Ocean Startup Project announces Ocean Startup Challenge cohort with $350K funding

From the Ocean Startup Project and the Springboard Content LAb

The Ocean Startup Project (OSP) is proud to announce the winners of the fifth Ocean Startup Challenge, a national competition designed to discover and support the next wave of ocean innovators. 

This year, 15 Canadian companies have been selected to join the Challenge, receiving a total of $350,000 along with targeted support to accelerate the development and commercialization of their technologies. The 2025 cohort represents promising ocean innovations, addressing challenges in areas such as decarbonized marine transportation, renewable energy, plastic alternatives, sustainable construction materials, and more.

“Every year, we see the strength and creativity of Canadian ocean entrepreneurs grow. This cohort of 15 companies showcases the breadth of talent across the country, and through the Challenge, we are connecting them with the support, expertise, and networks they need to succeed on a global scale.”

Paula Mendonça, Executive Director of the Ocean Startup Project

The 2025 cohort includes the following early-stage companies:

• Alaagi (NS) is developing a food-safe, seaweed-based bioplastic film that is naturally compostable, heat and vacuum-sealable, and engineered to meet the performance demands of cold-chain seafood and meat packaging.
• Atalanta Climate (BC) is pioneering compact, fully-electric carbon capture systems that harness ocean-derived materials to sequester CO₂ efficiently, cutting energy use by up to 90% compared to conventional Direct Air Capture.
• atlantiq AI (NL) is building on-premise AI agents that integrate into CAD software to help ship design teams automate quality assurance of drawings and spend 10x less time on manual, info-gathering activities — cutting months off project timelines and saving millions in rework costs.
• CM Marine Safety Equipment (NS/PE) is creating a life jacket for fishers by fishers, designed with the commercial fishing industry in mind to reduce drownings at sea.
• DeFort Bio (NS) is developing a biodegradable lobster band alternative to environmentally harmful traditional lobster rubber bands.
• Equlantic Aquatic Monitoring (NS) is creating an autonomous water quality monitoring platform by combining a novel automatic sampling device with a sensor integration system that will effectively decrease cost and time commitment while increasing data coverage, allowing businesses to achieve their goals through robust data. 
• FieldComplex (QC) is building an underwater communication platform that delivers high data rate, long-range capabilities, and secure underwater links by combining advanced modems and intelligent software to create a scalable, real-time “underwater Wi-Fi” solution.
• FinShield (ON) is developing an AI-powered platform that integrates AIS and open-source intelligence to deliver rapid intelligence on illegal finning for NGOs and maritime authorities.
• FlowMotion Hydrokinetic (ON) is advancing tidal and river power generation with a breakthrough system that delivers clean, predictable energy from its patented helical screw turbine.
• Flux Lines (QC) is developing battery barges that provide clean electricity to ships at berth or anchor, offering a flexible and scalable alternative to traditional shore power.
• Mostar Labs (BC) is developing LILYPAD, a mobile, modular floating charging platform in coastal waters equipped with advanced battery storage and smart management systems that enable rapid, flexible, and cost-effective electric vessel charging and emergency power support in coastal and nearshore environments.
• RETSSOP (NS) is creating a nimble and cost-effective solution for oil spill response that combines advanced imaging and reliable adsorbers that are twice as absorbent in half the time to ensure the recovery of over 80% of spilled oil in offshore environments.
• SeaFoam (BC/ON) is creating regenerative building insulation from seaweed and upcycled waste, giving architects and builders a simple way to create healthy, carbon-negative homes that actively restore the environment.
• Subvision Robotics (BC) is building ZIMA, the world’s first autonomous UVC subsea rover that continuously prevents ship-hull biofouling, cutting fuel costs, eliminating toxic cleaning methods, and ensuring seamless regulatory compliance.
• Technologies Seanetik Inc. (QC) is tackling the decarbonization of maritime transport by developing an innovative robot for cleaning submerged hulls.

Since its launch in 2020, the Ocean Startup Challenge has supported more than 90 early-stage ocean companies, helping them secure millions in follow-on funding, build high-quality jobs, and accelerate solutions that strengthen the global blue economy.

Programming for the Ocean Startup Challenge includes one-on-one time with an Executive in Residence, access to a mentor roster of experts for specialized support, curated exposure to resources opportunities through Ocean Ecosystem Navigators and OSP’s partner network, and in-kind support from organizations such as the Centre for Ocean Applied Technology (COAST), Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), SEATAC at NSCC, and DeepSense.

Springboard Atlantic is a proud founding member of the Ocean Startup Project.

About the Ocean Startup Project

The Ocean Startup Project is advancing Canada as a global leader for ocean entrepreneurs, driving innovation across the ocean economy. Our mission is to transform Canada into a thriving hub for ocean startups, from inception to global market reach. Through partnerships with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and regional organizations including Centre for Ocean Applied Technologies (COAST), Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), Genesis, Invest Nova Scotia, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), PEI BioAlliance, and Springboard Atlantic we strengthen Canada’s ocean-focused innovation ecosystem. Recognized by Startup Genome as one of the top 5 accelerators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector, we are accelerating the success of ocean startups and positioning Canada at the forefront of the global blue economy.