The Ocean Startup Project has opened applications for the next cohort of Lab2Market Oceans / Validate, a national program helping graduate students and postdoctoral researchers test the market potential of ocean-related research and explore pathways to commercialization.

The 10-week, full-time program provides researchers with $15,000 in Mitacs funding, expert mentorship and an intensive customer discovery experience, equipping teams with the entrepreneurial skills, industry connections and practical experience needed to determine where their innovations can create the greatest real-world value.

Hosted by the Research and Innovation Office at Memorial University and supported by Springboard Atlantic, the program takes researchers outside the lab and onto a customer discovery journey where they engage directly with potential users, partners and industry decision-makers. Through these conversations, teams test assumptions, refine value propositions and gather evidence needed to make informed commercialization decisions.

“Canada’s researchers are developing technologies with the potential to transform how we understand, leverage and protect the ocean, but discovery alone does not create impact,” said Dr. Paula Mendonça, Executive Director of the Ocean Startup Project. “Lab2Market Oceans / Validate helps researchers take the critical next step by connecting scientific excellence with real-world needs. When we give researchers the tools, confidence and connections to move their ideas beyond the lab, we are not only supporting the creation of new companies. We are building Canada’s capacity to solve global challenges, strengthen our ocean economy and shape a more sustainable future.”

The program combines structured exercises, workshops, coaching and mentorship with an intensive customer discovery journey. Participants explore stakeholder engagement, market assessment, intellectual property, regulatory pathways, revenue models and cost structures.

Eligible participants receive a $15,000 stipend through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program, supporting full participation in the intensive 10-week experience.

Since its launch in 2020, Lab2Market Oceans / Validate has supported researchers from universities and research institutions across Canada working in areas including marine transportation, clean energy, aquaculture, ocean observation, environmental monitoring, advanced materials, robotics and other sectors of the ocean economy.

Across all cohorts to date, Lab2Market Oceans / Validate has supported more than 90 research teams across Canada, who have collectively secured over $1.02 million in non-dilutive funding. More than 33 teams have advanced into entrepreneurship, commercialization pathways, or additional accelerator and incubator programs following their participation.

Key Dates

• Information sessions: June 17, June 30, July 15 and July 29, 2026

• Application deadline: August 11, 2026

• Program concludes: March 27, 2027

The program is open to eligible graduate students and postdoctoral fellows conducting ocean research, ocean-related research, or research with a potential ocean application.

Applicants participate as part of a research team. The graduate student or postdoctoral fellow serves as the Entrepreneurial Lead, while a faculty member participates as the Technical Lead.

For complete eligibility requirements, program information and applications, visit oceanstartupproject.ca/l2m-validate.

CANADA (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) — Applications are officially open for the 2026 Ocean Startup Challenge, inviting early-stage Canadian ocean technology startups to compete for funding, mentorship and national support to help bring their solutions closer to market.

Up to $25,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding will be awarded to as many as 15 early-stage startups, along with ocean-specific programming and access to a coast-to-coast network of mentors, industry experts and ocean innovation partners.

Editor’s Note: As Karey Billyard moves on from her role as Ecosystem Navigator with the Ocean Startup Project to pursue another incredible opportunity, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

Karey brought enthusiasm, care and genuine passion to her work supporting ocean founders and helping drive Canada’s ocean startup ecosystem forward. Her contributions have made a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurs, partners and communities we work with across the country.

Before she begins this next chapter, we asked Karey to reflect on her time at OSP, the founders she has supported and what continues to inspire her about Canada’s growing ocean innovation ecosystem.

Karey, we wish you the very best in what comes next. We are so grateful for all you have brought to OSP, and we will miss you!

After more than eight years in Canada’s startup ecosystem, and the last two working closely with ocean tech founders across Canada, one thing has become increasingly clear: ocean technology is entering a new phase driven by advances in digital tools and rising strategic demand.

The ocean is one of the most compelling frontiers for innovation today: vast, complex, and deeply connected to some of the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time. From how we produce energy and move goods, to how we feed communities and protect national interests, ocean industries are undergoing rapid transformation. For innovators, this moment represents not just a challenge, but a significant opportunity to build solutions with real, lasting impact.