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.

The Ocean Startup Project has opened applications for the 2026 Ocean Idea Challenge, a national early-stage three-month sprint that helps Canadians turn bold ocean ideas into validated startup opportunities. Selected teams can receive up to $8,000 and hands-on support from Ocean Ecosystem Navigators to pressure-test assumptions through real customer conversations, build evidence, and make smart decisions early on so they can move forward - or pivot - with confidence.