Ocean Startup Challenge

Since 2020, we’ve invested more than $2.25 million in funding to support 95 teams building innovative solutions to some of the ocean industry’s most pressing issues in our Ocean Startup Challenge alone

The Ocean Startup Challenge has established itself as a beacon for entrepreneurs and innovators, offering a unique platform to transform visionary ideas into reality. With Canada’s unparalleled coastline, world-class experts, research facilities, a vibrant talent pool, and comprehensive government support, there’s no better place to start and scale your ocean tech venture. The 2024-2025 Cohort will be comprised of up to 15 early-stage Canadian startups (TRL 5 and under), receiving up to $25,000 in awards.

Our aim is to foster innovations that not only leveraged Canada’s rich ocean resources but also addressed global oceanic challenges. To achieve this, we’ve consulted with leading industry experts to help foster innovation in the ocean sector, by collaborating to present Challenge Statements; these aim to inspire new and existing entrepreneurs to tackle industry-identified ocean challenges. Consider some of these Challenge Statements here, to make your impact with the Ocean Startup Challenge. 

Winners of previous Challenges gained access to an array of invaluable business development resources. This included tailored programming, mentorship, direct access to our Executives-in-Residence, industry experts, networking opportunities, and more. By joining our program, innovators became part of an elite group of more than 95 cutting-edge ocean technology companies that have benefited from our comprehensive support.

As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue supporting groundbreaking ocean tech ventures. Discover the trailblazers of yesterday, today, and tomorrow by exploring our alumni from Cohort 1, Cohort 2, and Cohort 3!

We will also be hosting program information sessions throughout the application period; these are excellent opportunities for prospective teams to learn more about what makes a strong application, learn about Challenge Statements, eligibility and more.

Information sessions will take place:

  • (English) August 21 at 11am PT/2pm ET/3pm AT
  • (French) September 5 at 11am PT/2pm ET/3pm AT
  • (English) September 11 at 11am PT/2pm ET/3pm AT

For more information and to register the info session, follow this link

Are you ready to apply your innovative mindset to some of today’s pressing ocean issues? Applications closed on September 15, 2024. Stay tuned to our website and social media for upcoming cohort applications. 

 

Need more details? Follow the link below to download/view our bilingual program Information Package! 

Check out our Program Information Package

Program Timeline:

  • Applications open: July 31, 2024
  • Program Information Sessions (French and English) will take place:
    • August 21 at 11am PT/2pm ET/3pm AT (English)
    • September 5 at 11am PT/2pm ET/3pm AT (French)
    • September 11 at 11am PT/2pm ET/3pm AT (English)
      *These virtual sessions will occur by Zoom
  • Application deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2024
  • Shortlist announced: Friday, September 27, 2024
  • Shortlist preparatory session: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
  • Shortlist interviews: Wednesday to Friday, October 2 to 4, 2024 
  • Winners announced: Friday, October 11, 2024

Want to get involved, but aren’t sure where to start? Check out our industry-identified Challenge Statements

Meet the Executives in Residences who will provide program participants expert advice and rapid feedback

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.

This year’s cohort will receive incredible in-kind support from various ecosystem partners from coast to coast, including:

Logo for IGNITE Atlantic

Here’s what previous Ocean Startup Challenge winners have accomplished to date

300+ jobs created nationally (and counting!)

$7.5-million+ in non-dilutive funding

*raised collectively by past winners from our 2020 and 2021 cohorts

$8.5-million+ in equity investment

*since working with OSP

6 continued onto CDL-Oceans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ocean Startup Challenge?

The Ocean Startup Challenge is a competition seeking innovative solutions to ocean industry problems. The Ocean Startup Project launched the Challenge to support innovators who are developing technologies with large market potential in the ocean economy.

This year, we will distribute $750,000 CAD to entrepreneurs and startup teams that are developing solutions to major ocean industry challenges.

Who is eligible to apply for the Challenge?

We encourage individual/teams of all backgrounds and experiences to submit an application, providing they are in the idea/early stages of developing an ocean technology company.

Specifically, we are looking for companies with a TRL of 5 and below for the 2024 competition.

Applicants must also be:

  • pre-revenue
  • pre-institutional investment
  • have no sales prior to the application deadline

Innovators, entrepreneurs and companies from across Canada and around the world may apply for the Challenge, but winners must register an entity in a Canadian province/territory, or federally.

Applicants from an existing company must be the majority owner(s) of the company.

How do I apply for the Challenge?

Before applying, we recommend you review the Challenge’s information kit; it is available in both French and English.

You may apply online through our application page. We recommend writing your answers to the questions using a Word or Google document, and then copying and pasting your answers into the web form. Please note, you are not able to save and continue at a later time.

Apply before the Challenge deadline: September 15, 2024.

How does the Challenge work?

Key dates program application and selection:

  • Application deadline: September 15, 2024
  • Shortlist announced: September 27, 2024
  • Shortlist interviews: October 2 to 4, 2024
  • Winners announced: October 11, 2024
Who will review and evaluate applications?

Applications will be reviewed by an evaluation committee that includes Ocean Startup Project representatives and industry experts who are knowledgeable about the specific sectors and technologies highlighted in the challenge statements.

How will my application be evaluated (e.g., evaluation criteria)?

In selecting the competition winners, the quality of the idea/technology, the strength of the management team, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the written plan and oral presentation, all influence the judges’ decisions.

Key criteria for evaluation include:

  • People: The team, background and entrepreneurial (or business) track record of key individuals, ability to execute, demonstrable ambition and commitment to the venture’s success
  • Pain point: a clearly defined problem that prospective customers of your business are experiencing
  • Solution: Description and quantification of the market problem/pain, uniqueness and significance of product, current stage of development, proprietary position
  • Competition: High barrier to competitive entry
  • Market: Large, growing international market
  • Execution: Credible plan to reach key milestones
What is the intellectual property policy for the Challenge?

Applicants will retain ownership of any intellectual property associated with their application. All applications will be treated confidentially. Only those individuals directly involved in managing or judging the competition will view your submitted documents.

What kind of support will I receive if I’m selected as a finalist?

Winners will receive in-kind support from our program partners. Stay tuned for more details.

How long would I have to use the funds to develop my solution?

Successful applicants will have until March 2025 to submit expenses related to achieving pre-determined milestones.

Is there an information package with all the Challenge details available?

Yes! You can find all the information related to the Ocean Startup Challenge in both French and English.

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