Challenge Director (on leave)
(she/her)

📍Dartmouth, NS

Natasha Legay is the Ocean Challenge Director at the Ocean Startup Project (OSP). In her role, she is responsible for leading initiatives, such as the Ocean Challenge competitions, and also oversees the planning and execution of various OSP events and mentorship activities.

Natasha is passionate about supporting innovation-driven enterprises and developed a keen interest in supporting technology startups while working for Volta, one of the largest innovation hubs in Atlantic Canada. Natasha made the transition to focusing on ocean tech when she joined the Ocean Startup Project in January 2020. She holds a Bachelors of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent and began her career in marketing before making the shift to focus on programming and ecosystem development.

Marketing & Communications Director
(she/her)

📍Sambro, NS

Laurie Batten is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Ocean Startup Project, where she leads national communications, brand strategy and storytelling initiatives that elevate Canadian ocean innovation and entrepreneurship.

With nearly two decades of experience spanning journalism, strategic communications and the innovation sector, Laurie specializes in translating complex ideas into compelling narratives, building meaningful connections and developing strategies that strengthen organizational visibility and impact.

A former multimedia journalist, Laurie has built her career around amplifying the stories of entrepreneurs, innovators and organizations through strategic communications, media relations, digital strategy and stakeholder engagement. She holds a degree in History and Political Science from the University of British Columbia and a diploma in Print Journalism from Conestoga College.

Beyond her professional role, Laurie is the founder and Board Chair of Safer Steps Chebucto, a Nova Scotia not-for-profit advancing road safety, walkability and community connectivity. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Hike Nova Scotia, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and active transportation.

Program Manager, Ocean Challenge
(he/him)

📍Montreal, QC

Iliass Lamrini is the Program Manager, Challenges at the Ocean Startup Project, where he works closely with founders, researchers and ecosystem partners to accelerate the growth of ocean innovation across the province. Passionate about building a more sustainable and regenerative future, Iliass supports entrepreneurs as they navigate the startup ecosystem, connect with key resources and bring innovative ideas to market.

With a master's degree in Marine Resource Management from the Université du Québec à Rimouski and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the Université de Montréal, Iliass brings a unique blend of technical, policy and ecosystem development expertise. During his time with the Ocean Startup Project, he also served as Interim Executive Director of Technopole maritime du Québec, further strengthening collaboration across Quebec's ocean innovation ecosystem. Prior to joining the Ocean Startup Project, he worked as a Maritime Emergency Advisor with CEGRIM and held a role with Québec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration. His experience spans program management, community building and cross-sector collaboration, helping strengthen Canada's ocean innovation ecosystem.

Finance Manager
(he/him)

📍Charlottetown, PEI

Matthew is a CPA, CGA with over 10 years of experience in a variety of accounting roles. Having worked in Toronto, New York state, and Charlottetown, Matthew excels at building accounting systems, and taking an organization to its next level. He has been with the Ocean Startup Project since 2023, working out of the PEI BioAlliance office, where he also provides accounting support.

Matthew’s first degree was a Bachelor of Music (piano) from UPEI. His wife Amy is a professional clarinetist with a woodwind studio out of their home. He is passionate about human rights in China, having worked with Chinese expatriates on various projects. He enjoys the Chicago Bears, dry humor, ice cream, and The Bold and the Beautiful. His motto is, “Don’t do drugs.” On second thought, he doesn’t actually enjoy the Chicago Bears, as they cause him consternation on a weekly basis each fall. With his role as finance manager at OSP, Matthew sees first-hand how funding impacts startups, and is pleased to contribute a small part on a great team.

Program Manager, Lab2Market Oceans
(she/her)

📍St. John's, NL

Marie Curtis has been leading the OSP’s Lab2Market Oceans programming since 2022. Her work bridges academic research and the startup ecosystem, empowering researchers to commercialize sustainable ocean technologies. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education spanning research innovation, administration, and clinical research, Marie has a proven record of executing high-stakes initiatives. At Memorial University, she previously directed a complex pandemic-response program and oversaw a $2.3 million clinical research portfolio. Known for optimizing operations and building trusted stakeholder relationships, Marie expertly leverages digital tools to scale organizational impact. A passionate advocate for women in STEM, she serves as board Treasurer for Women in Science and Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador (WISE NL). Marie is a certified Medical Laboratory Assistant, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University, a Master's Certificate in Applied Project Management from the Schulich School of Business (York University), and has her PMP certification.

Community Engagement Manager
(she/her)

📍Victoria, BC

Based on the West Coast of British Columbia in Victoria, Vancouver Island, Karey’s career sits at the intersection of business development, partnerships, communications and storytelling, with a particular focus on ocean innovation and sustainability.

She has worked across Canada’s ocean-tech ecosystem, including with the Ocean Startup Project, and has helped shape business development and communications strategies for Canadian ocean technology startups and Water Innovation Labs. Prior to moving into the innovation ecosystem, she spent more than a decade working in communications, media and public engagement, including with the BBC and other major international networks, translating complex science and ideas into stories that connect with broad audiences.

Karey holds an MBA in Sustainable Innovation from the University of Victoria, where her work explored entrepreneurship, circular economy models, sustainable business strategy and the commercialization of emerging ideas. She brings together commercial strategy, relationship-building and science communication to help innovators turn ambitious ideas into partnerships, opportunities and real-world impact.