5 ways to fund your ocean startup idea

Here are five ways to fund your next ocean startup idea. This list is for you especially if you’re interested in aquaculture or haute couture, submersibles or wearables, AI or WiFi, crews in boat shoes or boats with no crews. What counts as an ocean startup? The answer changes depending on which sailor you ask, but it’s generally agreed upon that this includes businesses and technologies that touch the water, clean the water, move people around on or in the water, or just “make a splash.”

The Opalene Climate Challenge by VertueLab offers a funding opportunity for climate tech and clean tech startups in the Pacific Northwest (the Challenge deadline is August 24). VertueLab claims to have invested over $9.5 million in startups with over $600 million in follow-on funding. Examples of VentureLab-backed winners include Cascadia Seaweed (liquid kelp extracts and sustainable aquaculture) and Aquagga (clean water battling PFAS contaminants). 

Details: 

https://www.vertuelab.org/opalene-climate-challenge

Application: 

https://airtable.com/appZR2hYP4jwDGdS1/pagCOjrpBsJwpydoV/form

The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, backed by the US federal government through NOAA. This program is for blue economy innovators working in marine and coastal sectors, coastal management, marine carbon, water quality, aquaculture, shipping, ports, and even tourism. They offer different “stages” for entrepreneurs in different levels of development, starting with “Stage 0” for the curious and those who are new to the world of commercialization and venture development, and includes coaching and support. “Stage 1” offers awards of $15,000, and “Stage 3” offers awards of up to $125,000. Examples of Accelerator participants include OctaPulse (robotics and AI for aquaculture and fish hatcheries), CargoCheck (cargo tracking and chemical logistics software), and Blue Sea Farms (aquaculture and restoration). 

Applications now open for the Fall 2026 VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator. The deadline for the next “Stage 0” program is August 25, with additional dates for other programs. 

Details: 

https://venturewell.org/ocean-enterprise-accelerator/ 

Application: 

https://venturewell.org/ocean-enterprise-accelerator-apply/

Beyond the sea, the larger VentureWell organization has funded over $40 million in grants with over $9.8 billion in follow-on funding. There are various programs under the VentureWell umbrella with applications in even healthcare and transportation, and even programs for students, so poke around the website to find the match that’s right for you. 

1000 Ocean Startups is a big booster for ocean tech startups. It’s really more of a coalition of accelerators and funds that helps connect capital with projects focused on restoring ocean health, with backing by the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. They’re working to fund 1,000 startups by 2030, and so far, they’ve helped more than 900 startups with a combined valuation of at least $12 billion. A few examples of their handpicked winners include SolarDuck (offshore floating solar), CalWave (ocean wave energy), and Sway (compostable seaweed packages to replace plastic). You might say it’s like the “Y Combinator for the Blue Economy.” They search for startups in a variety of fields, including ocean restoration, climate solutions, ocean intelligence, low-carbon transportation, sustainable ocean energy, and sustainable aquaculture. Since 1000 Ocean Startups doesn’t accept pitches, the best way to connect is through their Radar page, which provides regular updates on funding opportunities, meet-ups, and open-calls. 

Details: 

https://www.1000oceanstartups.org

Radar: 

https://www.1000oceanstartups.org/radar

The StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator (San Diego) is unique in that it requires no cost and no equity to participate. The program helps entrepreneurs with fundraising, networking, mentorship, and more. Two startups supported by StartBlue include Flood Dynamics (tools to mitigate flood impacts) and Nereus Systems (autonomous swarming for underwater surveys). The program is affiliated with NOAA and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. StartBlue applications are closed for 2026, but the application window will re-open in spring 2027. Check the StartBlue website directly for program details and an application.

Ocean One Ventures (Europe) specializing in investing in the Blue Economy and the leisure industry, and their portfolio includes startups Cat Sale (Catamaran marketplace and sales) and SEARIUS (Maritime SaaS). Start planning now for the next Summer Fundraising Bootcamp, newly launched by Ocean One Ventures, culminating with a Demo Day in at the Genoa Boat Show in Italy.

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* Correction added 8.24.26: The StartBlue application window is closed for 2026 and re-opens spring 2027. Please check the StartBlue website directly for details.