Ocean Startup Project Announces Program to Amplify Support for Canadian Ocean Startups
MONTRÉAL, QC (July 10, 2025) — 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.
In its first year, $100,000 in funding is available through Amplify. The program provides up to $25,000 per company to support pilot projects, customer demos, and technology deployments. It is open to startups actively participating in an industry challenge, accelerator, or early adopter program with an Amplify partner. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly.
“Amplify was designed as a direct response to our founders’ needs,” said Paula Mendonça, Executive Director of the Ocean Startup Project. “This program is about closing the gap between building a great product and landing the first big customer. We are not just funding ideas. We are helping accelerate pathways to revenue, procurement, and real-world impact.”
It enables startups to execute real-world pilot projects with early customers, achieve commercialization milestones, and unlock pathways to procurement, sales, and investment. Selected startups will work with Amplify partners to define and achieve key milestones within three months of acceptance or by March 15, 2026.
Amplify is the latest initiative in a five-year continuum of commercialization programming developed by the Ocean Startup Project. Co-designed with its strategic partners, the program reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in ocean innovation. By building on proven models and deep collaborations, Amplify helps move ocean startups from idea to impact.
"Given the critical need for cleantech adoption in every sector, we are incredibly excited about this partnership with OSP and its potential to significantly advance ventures in the vital ocean innovation space. The water sector has always been a key focus for Foresight, and this initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to help accelerate the adoption of Canadian technologies that improve clean productivity through innovation." --- Nina Bader (Manager, Water, Foresight Canada)
“With our partners, we are building a connected and robust ecosystem for ocean innovators," added Mendonça. “We have seen that with the right support at the right time, Canada’s ocean startups can help lead the world toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.”
🔗 To learn more, start your application or become a program delivery partner, visit:
https://oceanstartupproject.ca/amplify
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 including Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), Invest Nova Scotia, COAST, and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), we strengthen Canada’s ocean-focused innovation ecosystem.
Recognized by Startup Genome as one of the top 5 accelerators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector, we are accelerating the success of ocean startups and positioning Canada at the forefront of the global blue economy.
About COAST
COAST is Pacific Canada’s hub for the sustainable blue economy. COAST’s mission is to build B.C. into a global leader in the world’s rapidly growing ocean economy, paving the way for new sustainable and export-driven jobs and enterprises. COAST has a membership of individuals, companies, and organizations involved in the region’s ocean economy, and opened British Columbia's first ocean-focused coworking space, the 7,000 square foot COAST Ocean Innovation Hub, in October 2024. COAST is an initiative of South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), Greater Victoria’s economic development alliance.
About COVE
COVE is a high-tech innovation centre and global hub for marine technology, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Uniting industry, academia, and government from around the world, COVE accelerates the development and commercialization of marine solutions—from seabed to space. In partnership with over 400 organizations globally, COVE provides access to world-class facilities, real-world testing environments, and tailored programs that support companies from concept to commercialization. By fostering international collaboration, COVE helps scale marine innovation, strengthen supply chains, and drive sustainable ocean economies worldwide. Learn more at coveocean.com.
About Foresight Canada
Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada's largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they de-risk and simplify public and private sector adoption of the world’s best clean technologies to improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing urgent climate challenges.
About InvestNS
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.
About Genesis
Genesis supports early-stage technology companies in Newfoundland and Labrador through tailored programs, expert mentorship, and a connected community of founders and partners. To date, Genesis has supported over 1,000 tech startups, helped create nearly 2,900 jobs, and contributed more than $3.5 billion in economic impact to the province.
About Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland/The Launch
The Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland is a world-leading centre for ocean-related career education and research. At the Institute’s ocean innovation centre, The Launch, start-ups can take advantage of the unique landscape and leading-edge facilities, receive hands-on support from our world–class technical experts and tap into the talent, resources, and expertise of the Marine Institute’s world-renowned oceans R&D, training and industry networks, all in one location.