The 2025 Challenge will support up to 15 early-stage Canadian startups (Technology Readiness Level 6 or lower) with up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, mentorship from industry experts, and comprehensive ecosystem support. It is open to science- and technology-based ventures working to solve pressing ocean problems.

The Ocean Startup Project has announced the latest cohort of startups receiving support through the Ocean Challenge: Boost program. This initiative, initially launched in 2024, continues efforts to accelerate sustainable ocean technology in Canada. Eligibility for this exclusive follow-on funding was extended to alumni of the Ocean Startup Project’s Challenges and Lab2Market Oceans teams, reinforcing a commitment to long-term support for emerging ocean tech ventures.

The Ocean Startup Project has officially opened applications for the 2025 Ocean Idea Challenge, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and technical experts to pursue developing solutions for critical ocean challenges. Applications are now open until April 9, 2025, this initiative provides funding, mentorship, and structured guidance to help participants refine and validate their ideas.

The Ocean Startup Project proudly kicks off the fifth cohort of its Lab2Market Oceans / Validate program this week, welcoming 21 new teams tackling pressing challenges in the blue economy.

The eight-week program, hosted by Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, is designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and faculty. By providing expert-led training, mentorship, and strategic guidance, the program empowers teams to reimagine their ocean research concepts and uncover potential commercialization pathways.

We hear about ocean health all of the time—rising sea levels, microplastics, pollution and debris—but what does cleaning the ocean actually involve? Ocean AID, supported by the Ocean Startup Project, is leading the way in turning these big ideas into real action, by tackling one of the ocean's most stubborn and costly problems: removing ghost gear. 

The Ocean Startup Project is proud to announce the 16 innovative companies selected as part of the 2024 Ocean Startup Challenge cohort. Each startup will receive up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as a comprehensive support package to accelerate the growth of their ocean-focused solutions.

This year, the Ocean Startup Challenge attracted 56 applications from across Canada, with many emerging companies submitting their first application to break into the ocean startup scene.

The chosen startups span various sectors of the blue economy, including sustainable seafood, renewable ocean energy, autonomous vessels, and marine biotechnology. Notably, there was a surge in seaweed-related innovations, which reflects the growing interest in sustainable ocean solutions and the diverse opportunities within the blue economy.

The Ocean Startup Project is thrilled to announce the launch of its fourth Ocean Startup Challenge. Innovators and entrepreneurs from across Canada are invited to apply for a chance to help transform their idea and early stage ocean startups into impactful, scalable businesses.