Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Enhanced imaging and analysis of quantum underwater LiDAR with visual model adaptation
Agreement Number:
1038206
Agreement Value:
$460,573.00
Agreement Date:
Jan 19, 2026 - Mar 31, 2028
Description:
Phantom Photonics aims to democratize underwater data access to improve safety, sustainability, and infrastructure management. Their focus includes preventing failures in oil and gas systems, safeguarding underwater cables, and supporting marine ecological studies. To achieve this, the Project will develop a quantum LiDAR system for Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs), offering high-resolution 3D imaging with SONAR-like range and LiDAR-level precision. The system will be commercialized via a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model for scalable, autonomous monitoring. A key goal is building a rugged, waterproof prototype integrating Phantom’s time-bin encoded quantum LiDAR, optimized for low-light and turbid conditions. Engineering efforts include pressure-resistant housing, quantum emitter integration, and embedded electronics for real-time control. Edge computing will enable onboard data processing, reducing communication needs and enhancing fleet coordination. In collaboration with NRC’s Computer Vision and Graphics (CVG) team, image analysis systems will be developed to enhance current sensor technology and to take advantage of the rapidly developing large visual and multimodal models to solve relevant problems such as motion detection, tracking as well as object recognition in challenging underwater environments.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Location:
Waterloo, Ontario, CA N2V 2A3
Reference Number:
172-2025-2026-Q4-1038206
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
732415542
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Recipient's Legal Name:
Phantom Photonics Inc.
Federal Riding Name:
Waterloo
Federal Riding Number:
35114
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
NAICS Code:
541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences