A local marine tech startup is moving into defence and public safety with a new class of high-performance, zero-emission boats designed to strengthen surveillance along Canada's coastlines.
ENVGO, founded by triple Waterloo Engineering alum Dr. Mike Peasgood (BASc '98, MASc '04, PhD '08, systems design engineering), designs and builds electric vessels that use hydrofoiling technology to glide above the water's surface.
The company recently announced its expansion into intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and security operations — applications suited to a country with more than 240,000 kilometres of shoreline, the longest in the world.
ENVGO's approach combines electric propulsion with autonomy and advanced sensing, offering a cleaner and potentially more cost-effective option for agencies such as the Coast Guard and Navy. Hydrofoiling works by raising the hull out of the water on a submerged wing, dramatically reducing drag and energy use so electric boats can reach the speed and range demanding operations require.
Peasgood credits his Waterloo training in systems design engineering with equipping him to solve the control challenges involved. "Rather than considering components in isolation, the systems designer is required to make multi-disciplinary trade-offs," he said. "That perspective was critical in developing a reliable hydrofoiling platform."
The technology also supports Canada's goal of reducing emissions to 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Peasgood sees the country well-positioned to lead an emerging sector poised for the same transformation that reshaped the automotive and aerospace industries.
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