Ocean Enterprise Accelerator
VentureWell’s Ocean Enterprise Accelerator supports student-led teams developing innovative, scalable technologies to solve coastal and ocean ecosystem challenges through funding, training, and mentorship.
Funder: VentureWell
Due Dates: April 28, 2026 (Summer 2026) | September 29, 2026 (Winter 2027) | January 25, 2027 (Spring 2027)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per team: $5,000 (Stage 1), up to $20,000 (Stage 2); non-dilutive grant funding.
Summary: Supports student-led teams at U.S. colleges/universities developing scalable innovations for coastal and ocean-related challenges through funding, mentorship, and training.
Key Information: Grants are awarded to institutions, not individuals; teams must be student-led and from VentureWell member institutions.
Description
The Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, part of VentureWell’s E-Team Program, is designed to advance early-stage, student-led ventures in the blue economy—specifically those developing innovative technologies to address challenges facing America’s coasts and ocean ecosystems. The program provides a blend of non-dilutive grant funding, intensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship from experts, and access to a national network of innovators and partners. The goal is to help teams move their inventions from the lab to the market, with a focus on scalable, impactful solutions that benefit society and the environment.
