VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator: Supporting Blue Economy Innovators (US)

The focus areas and priorities of the program include supporting the development, commercialization, and adoption of new ocean data technologies, providing specialized training in market discovery, business model development, and venture development, offering mentorship from industry leaders, NOAA researchers, and academic partners, connecting innovators to a powerful professional network, providing non-dilutive funding through Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) Awards, and equipping participants with the tools, resources, and coaching necessary to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions.

Following Stage 1, innovators can advance to Stages 2 and 3, which provide deeper mentorship, venture support, and additional TDC awards of $50,000 and $75,000, respectively. The program also includes access to a technical assistance fund to support additional development needs. This structured, multi-stage approach ensures that participants receive progressively more guidance and resources as they refine their innovations, scale their ventures, and contribute to the growth of the U.S. ocean economy.

The accelerator is open to a wide range of participants including students, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and other innovators passionate about ocean solutions. The program offers multiple stages of engagement to meet innovators at their current level of venture development. Stage 0 is an optional virtual program designed for newcomers to commercialization, consisting of three half-day workshops that prepare participants for subsequent stages. Stage 1 provides intensive training over seven weeks, including virtual sessions, personalized coaching, and a three-day in-person workshop, with participants eligible for $15,000 in TDC awards based on merit.

For more information, visit VentureWell.