Note: This program stage is only open to innovators who have previously completed VentureWell’s Ocean Enterprise Accelerator (OEA) Stage 1 program. If you are interested in learning more about and beginning this program funnel, you can do so here.
Building Toward Commercialization
The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is designed to empower startups advancing innovative ocean technologies that strengthen the blue economy and coastal resilience of the United States.
Over four years, this program will support up to 220 ventures through a four-stage pathway that combines entrepreneurial training, expert mentorship, non-dilutive funding, and access to world-class testing facilities. Stage 2 represents a critical step in that journey, where early validation turns into clear commercialization pathways, focusing on readiness for investment and partnerships.
Having completed Stage 1, you’ve laid the groundwork through market discovery and business model development. Stage 2 takes you deeper, equipping your team with funding, mentorship, and targeted resources to strengthen your business model, validate financial feasibility, and prepare for further commercialization and investment.
Why Apply
Stage 2 is designed to reduce risk, sharpen your strategy, and position your venture for long-term success. 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.
Is Your Startup A Good Fit?
When applying to Stage 2, your team should be prepared to highlight and share what progress you have made since participating in VentureWell’s OEA Stage 1 program. Consider inflection points or learnings from customer discovery; new team members or advisors; progress you’ve made on your technology with pilots, partners, and/or customers; additional funding or resources secured; and more.
A minimum of one team member (and up to three members), including the CEO or Team Lead, should commit to the full program (both in-person and virtual sessions). See more details on our FAQ page.
Looking Ahead
Stage 2 is where your venture shifts from a validated idea to an investable opportunity. With direct funding, expert guidance, and access to real-world testing, you’ll be equipped to move confidently toward Stage 3, scaling your solution, attracting investment, and advancing ocean-based innovation for the blue economy.