Embark on a customer discovery journey.

Turn your innovative idea into a viable solution for sustainable ocean industries

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur driven to enhance ocean sustainability? The Ocean Idea Challenge invites you to begin your customer discovery journey, aimed at turning your innovative ideas into viable solutions for sustainable ocean industries. This competition not only challenges you to validate your market but also supports your journey with up to $7,000 in funding for teams that successfully demonstrate potential impact and innovation.

Here are just a few reasons to participate: 

  • Funding: Secure up to $7,000 to support your early stages of customer discovery and help bring your ideas to fruition.

  • Resources and Support: Access local technology innovation hubs, receive expert guidance, and utilize extensive resources to refine your project.

  • Network Building: Engage with potential teammates, partners, and industry leaders who are equally committed to the health of our oceans.

Ready to start your journey? Program information packages, are available in French and English, to learn all about the Ocean Idea Challenge and how it can be the starting point for your impactful customer discovery journey. 

Want to get involved but unsure of what ocean challenge you want to help solve? We’ve compiled a list of Challenge Statements from industry to give passionate entrepreneurial people an idea of what opportunities exist in the ocean sector. Scroll down to learn more about our industry-identified challenge statements.

Registration for the 2025 Ocean Idea Challenge are now open and close April 9, 2025.

Registrations will be evaluated as they are submitted; registrant intro meetings with Ocean Ecosystem Navigators will be scheduled upon registration. Registrants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to allow ample time to meet with Navigators.

Key Dates:

  • February 28, 2025: Registration opens

    • Registrant meetings with Ocean Ecosystem Navigators will occur on an ongoing basis through the application period

  • March 13 (English), March 20 (French), April 8 (English): Information Sessions | Register Here

  • March 31, 2025: Exploring Ocean Problems | Sign Up Here

  • April 7, 2025: Customer Discovery Workshop | Sign Up Here

  • April 9, 2025: Registration Deadline

  • April 10 to 14: Participant Selection

  • April 21 to July 4, 2025: Customer Discovery Sprint + Programming

Have a question? Connect with one of our Ecosystem Navigators

  • Karey Billyard

    Ecosystem Navigator
    West Coast

    Email Karey

  • Sahil Ahuja

    Ocean Ecosystem Navigator
    Atlantic Region

    Email Sahil

  • Iliass Lamrini

    Ocean Ecosystem Navigator
    Quebec

    Read Bio

How to Participate

  • After completing the online registration form, you will be invited to meet with one of our Ocean Ecosystem Navigators to discuss your idea and the program requirements.

    Begin your application below:
    Apply in English Here
    Apply in French Here

  • We’ll offer sessions focused on Design Thinking and Customer Discovery to help you explore ocean challenges in need of solutions, connect with potential teammates and partners, and learn best practices for validating ideas.

  • Up to 25 teams will undergo customer discovery sprint with up to $7,000 in funds to support their validation efforts.

    Teams will be expected to commit to participating in programming, including a customer discovery sprint, and weekly meetings with their assigned Ocean Ecosystem Navigator. Funding will be unlocked based on a team’s ability to complete previously agreed upon milestones set at the beginning of the program.

  • Once your application has been submitted, schedule your 1:1 meeting with the Ocean Ecosystem Navigator for your region in your preferred language.

    Begin your application below:
    Apply in English Here
    Apply in French Here

Program Eligibility

Whether you’re a student with a vision, a professional seeking meaningful change, a researcher with groundbreaking ideas, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone with a burning desire to tackle ocean sustainability, the Ocean Idea Challenge is your platform to turn aspirations into action.

  • Students: If you’re a student passionate about ocean sustainability and innovation, this challenge is an ideal platform for you

  • Mid-Career Professionals: Professionals looking to pivot the career or contribute their skills to sustainability efforts are encouraged to join

  • Researchers: Academic or independent researchers with a focus on ocean sustainability, eager to translate their findings into practical solutions, are welcome

  • Developers and Technical Talents: If you have technical skills and are interested in applying them to sustainability, this challenge needs you

  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals interested in learning how to validate and grow a business idea, especially in ocean sustainability, are perfect candidates.

  • You must be at least 18 years old and located in Canada

This competition is primarily designed for solutions that are at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 or lower, but this is considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about your TRL and eligibility, please follow the link below to get in touch with our team.

 

To participate, you must be either:

An individual or a team without a registered business -OR- a company that has been registered for a year or less and that has not yet launched a product in the market

Review our program information package for full details on eligibility.