Ocean Startup Challenge

John Bonardelli is the CEO Nesting Safe inc (GroundUp data Technologies) 2018-, and holds a PhD in Marine Ecology & Coastal Oceanography, 1994. 

He is a global expert in offshore shellfish production and production technologies, with 40 years experience in the design and production of offshore shellfish culture and vessels to improve productivity and yield, in matching production size with commercial packaging requirements, and reducing time to market through local husbandry management that takes into account environmental processes and the biophysical conditions that impact interactions. 

Pioneer in submerged longline technology, building successful operations at sea and on land; employed in public institutions (Veteran Affairs Canada 1977; MAPAQ-1995-1997; Norwegian Fisheries Directorate 2002-2003) in 2 countries and for FAO-Morocco, and advising producers & governments in 60+ states/countries on 5 continents in how to become more efficient in shellfish production to reach commercial quality and scale profitably, from sea to plate. Special projects include the multi-State Baltic Sea region aquaculture development plan and troubleshooting; establishing the first commercial edible oyster production in the Indian Ocean in UAE in 2016; and advising international aquaculture insurance companies for shellfish risk management. 

Graduate student co-director in 5 countries, co-founder of several Canadian & Norwegian technology innovation companies; with scientific & technical publications in shellfish production, aquaculture risk management & seabird predation impacts on shellfish farms. 

John’s international field experience molded his ability to match client pain-points with innovative technologies and practical solutions. The design of our latest technology is a function of use-case opportunities in Agtech and conservation, which combines present opportunity with decades of international field experience that provide result-oriented outcomes.

Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber‘s passion and experience have closely danced at the intersection of social purpose, sustainability, and growth through business for the past 17+ years. Through my work with leaders, businesses, institutions, and change-makers we have created massive waves through their startups, projects, programs, and products for impact. From building acceleration programs to support the growth of emerging impact startups to working with leading founders to support their growth strategies to engaging diverse communities to build ecosystems that work to create impact – my purpose is to work with others to help them grow their change-making ideas.  

Rob Burns has over twenty years of experience in marine environmental sciences, clean technology, and life sciences, with a focus on driving business growth and delivering impactful results. Originally from Cape Breton, Rob earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University and a Master’s degree in Biological Oceanography from the University of New Brunswick, where he explored the effects of climate change on ocean systems.

After working in the U.S. environmental sciences sector, Rob returned to Nova Scotia to work with companies specializing in the development of remote sensing technologies to measure climate change impacts on the marine environment. During this time, he also completed an MBA from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, blending his scientific background with business strategy. Rob’s career has included roles focused on the commercialization of scientific innovations and serving on the boards of cleantech companies. His leadership skills were further demonstrated as he guided a technology company through a key transition and later led business development efforts in the health sector.