The City of Fredericton will pilot projects with SeaGreen Solutions Ltd and Cloudboids Ltd that will support environmental sustainability and municipal service innovation through Planet Hatch’s MERGE program.
Planet Hatch is the innovation hub and startup incubator for the capital region’s economic development agency Ignite, supporting entrepreneurs from idea to growth.
Through Planet Hatch, Ignite delivers the MERGE program, which is designed to bridge the gap between municipal needs and startup solutions, creating opportunities for new startups to validate their business while offering cost-effective solutions to community challenges.
“The City is excited to be partnering with Planet Hatch to support local entrepreneurs who are working to tackle municipal challenges to enhance sustainability and improve service delivery,” said Mayor Steve Hicks. “These pilot projects demonstrate how Fredericton can support local business leaders working to bring new ideas to market and create tangible benefits for our community.”
Through these projects, startups gain access to funding, business support, and valuable customer feedback to accelerate market readiness.
“The MERGE program is about creating meaningful first customer opportunities for our startups,” said Andrew Lockhart, Director of Entrepreneurial & Economic Growth at Ignite. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with municipalities, MERGE helps startups secure early sales, validate their solutions in real-world environments, and build the credibility needed to scale.”
Each project received a $25,000 investment, with the City of Fredericton contributing $6,250 and the remaining $18,750 funded through MERGE.
SeaGreen Solutions will conduct a pilot project with the Parks & Trees Division to evaluate a seaweed-based biochar soil conditioner designed to improve soil moisture retention, plant health and climate resilience. The pilot will be implemented in selected city planters along Queen Street and will measure changes in soil conditions and water usage compared to untreated sites.
Cloudboids Ltd. will partner with the Planning Division to create an AI-powered drawing tool to increase efficiency in development applications. This tool will allow users to create more accurate site plans using publicly available property lines and a custom drawing tool. Having accurate maps and dimensions will create a more streamlined and efficient process for residents. All applications will be reviewed by staff prior to approval.
The projects were identified during the 2026 Boost Ideation Camp and the agreements were approved during a regular meeting of City Council on July 13, 2026. The meeting and agreements are available on the city’s website.