Deadline: July 7, 2026
Applications are open for the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator 2026. The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a new program designed to empower the innovators who are tackling the most critical challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities.
This initiative builds on the proven success of the pilot program and established venture development curriculum and represents an extraordinary opportunity to turn big ideas into real-world impact. By fostering innovation, collaboration, commercialization, and investment, the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is laying the foundation for a vibrant blue economy and a resilient future powered by small businesses in all corners of the country.
Over four years, the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator will scale its efforts to support up to 220 ventures through a structured, four-stage program. Participants will gain access to entrepreneurial training, expert mentorship, Technology Development and Commercialization awards, and state-of-the-art testing facilities offered by partners around the country.
Key features of the program include:
- Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) awards to reduce risks and attract investment
- Strategic partnerships with academic institutions and industry experts
- Access to prototyping and demonstration facilities for real-world testing and scaling
- Structured curriculum
- A network of expert mentors and a committed Advisory Council
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- $15,000 in Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) awards
- Intensive technical development analysis planning
- Business model development
- Personalized coaching
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. ocean enterprise innovators, small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- They are looking for founders and innovators who are working in core technology areas such as sensors, robotics, modeling, and more that can be deployed across marine and coastal sector industries, including coastal management, marine carbon, water quality, aquaculture, shipping, ports, tourism, and others.
Application
The Stage 1 Fall 2026 application deadline is July 7, 2026.
For more information, visit VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator.
