Driving Innovation for Ocean Enterprise
The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a new program designed to empower the innovators who are tackling the most critical challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities.
This initiative builds on the proven success of our pilot program and established venture development curriculum and represents an extraordinary opportunity to turn big ideas into real-world impact. By fostering innovation, collaboration, commercialization, and investment, the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is laying the foundation for a vibrant blue economy and a resilient future powered by small businesses in all corners of the country.
Over four years, the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator will scale its efforts to support up to 220 ventures through a structured, four-stage program. Participants will gain access to entrepreneurial training, expert mentorship, Technology Development and Commercialization awards, and state-of-the-art testing facilities offered by our partners around the country.
Key features of the program include:
- Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) awards to reduce risks and attract investment
- Strategic partnerships with academic institutions and industry experts
- Access to prototyping and demonstration facilities for real-world testing and scaling
- Structured curriculum
- A network of expert mentors and a committed Advisory Council
A Growing Network of Partners
The Ocean Enterprise Accelerator brings together an esteemed network of partners, including academic institutions, research facilities, and industry experts to ensure that participants have access to state-of-the-art resources, expert guidance, and the connections they need to succeed. From Recruitment Hubs at universities across the country to demonstration facilities that bring ideas to life, this program is about building bridges, unlocking potential, and driving meaningful progress for ocean-based solutions.
What This Program Offers for Blue Economy Innovators
For innovators, we anticipate opening applications for Stage 0 and Stage 1 of the accelerator in early 2025. We’re looking for founders and innovators who are working in core technology areas such as sensors, robotics, modeling, and more that can be deployed across NOAA’s focus areas, including ocean renewable energy, coastal and ocean carbon sequestration monitoring and accounting, and hazard mitigation and coastal resilience.
Stage 0 is an accessible, virtual introduction to entrepreneurship for those who are passionate about ocean innovation and want to learn more about commercialization pathways. Stage 0 is the recommended entry point but not a required prerequisite for innovators that are further along in their venture development. The virtual workshop will take place over three half-day workshop sessions and include exposure to market applications and venture development pathways, working with instructors in office hours, and individualized customer discovery coaching.
Stage 1 will offer more intensive training on market discovery and validation and business model development. The program will include personalized coaching, three months of virtual workshops, and a three-day in person workshop. Participants in this stage are also eligible for $15,000 in TDC awards based on a competitive merit review process.
Stages 2 and 3 will become available for application after successful completion of the previous stages, and will include even deeper mentorship and venture support, as well as up to $75,000 in TDC awards.
Stay Tuned: More To Come
This is just the beginning! We’re excited to share more about the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator in the coming months, including opportunities to apply, updates on the program’s progress, and ways to get involved. Whether you’re an innovator, a partner, or supporter, there’s a place for you in this transformative journey.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting opportunity!
Stay connected with us and be the first to hear about program updates, application details, and opportunities to support this important work. Together, we can unlock the potential of our oceans.
