Enhancing Fishing Precision
Exploring innovative technologies to revolutionize the fishing industry and create a sustainable future. Our commitment to economic growth and environmental stewardship sets us apart.
Join us in our mission to transform the way fishing is done. Let's make a positive impact together.
Meet the Team
Marc d’Entremont
Owner, CEO and founder
Marc works full-time as Katchi’s CEO and manages the project. Marc was previously a co-owner of a fish harvesting and processing company, that has three 65-foot fiberglass trawlers, owns groundfish quota in both NAFO areas, 4x, 5y and 5z. Marc was the controller and managed the vessels for 10 years. His experience includes working in the industry, specifically the harvesting side, understanding the complexity of the science (employed by DFO determine quota levels and stock health), the restrictions placed on harvesters (i.e MPA’s), the increasing difficulty to fish cleanly without by-catch, and the challenges faced in re-building fish stocks. Front line experience at the harvester level is necessary for the evolution of a practical solution. The end user needs must be considered in all steps of design and implementation.
Mark de Jonge, P.Eng., OLY
Owner
Mark is a professional engineer with a background in industrial design, manufacturing, and R&D. He was the lead engineer and designer of the patented Hydropuck system, overseeing its technical architecture, product design, and development from concept through commercialization.
He is well known as a (now-retired) Olympic sprint kayaker, having competed in three Olympic Games. Mark won numerous accolades in his 24-year career in sport, including an Olympic bronze medal and two World Championship titles, which he attributes to his scientific approach to training and race preparation. He was a contributor to—and subject of—several Team Canada R&D programs, designed an innovative kayak paddle, and co-founded a sport technology company that developed sensors and software for high-performance sport. Where time allows, Mark designs and manufactures products through his company, Tinker Tech, and speaks professionally about his Olympic experience and pathway to success.
Jim Hanlon, P.Eng. MBA FCAE
Owner and Director
Jim Hanlon is an experienced technology entrepreneur with specialized knowledge of marine and naval defence markets. He was the founding CEO of the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE), a $30 million 70 tenant ocean technology hub in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jim is a 40-year veteran of the tech industry, having lived and worked in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and New England. He has experience in the defence sector as well as the marine monitoring field. He has held senior roles in engineering, marketing and general management. Jim was formerly the President of Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems in Halifax; he and his partners having sold their company to Ultra in May of 2008. Ultra Electronics Marine Systems is one of the oldest continuously operating electronics design and manufacturing operations in Canada and the largest electronics product design company in Atlantic Canada.
Kyle Smith, P.Eng
Owner and CTO
Kyle Smith is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Katchi, where he leads the development of the company’s Auto Trawl system, overseeing mechanical design, control systems, and overall technical strategy. With a background in mechanical engineering, robotics, and hands-on control system development, Kyle focuses on turning advanced technology into practical, reliable solutions for the fishing industry.
Originally from Sambro, Nova Scotia, Kyle brings firsthand experience from every level of the fishing industry—from working as a fisher and fish plant processor to leading innovation and manufacturing efforts today. This unique perspective allows him to bridge the gap between those working on deck and those building the technology, ensuring Katchi’s solutions are grounded in real-world needs and deliver meaningful impact.
