What Is the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator?
The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is a program designed to empower the innovators who are tackling the most critical challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities. 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 (TDC) Awards, and state-of-the-art testing facilities offered by our partners around the country.
How Is Stage 2 Different From the Earlier Stages?
Stage 2 becomes available for application after successful completion of Stage 1 and will include even deeper mentorship and venture support, as well as additional TDC Awards.
Stage 2 is VentureWell’s partner- and investment-readiness program designed to support startups as they explore the financial feasibility of their business models and prepare for partnerships, investment, and other critical capital sources. Key features include:
- Three months of virtual modules followed by three days of in-person workshops
- $50,000 in non-dilutive Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) funding
- One-on-one mentorship from investors, operators, and experts with experience scaling startups in the blue economy
- Customized financial and commercialization support, including investor and partner discovery and fundraising preparation
- Access to field testing sites and prototyping facilities across the VentureWell network, for additional support services (up to $10,000 in value)
- Practical deliverables to help you move forward: 30 stakeholder interviews, a refined financial model and economic use case, a vetted presentation deck, and a complete business model canvas
Stage 2 teams will also have access to a library of templates for internal and external use that can prepare them for their raise and investor discussions. Along with this work product and mentor feedback, the cohort will also walk through real-world stress tests to help prepare them for the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.
What Are the Program Goals and Outcomes?
By the end of Stage 2, your team will:
- Translate customer discovery insights into an operational and financial model
- Validate key business model assumptions around financial reality and scalability
- Stress-test your venture against real-world scenarios and refine your strategy
- Develop a compelling pitch deck and investment narrative
- Build governance structures and team capacity for long-term growth
- Leave with investor- and partner-ready materials, including a polished financial model and due diligence documents
What Topics Are Covered in Stage 2?
Stage 2 sessions cover advanced venture development. Example topics include:
- Team & Governance: Building diverse teams, engaging advisors, and structuring your board
- Technology & Intellectual Property (IP): Development milestones, IP strategy, and technical risk reduction
- Market & Value Proposition: Customer use cases, economic models, and go-to-market strategies
- Business & Finance: Financial projections, fundraising strategy, investor engagement, venture math, milestones and use of funds, and due diligence
- Partnerships & Scaling: Corporate partnerships, strategic selling, and effective use of funds
What Sort of Preparation Should I Do if Accepted?
We strongly recommend that you invest in your deal room—organizing your materials, corporate housekeeping, deck, and financials; and thinking through your fundraising ask and milestones, whether for an equity investor or a non-dilutive partner.
Is There a Cost for the Program?
Stage 2 is a part of the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator suite of programs. If a team is accepted, there is no registration fee. Accepted participants in Stage 2 are responsible for their own transport and accommodation costs for the in-person portion of the program; the TDC award funds may be used to pay these transport and accommodation costs.
How Do We Know If Our Team Is a Fit for the Program?
Strong candidates will have successfully validated product-market fit, tested initial business model hypotheses, met Stage 1 deliverables, and made a full-time commitment to their startup.
A minimum of one team member (and up to three members), including the CEO or Team Lead, should commit to the full program, including:
- Participating in all virtual workshops, which will take place between February 5 and April 30, 2026 (expected to be weekly on Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 p.m. ET), and weekly office hours
- Attending the in-person workshop in spring 2026
- Attending the continuing office hours through June 12, 2026
What Geographies Is the Program Open To?
The Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is open to U.S.-based teams and U.S. startups around the country. At this time, we do not accept applications from international universities or international startups. The overall accelerator is focused on addressing the most critical challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities (including all U.S. coasts and the Great Lakes).
Is Funding Available to Participating Teams?
Starting at Stage 1, non-dilutive funding in the form of Technology Development and Commercialization Awards is available in direct awards to the teams, based on eligibility and a competitive merit review process. This includes Stage 1 ($15,000), Stage 2 ($50,000), and Stage 3 ($75,000). The program also includes access to a technical assistance fund for additional support services. TDC funds are awarded to the U.S. institution, such as a university or college, or to a U.S.-based incorporated startup—not directly to individuals.
Will I Get Access to a Network of Mentors and Experts as Part of This Accelerator?
The Ocean Enterprise Accelerator brings together an esteemed network of partners, including academic institutions, research facilities, and industry experts; and investor-mentors 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 the blue economy.
Innovators will have access to instructors, coaches, mentors, and guest speakers, along with templates and tools to support their continued development post-workshop.
Not Sure If You Are a Fit? Interested in Translating Your Technology or Field of Emphasis to One of the Technical Areas?
We encourage you to apply or to reach out with any questions! Contact Tricia Compas-Markman for more information.
Please also visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Integrated Ocean Observing System page to learn more about the Ocean Enterprise Accelerators.