Ocean Intelligence, developed with Oceanum, delivers real-time ocean data to support smarter, more sustainable marine farming. Currently trialled in mussel and oyster farms at Marlborough Sounds, Northland, and the Firth of Thames. Photo: Supplied.
Nelson-based Cawthron Institute is making waves nationally, with its ‘Ocean Intelligence’ first-ever commercial spin-out, named a finalist in the 2025 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, in the Breakthrough Project category.
Developed in partnership with Oceanum, Ocean Intelligence is a first-of-its-kind platform that brings together real-time ocean data to help marine farmers better manage their operations. With tools that predict harmful algal blooms, assess spat survival, and monitor storm conditions, the platform is already being trialled in mussel and oyster farms across the Marlborough Sounds, Northland, and the Firth of Thames – with promising results.
Dr Chris Cornelisen, Cawthron’s head of Strategic Relationships and Blue Technology Lead says “Being named finalists demonstrates Cawthron’s ability to translate our science into innovative, commercial solutions that deliver meaningful impact.”
“Ocean Intelligence is more than just a powerful tool that brings together incredible data insights. It’s a proof point for what can happen when science and innovation, and commercial nous come together with purpose,” Chris explains.
“There is a rapidly growing need for data-driven technologies across maritime sectors to enable blue economy development. Up until now, marine farmers are essentially farming in the dark with limited information available to them about their crop or on farm conditions unless they physically visit the site. Our technology now brings that information to their desktop, enabling farmers to manage their aquaculture farms remotely.”
Rather than license the intellectual property, Cawthron chose to commercialise the research itself – a bold move that reflects its growing capabilities in blue technology. The platform also provides a pathway to bring other New Zealand aquaculture innovations to a global market.
The recognition from KiwiNet is an exciting milestone, but Ocean Intelligence General Manager Joel Bowater says it’s just the beginning. “With Ocean Intelligence, Cawthron is not only supporting a more sustainable aquaculture industry – we’re also charting a new course for science-led innovation from right here in Nelson, New Zealand.”
Winners of the awards will be announced on Wednesday, 22nd October, in Auckland at the 2025 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.
