Halifax, N.S. – 4Deep Inwater Imaging of Halifax is developing the world’s first underwater fluorescence microscope, a device that will detect harmful algae at a very early stage. The microscope is expected to become a standard instrument in water quality monitoring and research, with applications in public health, aquaculture and shell fisheries. The Government of Canada is investing $500,000 in the project. The repayable contribution through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Business Development Program was announced today.

4Deep has finished and tested the first product prototype and now requires additional development and testing before commercializing the microscope.

The Government of Canada’s investment enables 4Deep to complete design, engineering, testing and final components for the product. The investment also supports improvements to existing products. To capitalize on these product developments and 4Deep’s growing international customer-base, the Government is also investing in marketing activities.

4Deep will hire additional staff to complete the required work. In addition to creating jobs for skilled workers, the project is creating commercialization and export opportunities for an innovative local company.

Quotes:

“Companies like 4Deep Inwater Imaging produce not only incredible technology, but incredible opportunities for Canadians. As Budget 2016 has reinforced, the Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadian businesses like 4Deep grow, innovate and export so they can create good quality jobs and wealth for Canadians. Our focus is on innovation. Innovation is about creating the right conditions for ideas to thrive, for creativity to flourish and for Canadian entrepreneurs and businesses to grow.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“With applications in oceanography, oil and gas, biomedical, manufacturing and more, 4Deep Inwater Imaging is creating solutions for a broad cross-section of industries locally and globally. The Government of Canada is pleased to support 4Deep as they develop a new solution—the world’s first underwater fluorescence microscope, right here in Nova Scotia.”

– Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax

“The world’s first underwater fluorescence microscope will serve as an early detection of fluorescence signals from harmful algae before a full-blown algae bloom appears. This type of monitoring is crucial for public health and other applications such as aquaculture and fisheries.”

– Dr. Stephen Jones, CEO, 4Deep Inwater Imaging