This interview from MASS 2026 features Dave Shea, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Kraken Robotics, discussing Kraken’s growth, subsea technology, Canadian defence opportunities, and its dual-use approach.

Shea describes Kraken as specialising in subsea and seabed intelligence, with technologies including acoustic and optical sensors, navigation systems, and pressure-tolerant batteries. He explains that Kraken began in 2012 through a collaboration with DRDC and NATO’s CMRE, which helped the company develop and validate its Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) technology.

He also discusses Kraken’s acquisition of the Covelya Group, which adds capabilities in underwater communications and navigation. Shea says the combined organisation now has approximately 1,200 employees worldwide.

A major focus is Canada’s evolving defence landscape.

Shea calls it “a very unique opportunity in the Canadian ecosystem”, pointing to new defence investments and programmes. He identifies procurement as a longstanding challenge, particularly around selecting technologies, establishing contracts, and delivering equipment within appropriate timelines.

It also highlights critical underwater infrastructure, with Shea noting that communications and power in Newfoundland rely heavily on subsea cables that need to be protected and monitored.

Shea also explains how dual-use technology benefits Kraken by allowing technologies developed for commercial surveys and oil and gas applications to also support defence and seabed intelligence missions. He says this provides broader validation and allows Kraken to bring commercial experience into military applications.

Finally, Shea discusses Kraken’s culture of innovation, describing the company’s mantra as “innovate or die.” He says Kraken looks for people who challenge established ways of doing things, embrace new approaches, and learn from failure.

Article: Dave Shea #MASS2026