Ocean Startup Project Launches 2025 Ocean Startup Challenge with $350K in Funding
The Ocean Startup Project has officially launched its 2025 Ocean Startup Challenge, inviting early-stage entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into real-world impact by developing innovative solutions to today’s most pressing ocean challenges. As the world reaches the midpoint of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), this year’s Challenge areas reflect a growing global interest in investing in ocean innovation for worldwide impact—and reinforce the project’s ongoing commitment to supporting and scaling ocean startups. Backed by world-class research institutions, a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and the longest coastline on the planet, Canada is the best place to start and grow an ocean venture. Since 2020, the Ocean Startup Challenge has invested over $2.8 million in funding to support more than 90 early-stage ventures tackling ocean-related issues.
“By investing in the development of early-stage entrepreneurs and building a thriving ecosystem, we’re not only creating world-class companies, we’re accelerating real solutions that protect ocean health, support sustainable industries, and power a stronger blue economy for Canada and the world,” said Natasha Legay, Ocean Challenge Director at Ocean Startup Project.
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. Since launching in 2020, the Ocean Startup Project has helped its innovators catalyze over $38 million in non-dilutive funding, more than $30 million in equity investment, and create more than 330 jobs across Canada. Natasha adds that, “these startups aren’t just raising capital, they are driving real economic and environmental impact. Many have gone on to top-tier international programs like Creative Destruction Lab – Oceans and Techstars, proving that with the right support, Canadian ocean tech entrepreneurs can compete on the global stage."
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open through July 20, 2025. Innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and join a growing community of ocean innovators committed to shaping a sustainable ocean economy.
For more information on eligibility, upcoming information sessions or tips for submitting a strong application, visit www.oceanstartupproject.ca/startup-challenge.
About the Ocean Startup Project
The Ocean Startup Project is advancing Canada as a global leader for ocean entrepreneurs, driving innovation across the ocean economy. Our mission is to transform Canada into a thriving hub for ocean startups, from inception to global market reach. Through partnerships with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and regional organizations like Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), Invest Nova Scotia, and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) we strengthen Canada’s ocean-focused innovation ecosystem. Recognized as one of the top 5 accelerators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector by Startup Genome, we’re accelerating the success of ocean startups, positioning Canada at the forefront of the global blue economy.