New England’s first incubator dedicated to early-stage bluetech startups is here. The BlueSwell Incubator Program was recently announced, and is a collaboration between SeaAhead (a bluetech startup platform) and the New England Aquarium that will aid startups developing solutions geared towards ocean sustainability and global resiliency. Challenging venture capital investments in cleantech and renewable energy in the past, along with a slow reentry by early-stage investors into the bluetech industry, has led to very limited progress towards any of the world’s global climate goals. The BlueSwell incubator seeks to propel sustainability initiatives by supporting the growth of startups, and providing the necessary resources to transform viable concepts into successful businesses capable of promoting ocean innovation.
What is Bluetech?
Bluetech is a sector focused on developing ocean-related innovations in areas such as off-shore renewable energy, sustainable seafood, maritime decarbonization, marine pollution, and resilient waterfronts.
We recently attended the kickoff webinar for BlueSwell to learn more about the program. Here’s what you should know:
- These organizations have identified a noticeable gap between innovators, ocean experts, and the venture capital community. BlueSwell seeks to get these ideas and businesses on a path towards commercialization.
- Each startup in the program will receive $35,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, a tailored curriculum, and in-depth monitoring.
- The cohort will be selected in mid-September.
SeaAhead’s angel investment group, the Blue Angels, is also a great opportunity for investors looking to get more involved in high-impact investing.
Conclusion
Bluetech research is critical to finding renewable energy sources and creating sustainable ocean practices. The BlueSwell program will give bluetech startups the opportunity to initiate inventive solutions to mitigate the sustainability issues of today, and address the climate challenges of tomorrow.
