It is hard to believe this is my last week as Executive Director of the Ocean Startup Project.

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!