Calling Ocean Startup Challenge | Apply Now
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Open globally to innovators, but winners must incorporate in Canada
Program Overview!
The Ocean Startup Project is a national Canadian initiative launched in 2020 to support ocean‑tech entrepreneurship. It bridges the gap from inspiration to commercialization through programs like the Idea Challenge, Lab2Market, Startup Challenge, Boost, Amplify, and CDL Oceans Stream. Supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and multiple regional partners, it has distributed over CAD 4.3 million, backed 190+ teams, and created 330+ jobs. Recognized among the world’s top blue‑economy accelerators, it aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for sustainable ocean solutions.
Want to launch your ocean-focused startup with non‑dilutive funding, expert guidance, and a supportive Canadian ecosystem? The Ocean Startup Challenge offers all three: up to $25,000 per team, tailored mentorship, and tools to scale. It’s ideal for early-stage teams tackling ocean technology challenges (TRL ≤6), especially those ready to validate pilots. Apply by July 20, 2025, to join a cohort of 15 innovative teams aiming to protect ocean health and build sustainable ventures. Don’t miss your chance to fast-track your venture in Canada’s booming blue economy!
The Ocean Startup Challenge is a competitive accelerator for early-stage ocean innovation. Open to pre-revenue teams (TRL ≤6) working on technologies for sustainable ocean industries, this program offers funding, mentorship, and resources to test, refine, and scale solutions. Selected startups receive structured programming from August 2025 to March 2026, combining virtual sessions and in-person events across Canada, designed to propel ventures into pilots and market readiness.
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Benefits:
- Up to $25,000 CAD per startup in non-dilutive funding
- Mentorship from sector experts and Executives‑in‑Residence
- In‑kind support: access to co-working, technical assistance, labs from partner organizations
- Networking opportunities including events, workshops, and connections across Canada’s ocean-innovation ecosystem
- Exposure & credibility: align with a recognized accelerator, gain media visibility and access to follow-on programs (CDL, Amplify, Boost)
Eligibility Criteria
- Stage: Early startups with TRL ≤ 6, pre-revenue (pilot revenue allowed), and ≤ $250,000 in funding
- Structure: Must incorporate a Canadian company, ≤ 5 years old, ≤ 9 full‑time employees
- Ownership/IP: Founders must own the majority and hold IP rights
- Focus: Tech-based solutions addressing pressing ocean challenges
Application Process
- Apply online when submissions open—May 13 to July 20, 2025
- Attend info sessions (June–July) to learn about challenges and eligibility
- Submit application form with team details, tech description, milestones & budget
- Shortlist announced by Aug 12, 2025; interviews with teams Aug 18–22, 2025
- Winners notified on Aug 27, 2025, and programming begins immediately
- Program runs from Aug 27, 2025 to Mar 20, 2026, with fund use expected by then
Required documents include company incorporation proof, IP ownership confirmation, team bios, funding plan, and budget projection.
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About Ocean Startup Challenge
The Ocean Startup Project is a national Canadian initiative launched in 2020 to support ocean‑tech entrepreneurship. It bridges the gap from inspiration to commercialization through programs like the Idea Challenge, Lab2Market, Startup Challenge, Boost, Amplify, and CDL Oceans Stream. Supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and multiple regional partners, it has distributed over CAD 4.3 million, backed 190+ teams, and created 330+ jobs. Recognized among the world’s top blue‑economy accelerators, it aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for sustainable ocean solutions.
Want to launch your ocean-focused startup with non‑dilutive funding, expert guidance, and a supportive Canadian ecosystem? The Ocean Startup Challenge offers all three: up to $25,000 per team, tailored mentorship, and tools to scale. It’s ideal for early-stage teams tackling ocean technology challenges (TRL ≤6), especially those ready to validate pilots. Apply by July 20, 2025, to join a cohort of 15 innovative teams aiming to protect ocean health and build sustainable ventures. Don’t miss your chance to fast-track your venture in Canada’s booming blue economy!
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