The funding, split across two projects, is the first under the memorandum of understanding signed between Nova Scotia and the UK in 2014.
Innovate UK said the aim of the projects is to help governments, industry and academia better understand the impact of tidal technology on the marine environment, and the impact of the marine environment on that technology.
The first project will develop a new sensor system to measure the impact of turbulence on tidal devices. Improved understanding of turbulence will allow developers to optimise design and deploy technology that can withstand the effects of strong tides and currents.
The second project will develop an acoustic sensing system to improve the detection and tracking of fish and marine mammals at tidal sites in the Bay of Fundy.
Innovate UK’s head of energy Rob Saunders said: “The marine renewable energy sectors in both the UK and Canada, particularly Nova Scotia are very strong. By supporting innovation and collaboration between the two countries we can combine expertise, knowledge and experience to tackle shared challenges associated with tidal energy, and make it a more affordable, low carbon energy alternative while also creating jobs, growth and boosting productivity.”
“At Innovate UK we are pleased to be working alongside the Offshore Energy Research Association as Nova Scotia is a growing and large potential market for British tidal energy companies.”