The Ocean Startup Project is proud to announce Montreal-based V1 Studio as an official partner, further strengthening the national effort to support Canada’s emerging ocean technology entrepreneurs. As part of this new partnership, V1 Studio will join the Ocean Startup Project Steering Committee, contributing its expertise to help guide the strategic direction of OSP and ensure its programs continue to evolve in support of Canada’s next generation of ocean innovators.

The Ocean Startup Project (OSP) is proud to announce the winners of the fifth Ocean Startup Challenge, a national competition designed to discover and support the next wave of ocean innovators. This year, 15 Canadian companies have been selected to join the Challenge, receiving a total of $350,000 along with targeted support to accelerate the development and commercialization of their technologies. The 2025 cohort represents promising ocean innovations, addressing challenges in areas such as decarbonized marine transportation, renewable energy, plastic alternatives, sustainable construction materials, and more.

The Ocean Startup Project (OSP) today announced the launch of Amplify, a new co-designed and collaborative program created to help high-potential Canadian ocean technology startups reach commercialization faster. Unveiled during OceanFest 2025 at Startupfest, Amplify brings together ecosystem partners including COAST, COVE, Foresight Canada, Genesis, Invest Nova Scotia, and The Launch.

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.