Ocean Enterprise Accelerator
VentureWell's Ocean Enterprise Accelerator funds and supports student-led teams developing innovative coastal and ocean technologies with strong commercial and societal impact potential.
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 in non-dilutive grants per team across two stages; additional follow-on investment possible.
Summary: Accelerator for early-stage student-led teams developing transformative coastal/ocean technologies, offering funding, training, and mentorship to advance commercialization.
Key Information: Grants are awarded to U.S.-based colleges/universities (not individuals); teams must have at least two active, enrolled students.
Description
The Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, part of VentureWell’s suite of programs, is designed to support early-stage startups and student-led teams developing transformative technologies for America’s coastal regions and the broader blue economy. The program provides non-dilutive grant funding, intensive entrepreneurship training, expert mentorship, and access to a robust innovation network. Its aim is to help innovators advance their solutions to market, focusing on projects with high potential for commercialization and positive societal or environmental impact in marine and coastal sectors.
