Amplify Returns to Fast-Track Ocean Startups Toward Market Readiness

The Ocean Startup Project has launched the second round of Amplify, a national commercialization initiative making up to $25,000 available per startup to help Canadian ocean founders move from product validation to market traction.

Designed for pilot-ready startups, Amplify supports companies at one of the most important stages of growth: when promising ocean technologies need to be tested, demonstrated and adopted in real-world conditions. The initiative helps startups run commercial testing and pilot projects, deploy technologies with qualified customers or strategic investors, and turn validation into sales and scaling opportunities.

“Collaboration is what makes Canada’s ocean economy thrive,” said Paula Mendonça, Executive Director of the Ocean Startup Project. “Ocean founders are building solutions with enormous potential, but moving from validation to adoption takes more than a strong idea. It takes customers willing to test new technologies, partners who can open doors, and coordinated support that helps startups prove value in real-world conditions. Amplify brings that network together so founders can move faster toward market traction, while strengthening the ecosystem that helps ocean innovation grow.”

Amplify is delivered through a national network of partner organizations that connect startups to challenge, accelerator and early adopter programs across Canada. Returning Amplify Partners include 2 Degrés, Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), COVE, Foresight Canada, Genesis, Invest Nova Scotia and Marine Institute of Memorial University’s The Launch. New Amplify Partners for 2026 include Cycle Momentum, Emera ideaHUB and Vimy Forge. Together, these organizations help ocean startups access the programs, customers and commercialization pathways needed to test technologies, demonstrate value and build stronger market opportunities.

A total of $100,000 is available through this round of Amplify. Funding can support essential commercialization costs such as technology deployment, materials, equipment and travel for field trials. Applications and funding will be awarded on an ongoing basis from May to December 2026, or until funding runs out.

Amplify is open to Canadian-incorporated ocean startups that are seven years old or less, have 50 employees or fewer, and are participating in a challenge, accelerator or early adopter program with an Amplify Partner. Eligible startups must be building solutions for the sustainable ocean economy and be ready to engage customers or investors through pilot or demonstration projects.

Prospective applicants must be working with, or reach out to, an Amplify Partner organization to get involved. Learn more at oceanstartupproject.ca/amplify.

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About the Ocean Startup Project:

The Ocean Startup Project propels Canada as the top destination for ocean entrepreneurs, driving innovation across the ocean economy. Our mission is to transform Canada into a global hub where ocean startups can thrive, from inception to global market presence. Leveraging a network that includes Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and partners from across the country – Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), V1 Studio, Invest Nova Scotia, CDL-Atlantic and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) – we bolster Canada’s innovation ecosystem for ocean-focused startups. Our efforts have catapulted us to the forefront, being recognized in the top 5 accelerators/incubators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector according to Startup Genome’s Report. Launched in 2020, we’ve quickly become a global contender, not only speeding up market access for Canadian startups but also attracting international ventures. Join us in navigating the future of the ocean economy, where together, we can unlock the ocean's full potential.

About the Partners:

2 Degres is an impact incubator dedicated to startups and innovation projects in clean technology in Quebec. Through its programs, it accompanies, supports, and propels pre-startup clean technology companies. Thanks to a dedicated team, a network of committed partners and collaborators, 2 Degrés has supported more than 80 innovative companies demonstrating strong growth and impact potential since 2021. Learn more: https://2degres.com/en/

Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) COAST is advancing the commercialization of Pacific Canada’s ocean innovation economy. An initiative of South Island Prosperity Partnership, COAST was launched in 2021 in response to industry’s call to help B.C.’s world-class ocean and marine innovation tap into the enormous economic potential of the global sustainable blue economy. Learn more: www.canadacoast.ca‍ ‍

COVE is Canada’s leading marine technology hub, located at the North Atlantic gateway. We accelerate innovation from seabed to space by transforming prototypes into mission-ready, dual-use solutions through real-world testing, commercialization support, and access to critical infrastructure. By driving breakthroughs in defence, energy, and climate sectors, COVE helps ventures scale into sustainable businesses, builds the talent needed for success, and strengthens Canada’s security, economy, and global leadership in marine technology. Learn more at coveocean.com

Cycle Momentum has identified and supported the development of cutting-edge climate technologies since 2015. As a member of the Cycle Capital platform, the organization provides acceleration and open innovation programs to support start-up growth, financing, and commercialization, and invests through Origo, backed by the Government of Quebec. To learn more: https://cyclemomentum.com/

Emera ideaHUB is a deep-tech incubator in Atlantic Canada that supports entrepreneurs, engineers, and designers in developing new technologies that enable healthier lives, ecosystems, and communities. Learn more: https://dalideahub.ca/

Foresight Canada is Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator. Founded in British Columbia with a national mandate, Foresight drives the growth of the Canadian cleantech ecosystem by connecting innovators, industry partners, investors, and government to accelerate the development and adoption of climate solutions. With a dual focus on accelerating ventures from ideation to scale and helping industry adopt technologies for a net-zero future, Foresight accelerates cleantech adoption to ensure Canada leads in global clean productivity. Learn more: foresightcac.com

Genesis is Newfoundland and Labrador’s hub for early-stage innovation, helping founders turn bold ideas into thriving companies. From first-time entrepreneurs to scaling startups, we offer programs, community, and connections to support every step of the journey. Learn more: www.genesiscentre.ca

Invest Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s business development agency that works to promote economic growth and community economic development in the province by enabling business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We are Nova Scotians supporting businesses small and large,and new to our province. Learn more: www.investnovascotia.ca/

The Launch is The Marine Institute’s state-of-the-art living lab bringing the world’s harshest cold-ocean environments to you. Run your ocean technology through research and development, testing, and demonstration in a rigorous cold-ocean environment to prove its real-world readiness. Learn more: www.thelaunch.mi.mun.ca

Vimy Forge is Canada's national defence accelerator – a not-for-profit, public–private partnership that closes the gap between Canadian innovation and defence procurement. Led by a team with direct experience across senior military command, venture capital, and technology commercialization – a combination unusual in Canadian defence – Vimy Forge equips small and medium companies with the expertise, networks, and pathways needed to translate their capability into sovereign solutions. It is a practical delivery platform focused on execution, sovereign capability, and national security outcomes. Learn more: www.vimyforge.ca