[Schmidt Family Foundation](https://tsffoundation.org)

Rolling submissions begin December 2024 for 2025 funding

Up to $3.5 million annually in total funding for multiple projects

Provides funding to entrepreneurs developing new technologies that increase the sustainability of global wild-caught fisheries.

Accepts short initial project synopsis proposals (≤500 words) via an online portal; focuses on technology readiness levels 2-6.

--- ## Description The Schmidt Marine Fisheries Initiative, managed by Schmidt Marine Technology Partners under the Schmidt Family Foundation, offers up to $3.5 million annually to support entrepreneurs and innovators developing novel technologies aimed at improving the sustainability of fisheries worldwide. The initiative encourages projects that demonstrate strong commercialization potential and significant scalability. Funding targets technologies that address complex ocean health challenges, particularly those that enhance the sustainability and management of wild-caught fisheries. The program supports a broad range of applicants, including academic researchers, startups, non-profits, and other innovators. ### Funding Focus Areas - **Sustaining Fisheries:** Technologies that reduce bycatch and ghost gear, improve fish population surveys, increase seafood supply-chain transparency, enhance at-sea transparency, redesign fishing gear for sustainability, and support marine protected area monitoring and enforcement. - **Habitat Health:** Technologies that restore or protect key marine species (e.g., seaweed, seagrass, shellfish, coral), monitor or mitigate coastal pollution, and reduce harm from invasive species. - **Ocean Observing:** Innovations in oceanographic research tools, including novel sensors, data collection, processing, and sharing technologies that enable longer, cheaper, or broader geographic research. - **Network Support:** Development of services and tools that support the marine technology community infrastructure, such as ocean hubs, competitions, and community resources. ### Exclusions The initiative does **not** fund projects related to plastic pollution, oil spill cleanup, shipping efficiency and emissions, aquaculture, or marine renewable energy. ## Due Dates - Rolling submissions starting December 2024 for funding in 2025. - No fixed deadlines; proposals are accepted continuously via the online portal. ## Funding Amount - Total funding pool of up to $3.5 million annually. - Funding is awarded to multiple projects; individual award sizes vary based on project scope and potential. ## Eligibility - Entrepreneurs and innovators developing new technologies with commercialization or significant scaling potential. - Technologies should be at technology readiness levels (TRL) 2-6. - Open to applicants worldwide. - Suitable for academic researchers, startups, non-profits, and other entities working on innovative ocean technologies. ## Application Process - Submit a short initial project synopsis proposal (500 words or less) through the [Schmidt Marine Proposals Portal](https://schmidtmarine.secure-platform.com/a/page/submit-today/rolling-proposals). - The foundation will contact applicants if there is interest in further discussion. - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. ## Additional Information - The initiative is supported by two anonymous philanthropic funders alongside the Schmidt Family Foundation. - The program aims to provide tailored, long-term support to projects with the most promise. - For detailed FAQs and guidance on proposal topics, visit the [Programmatic Funding FAQ page](https://schmidtmarine.secure-platform.com/a/page/faq/faq-programmatic-funding). ## External Links - [Schmidt Marine Fisheries Initiative Portal](https://schmidtmarine.secure-platform.com/a/) - [Schmidt Family Foundation Home](https://tsffoundation.org) - [Sustaining Fisheries Focus Area](https://schmidtmarine.org/sustainable-fisheries/) - [Habitat Health Focus Area](https://schmidtmarine.org/habitat-health/) - [Ocean Observing Focus Area](https://schmidtmarine.org/ocean-monitoring/) - [Network Support Focus Area](https://schmidtmarine.org/ecosystem-support/) - [Programmatic Funding FAQs](https://schmidtmarine.secure-platform.com/a/page/faq/faq-programmatic-funding) ## Contact Information | Contact Method | Details | |----------------|---------| | Email | info@tsffoundation.org | | Phone | (650) 376-7100 | | Contact Page | [Schmidt Family Foundation Contact](https://tsffoundation.org/contact/) | | Address | 555 Bryant Street, Suite 370, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA |

Schmidt Marine Fisheries Initiative

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