more vital acronyms to learn ; master ‘ Robotics as a Service ’ ( RaaS ) and ‘ Data as a Service ‘( DaaS ).
Smaller companies making a big impact include Virtual Marine Technology , who design and build lifeboat simulators for use by coastguards and emergency services globally , whilst Pelagic Research Service ( PRS ) has developed a custom-built , deep-water ROV system called Odysseus . Since launch in 2017 it has since gathered more than 350 hours of sub-sea operations after completing nearly 100 dives at depths of up to 2,500 metres .
Rutter Inc . is a developer of innovative technologies utilising radar to detect oil spills , track icebergs , monitor ships , and measure ocean waves and surface currents . Their technologies provide enhanced radar imagery and leading detection , tracking , and measurement capabilities in marine environments . One of their systems will soon be added to the new state-of-the-art RRS Sir David Attenborough , one of the most advanced polar research vessels in the world .
Seaformatics Systems Inc .
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Above : Born of the wild Atlantic Ocean , St . John ' s has a celebrated history with the sea |
designs and manufactures powerharvesting systems for the ocean monitoring industry and outdoor electronics consumer market . Their low-speed turbine enables reduced cost for the collection of environmental data from oceans and waterways . It also has a range of consumer products , helping hikers , campers , paddlers , and cyclists go further without the worry of running out of power while exploring the outdoors . Memorial University of Newfoundland ( MUN ) is the city ’ s public university . Founded in 1925 as a living memorial to Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans who died in the First World War , Memorial is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada , with 18,000 students from 100 countries . It also has a strong focus on research , and in 2019 launched the Harsh Environment Research Facility ( HERF ) to strengthen the region ’ s infrastructure and expertise in technologies operating in harsh environments .
“ At Memorial , we take pride in creating exciting teaching and learning environments for students and researchers alike ,
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while simultaneously achieving an important goal of having a positive , practical impact on industry ,” MUN president and vice-chancellor Gary Kachanoski said . “ This includes better ways to operate in harsh offshore environments .” HERF offers large-scale testing , research and development that is vital to the Canadian economy and environment , including a multi-purpose facility to simulate harsh conditions with icebergs and sea ice , high winds , waves , sea water spray , fog , and other harsh climatic conditions such as freezing rain storms . HERF received state funding and a million dollar donation from Husky Oil . The company ’ s Trevor Pritchard says : “ Having access to the Harsh Environment Research Facility and being able to collaborate with experts in the field will give us more opportunities to test systems and structures in conditions specific to our region .”
And where to go when the good news need to be shared ? The St . John ' s Convention Centre ( newly branded as SJCC ), located in Downtown is the province ' s largest convention centre with over 4,300sqm of divisible meeting space . Its construction in the centre of St . George Street led to a handy separation of the bar and restaurant scene and the new George Street West which roared into life as a business zone . SJCC is also linked to the Mile One Centre , an indoor arena and entertainment venue which can seat 7,000 people .
And a final piece of trivia : St . John ' s is home to North America ' s oldest annual sporting event , the Royal St John ’ s Regatta . The event takes place on the first Wednesday in August and means a public holiday – but uniquely , only if the weather allows the regatta to go ahead .
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