Driving Innovation for Ocean Enterprise
Launch your blue innovation journey: Applications for stage 1 are now open!
Be part of a groundbreaking NOAA-funded accelerator empowering early-stage ventures to drive the future of the blue economy.
Stage 1 of the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is here to make waves! 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 like you with the tools, resources, and support needed to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions.
The accelerator offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow your expertise, gain funding, and connect with a powerful network of industry leaders, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers, and academic partners. We are proud to build off of the success of the previous NOAA Innovates pilot program, and to bring even deeper support to ocean innovators in the coming years.
“Meeting other innovators and entrepreneurs in the U.S. blue economy and learning from their experiences and sharing my own was the most impactful part of the Phase 1 NOAA Innovates Program”—pilot program participant
Why Apply
Stage 1
For innovators who have established their innovation and its application in the blue economy, this is the opportunity to accelerate your innovation with 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. This is followed by three months of virtual programming, which will include:
- Intensive technical development analysis planning
- Business model development
- Personalized coaching
- $15,000 in Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) awards
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 however is not a required prerequisite for innovators who are further along in their venture development.
Apply for the Optional Stage 0 Workshop.
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 an unparalleled 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.
Is Your Innovation a Good Fit?
We’re looking for innovators and ventures developing technologies in areas such as:
- Sensors, robotics, and modeling systems
- Ocean renewable energy solutions and coastal carbon sequestration
- Hazard mitigation and climate resilience technologies
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, on our FAQ page! Still wanting to learn more? We encourage interested applicants to attend one of our upcoming information sessions or to book office hours with one of our program officers, who will be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
We Help Innovators and Startups Find Their Path to Impact
For over 27 years, we have helped innovators and startups uncover opportunity, discover and validate their target market, and prepare for investment and commercialization. The evidence? We’ve had the privilege of bolstering over 1,700 innovators and propelling 740+ teams to successfully raise $1B+ in follow-on funding. These changemakers have launched their groundbreaking products, creating over 450 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.