Ocean Startup Project launches 2025 Ocean Startup Challenge with $350K in funding

From the Springboard Content Lab

The Ocean Startup Project has launched its 2025 Ocean Startup Challenge, inviting early-stage entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into real-world impact by developing innovative solutions to today’s most pressing ocean challenges.

The 2025 Challenge will support up to 15 early-stage Canadian startups (Technology Readiness Level 6 or lower) with up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. The Challenge also provides mentorship from industry experts and comprehensive ecosystem support.

It is open to science- and technology-based ventures working to solve pressing ocean problems.

By investing in the development of early-stage entrepreneurs and building a thriving ecosystem, we’re not only creating world-class companies, we’re accelerating real solutions that protect ocean health, support sustainable industries, and power a stronger blue economy for Canada and the world.

– Natasha Legay, Ocean Challenge Director at Ocean Startup Project

2025 challenge to support 15 ocean startups

Since 2020, the Ocean Startup Challenge has invested over $2.8 million in funding to support more than 90 early-stage ventures tackling ocean-related issues.

In that time, it has also helped innovators raise $38 million in non-dilutive funding and more than $30 million in equity investment, with more than 330 jobs created across Canada.

These startups aren’t just raising capital, they are driving real economic and environmental impact. Many have gone on to top-tier international programs like Creative Destruction Lab  – Oceans and Techstars, proving that with the right support, Canadian ocean tech entrepreneurs can compete on the global stage.”

– Natasha Legay

Applications for the 2025 cohort are open through July 20, 2025. Innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and join a growing community of ocean innovators committed to shaping a sustainable ocean economy.

For more information on eligibility, upcoming information sessions or tips for submitting a strong application, visit the Ocean Startup Challenge information page.

Springboard Atlantic: A Founding Partner of Ocean Startup Project

Springboard Atlantic is proud to be a founding partner of the Ocean Startup Project and a long-standing collaborator in the development of the Challenge. With its network of 19 post-secondary institutions across Atlantic Canada, Springboard supports research commercialization, IP strategy, and connections between academia and industry.

By supporting the Ocean Startup Challenge, Springboard contributes to a national effort to nurture innovation in sectors where Canada holds a natural advantage—and helps early-stage ocean startups bridge the gap from lab to launch.

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 like Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), Invest Nova Scotia, and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) we strengthen Canada’s ocean-focused innovation ecosystem. Recognized as one of the top 5 accelerators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector by Startup Genome, we’re accelerating the success of ocean startups, positioning Canada at the forefront of the global blue economy.