The PIER, Canada’s first living lab for transportation, supply chain and logistics, officially marked one year of operations last week.

“The PIER champions innovation in supply chain transparency, sustainability, decarbonization and port connectivity,” said Andrew Black, Director of Innovation. “The PIER helps the Port of Halifax to become more efficient, sustainable and reliable.”

The PIER is a member-driven organization that advances projects in transportation, supply chain and logistics. Throughout the year, PIER members advanced projects with several notable programs including the Ocean Supercluster, Sustainable Development Technology Canada, the Ocean Startup Project, and Innovative Solutions Canada.

The PIER continues to regularly welcome dignitaries including the German Chancellor, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, and the Minister of Transport Canada.

The transportation-sector living lab hosted several large-scale events this year, including:

  • Community of Practice for Living Labs session with Transport Canada and National Research Council Canada
  • CDL (Creative Destruction Lab) Atlantic Fall Ocean Session
  • Economist Impact’s World Ocean Tech & Innovation Summit opening reception
  • Member Days held on May 2, 2022 and October 19, 2022

The PIER currently has 41 members, six Founding Partners, and two Industry Partners with additional partners and members expected to join in the upcoming year.