protect endangered species and protecting against coastal erosion.
To achieve its ambitions, the organization will benefit from a non-repayable contribution of $ 660,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced on October 16 Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
This financial support will enable the Rimouski-based research centre to keep its 14 employees on the payroll; in fact, thanks to the government financial assistance, which will cover a portion of the organization’s operating costs for a period of three years, the CIDCO team will be able to pursue its activities in applied research, innovation, and technology and processes transfer to SMEs active in the maritime sector, thereby enhancing their performance and expanding their capabilities and results around innovation and competitiveness.
Founded in 2002, the NPO is able to meet the different needs of businesses and organizations in the maritime sector and to offer its expertise to major prime contractors through cutting-edge projects. CIDCO is pursuing its efforts to develop an international presence in order to showcase its expertise and enhance Quebec’s role in driving the marine technology industry forward. It is through advances in artificial intelligence and automation that the organization is able to develop new intelligent maritime applications to accelerate the growth of the blue economy industry.
“Through CED, the Government of Canada has been supporting CIDCO for close to 20 years. Recognized for both its expertise and the quality of its services, this world-renowned partner is responding brilliantly to innovation challenges in the marine technology sector. It is with pride that we reiterate our commitment to this Rimouski research centre as it propels Quebec’s blue economy forward, and we help to maintain 14 jobs in the region.”
Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)
“In these times of a pandemic renewed support from CED is a relief for the entire CIDCO team. It will enable us to maintain the scientific skills needed for our activities and to pursue our efforts to transfer sustainable technologies to business partners. This is excellent news for our entire ecosystem, which will become more innovative and competitive for it.” said Jean Laflamme, Directeur General, Centre interdisciplinaire de développement en cartographie des océans
