Driving Innovation for Ocean Enterprise
Be part of a groundbreaking accelerator empowering early-stage ventures to drive the future of the blue economy.
Apply now for Stage 1:
The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is here to help innovators from across America turn their vision into reality by supporting the development, commercialization, and adoption of new ocean data technologies and services for economic and societal benefit to the U.S. and our growing blue economy. Whether you’re a student, researcher, entrepreneur, industry professional, or innovator passionate about building ocean solutions, this transformative national suite of programs is designed to equip blue innovators with the tools, resources, and support needed to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions.
The accelerator offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain funding, grow your expertise, and connect with a powerful network of industry leaders, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers, and academic partners.
“The launch of the first cohort of the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator marks a significant step forward for ocean innovation,” stated Zack Baize, Ocean Enterprise program manager at NOAA. “We are proud to be partnering with VentureWell to help support the technologies that will strengthen the U.S. ocean economy.”
Why Apply
Stage 1
For U.S. ocean enterprise innovators, small businesses and entrepreneurs, this is the opportunity to accelerate your innovation with three months of virtual programming followed by a three-day in-person workshop where you’ll work with expert coaches and industry experts to prepare for the next stage of your venture development journey. Participants will receive:
- $15,000 in Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) awards
- Intensive technical development analysis planning
- Business model development
- Personalized coaching
Application Dates | Stage 1, Fall 2025
- Info Session: June 26, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 21, 2025
While applications are accepted year-round, to be considered for our Fall 2025 cohort, applications must be submitted by July 21, 2025.
Program Dates | Stage 1, Fall 2025
- Virtual Training Start Date: September 22, 2025
- Three Months of Virtual Weekly Sessions and Coaching: Weekly on Wednesdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m. ET, September 22-November 12, along with various office hour times
- In-Person Workshop: Week of November 17, 2025 (exact dates TBA)
The Fall 2025 Stage 1 in-person programming will be hosted on the West Coast. Location to be announced.
Optional Stage 0
Are you curious about beginning your blue innovation journey but not sure where to start? Our optional Stage 0 program is designed specifically for those who are new to the world of commercialization and venture development.
Over three half-day virtual workshops, you will:
- Gain exposure to lean startup methodology and explore possible pathways for your innovation
- Network with peers and domain experts in ocean-related fields
- Understand funding options to further your innovations
- Exit the workshop with tangible next steps and access to the VentureWell network
Stage 0 is the recommended entry point and is designed so that innovators will be equipped for future Stage 1 cycles. It is not a required prerequisite for innovators who are further along in their venture development.
Applications for Stage 0 are opening soon.
Complete Venture Support
The full pipeline of future Ocean Enterprise Accelerator programming is available to startups that successfully complete Stage 1. The entire funnel offers the opportunity for ventures to start from an exploratory stage all the way to significant venture realization, representing a unique opportunity for early-stage innovators to go all of the way with their ventures, with a cumulative $140,000 available in direct awards per team. The program also includes access to a technical assistance fund for additional support services.
Download the chart above as a PDF.
Past Instructors
Former director of Ocean Visions-United Nations Decade Collaborative Center for Ocean Climate Solutions, Ocean Visions
Hazard mitigation and commercialization specialist
CEO, GRIT Consulting
Is Your Innovation a Good Fit?
We’re looking for innovators and ventures developing technologies in key marine and coastal sector industries, including coastal management, marine carbon, water quality, aquaculture, shipping, ports, tourism, and others.
The national accelerator is open to innovators and startups based or incorporated in the U.S.
You can learn more about the requirements, as well as obtain more information generally, by visiting our FAQ page and by downloading our application guidelines.
We Help Innovators and Startups Find Their Path to Impact
For over 29 years, we have helped innovators and startups uncover opportunities, discover and validate their target market, and prepare for investment and commercialization. The evidence? We’ve bolstered over 1,800 innovators and propelled 816 teams to successfully raise $1.1B+ in follow-on funding. These changemakers have launched their groundbreaking products, creating 477 new businesses. No matter what phase you’re at in your entrepreneurial journey, we have the right program to help you advance your innovation—and a network of experts to help.