Fifteen startups have been selected for the Spring 2026 Stage 2 workshop of the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator (OEA). Developed in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this program aims to support the adoption of transformative ocean data technologies that will reshape America’s coasts and drive the national blue economy.
From Validated Ideas to Investable Opportunities
Stage 2 of the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is a rigorous, three-month journey designed to bridge the gap between technical validation and commercial scale. This stage empowers coastal innovators to move beyond the lab, helping them reduce risk, sharpen their business strategies, and position their ventures for long-term success.
This program offers comprehensive support designed to accelerate both technical and business growth. Participants receive $50,000 in non-dilutive Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) funding, paired with up to $10,000 in value through access to an unparalleled network of prototyping facilities and field testing sites. Beyond capital and infrastructure, the curriculum provides expert guidance to help founders produce refined financial models, vetted presentation decks, and complete business model canvases informed by 30 stakeholder interviews. This intensive experience combines three months of virtual learning modules with a three-day in-person workshop featuring real-world stress tests to ensure market readiness.
Unlocking Potential: Meet the OEA Mentors-in-Residence
A defining pillar of the Stage 2 journey is the direct access startups have to an industry-leading network of Mentors-in-Residence. More than just advisors, they are seasoned industry veterans and venture development leaders who have navigated the complexities of the maritime world. By providing the deep, specialized expertise required to scale in the ocean enterprise and blue economy sectors, they ensure our founders move beyond technical validation and are equipped to turn visionary technology into market-ready impact
- Andrea Course, founder and managing director, Course Investments
- Craig Dudenhoeffer, founding partner, Tidal Impact Fund
- Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner, Blue Startups
- Carl Gouldman, former director, NOAA U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Office
- Blaine Grimes, president, Ocean House Consulting
- Kayra Hopkins, software engineer and angel investor
- Helena Janulis, director of Operations & Strategy, Investable Oceans
- Terri Jordan, consultant, Pranergy LLC
- Brian Kerns, startup advisor and investor
- Karin Kidder, executive director, E8 Angels
- Loretta Little, advisor and investor
- DC Palter, vice president, Chemical Angels
- Tim Raines, CEO and managing partner, Rare Innovation
- Lauren Thomas, mentor and entrepreneur
- C.J. Whelan, startup advisor and entrepreneur
Meet the Innovators: The Spring 2026 Cohort
Building on their success in previous stages of the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, these startups are leading transformative solutions in maritime robotics, AI-driven data insights, and the future of coastal energy.
Aloft Systems
Boston, Massachusetts
Aloft Systems is reducing maritime shipping costs through robotics, ocean data, and advanced propulsion.
Astraeus Ocean Systems
Bellingham, Washington
Astraeus Ocean Systems is coordinating fleets of autonomous vessels to deliver real-time ocean intelligence.
Bluemvmt, Inc.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Bluemvmt is transforming unstructured ocean data into actionable, high-value insights.
CargoCheck
Bellevue, Washington
CargoCheck is enhancing precision and safety in the delivery of chemical cargo through verification technology.
Coastal Measures
Greenland, New Hampshire
Coastal Measures is aggregating and standardizing multi-modal data streams into a unified cloud-based platform.
Dirigo Sea Farm
Portland, Maine
Dirigo Sea Farm is replacing plastics with seaweed-based materials to support domestic kelp farming.
Dottir Labs
Somerville, Massachusetts
Dottir Labs is advancing ocean health through real-time, molecular-level water quality monitoring.
FishLAT
Laguna Beach, California
FishLAT is using machine learning to predict the environmental impact of offshore infrastructure.
MarineSitu
Seattle, Washington
MarineSitu is providing real-time monitoring of marine infrastructure via hardware-enabled software.
Mira Intel
Boston, Massachusetts
Mira Intel is promoting coastal resilience using AI-powered drones and patented structural monitoring technology.
Nucleic Sensing Systems
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Nucleic Sensing Systems is utilizing autonomous biosensing to quantify environmental DNA/RNA for aquaculture.
OctaPulse
Beacon, New York
OctaPulse is revolutionizing aquaculture with AI-driven inspections to boost yield and scale production.
Pittsburgh Coastal Energy
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Coastal Energy is delivering subsea power to autonomous systems via modular onboard energy converters.
Sitkana
Juneau, Alaska
Sitkana is powering remote coastal communities using modular energy systems and predictable ocean currents.
VesselOps
New Bedford, Massachusetts
VesselOps is providing 3D visualization and digital authentication for data-driven fleet management.
Stage 2 will begin with virtual workshops in February and conclude on April 30, and will culminate with an in-person workshop May 5-7 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, hosted at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Ongoing virtual office hours for continuing support will be held until June 11. We look forward to seeing these teams scale their solutions and continue to advance innovation for the blue economy.