Deadline: 1-Sep-22
Do you have an idea for, an early stage ocean technology company with huge market potential? Are you passionate about Ocean health and sustainability? The Ocean Startup Project is looking for diverse innovators and entrepreneurs from rural, Indigenous and urban communities across Canada – and around the world – who are passionate about building sustainable, ocean-focused solutions for the third intake of its Ocean Startup Challenge.
The Challenge helps turn entrepreneurial ideas or technology into a wave of opportunity! With the world’s longest coastline, globally-renowned experts, research facilities, a steady flow of talent, and ample government programming and supports, Canada is the right place to start and grow a successful ocean tech company.
The Ocean Startup Challenge is focusing on idea/early stage ocean startups with a TRL of 4 and below, and supporting innovators who are leveraging Canadian ocean assets and capabilities to develop technologies that can be applied to global ocean problems.
Focus Areas
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Marine Biosciences and Resources
- Shipping and Marine Transportation
- Energy
- Naval and Defence
Funding Information
Winning teams will receive up to $40,000 in awards, with invaluable business development supports with programming, mentorship, one-on-one sessions with their Executives-in-Residence and industry experts, networking opportunities and more, as part of the program, which runs until March 2023.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Entrants must be the majority owners of the company.
- Winners must have a registered business in Canada
- Existing companies must have been in business for less than three years, and have less than five full-time employees
- have a TRL of four or lower
International Applicants
- Entrants may apply from around the world, but must establish a presence and partnership in Canada
- Any funds received from the Ocean Startup Challenge must be spent in Canada (eg equipment, materials, consultants).
- Must demonstrate how you will leverage Canada to advance your venture through one of the following:
- Have a letter of support from a Canadian incubator or accelerator
- Have a Memorandum of Understanding with a Canadian facility, organization, partner, or customer that can support the development of your technology
- Incoming n need to incorporate their company (or be a registered business) in one of the Canadian provinces or territories before funds will be released.
For more information, visit https://oceanstartupproject.ca/challenge/