An underwater view shows a large ship's propeller and rudder against deep blue water pierced by sunbeams.

Marine, Aerospace & Subsea Innovation (MASI)

MASI is Western Canada’s centre of excellence in marine, aerospace, subsea and naval systems, anchored at the University of British Columbia. MASI is establishing Canada’s first Pacific–Arctic hub for world‑leading research, innovation and training that supports national sovereignty, security and sustainable blue‑economy growth.

Located in Canada’s Pacific Gateway, UBC is the only Canadian institution approved by the Royal Canadian Navy for officer training in naval architecture and marine engineering, which uniquely positions it to lead a national centre in this domain. MASI connects major industry partners, small and medium‑sized enterprises, universities, and coastal and Indigenous communities across Canada to co‑develop technologies and talent for next‑generation fleets, infrastructure and critical systems.

Vision

MASI’s vision is to serve as Canada’s Pacific-Arctic hub for integrated research, innovation and training in marine, aerospace, subsea and naval systems.

The centre brings together Western Canada’s strengths in engineering analysis, autonomy, AI-driven design and advanced manufacturing.

Our Research

MASI organizes its research around six core pillars that together enable next‑generation marine, aerospace, subsea and naval capabilities. MASI’s pillars span the full lifecycle, from concept design and digital simulation through to in‑water validation, Arctic operations and long‑term sustainment. 

Key Partnerships

MASI connects Western and Eastern marine and aerospace innovation ecosystems through a coordinated network of academic, industry, government, non‑profit and international partners. This network builds on UBC’s proven NSS model, which has established ICONS as the West Coast marine engineering research and technology accelerator, engaging more than 25 national and international stakeholders.

Logos of MASI's key partners

Facilities and Infrastructure

MASI is structured around a 10‑year growth plan that will build an integrated suite of world‑class physical and digital facilities to support research, training and commercialization. These facilities will scale from foundational testbeds to specialized Arctic and defence focused infrastructure aligned with national procurement timelines.

Planned and existing facilities include:

  • State of the art computational infrastructure and digital twin simulators for vessel and fleet level analysis.
  • Experimental assets such as cavitation tunnels, marine tanks and climate controlled Arctic testing facilities for hydrodynamics, acoustics and ice–structure interaction studies.
  • Advanced manufacturing, robotics and autonomous systems labs that support additive manufacturing, robotic repair and next generation vehicle prototyping. 

Workforce Development

A research vessel floats over the deep blue ocean with marine scientist on the boat preparing the equipment.

MASI provides a multi‑level education and training platform that serves skilled trades, graduate students and industry professionals, helping to build a resilient, sovereign Canadian workforce. It builds on the success of UBC’s Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) program—one of the leading graduate naval architecture programs in North America and the largest on the West Coast—with more than 150 graduates now working in industry.
 

Contact information: masi.apsc@ubc.ca

MASI logo

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UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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