Applications open for Ocean Startup Challenge (Canada)

Applications open for Ocean Startup Challenge (Canada)

Deadline: 20 July 2025

Do you have an early-stage ocean technology company with huge commercialization potential? Are you passionate about preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans? If yes, then this call is designed for you!

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 fifth intake of its Ocean Startup Challenge.

Aims

• Their aim is to foster innovations that not only leveraged Canada’s rich ocean resources but also addressed global oceanic challenges

Focus Areas

• Sustainable Seafood
• Renewable Ocean Energy
• Decarbonized Shipping and Marine Transportation
• Marine Bioresources and Biotechnology
• Autonomous Vessels and Robotics

Funding Information

• The 2025-2026 Cohort will be comprised of up to 15 early-stage Canadian startups (TRL 5 and under), receiving up to $25,000 in awards.

Eligibility Criteria

• They encourage individuals/teams of all backgrounds and experiences to submit an application, providing they are in the idea/early stages of developing an ocean technology company.
• Specifically, they are looking for companies with a TRL of 6 and below for the 2025 competition.
• Applicants must also:
  • be Pre-revenue (pilot revenue is eligible)
  • have $250,000 in investment or less
• Innovators, entrepreneurs and companies from across Canada and around the world may apply for the Challenge, but winners must register an entity in a Canadian province/territory, or federally.
• Applicants from an existing company must be the majority owner(s) of the company.

For more information, visit Ocean Startup Project.