A partnership between Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Rady School of Management, this immersive program is designed to support ocean-focused startups across the growth continuum from early-stage startups to small and medium businesses. Through the StartBlue program, startups receive training and mentorship to launch and scale their science-based data technologies and services spanning a number of industry sectors that support economic growth, maritime security, coastal resilience, and resource management.

The StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is a recipient of the Department of Commerce NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise Initiative Phase 2 award that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs to bring to market solutions that benefit the United States Ocean Enterprise and the Blue Economy. As one of the accelerator organizations involved in this initiative, StartBlue supports teams commercializing ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes-based observation technologies, products, and services addressing ocean resilience needs.

“StartBlue bridges the gap between promising ocean innovation and real-world impact,” said Jack Gilbert, lead principal investigator of StartBlue and professor of microbial oceanography. “By combining ocean expertise with business mentorship, networks and access to capital, the program helps small businesses and entrepreneurs turn innovative technologies, products and services into scalable solutions for healthier oceans, more resilient coasts and a thriving blue economy.”

Startups participating in the StartBlue program are provided with the entrepreneurial expertise, preparation, and leadership of the Rady School of Management and the ocean expertise, technical development resources, and innovation of Scripps Oceanography. Entrepreneurs also receive mentorship, networking opportunities, visibility, access to capital and non-dilutive funding, and facilitated access to technology development facilities.

Each startup is categorized into either the Launch or Scale program tracks depending on their overall stage of business and their technology readiness level—a measurement system used to assess the maturity of a particular technology.

The Launch program is designed for early-stage startups and includes ocean entrepreneurship training classes and workshops on topics such as customer discovery, business model canvas, pitch preparation, fundraising, intellectual property, and small business innovation research applications. The Scale program is designed for mid-stage startups and includes training opportunities to advance their readiness level, scale operations, and business development.

The 12 teams in this year’s StartBlue program tracks include:

Launch

• Center for Environmental Imaging: Develops high-resolution imaging and AI-powered analytics to transform environmental data into actionable decision support
• Cetocean: Creating a platform that generates superresolution sea-surface temperature data
• Deep Anchor Solutions Inc.: Develops scalable pipe-based anchors for cost-effective deployment of floating offshore infrastructure
• Magnesis Robotics: Develops bio-inspired propulsion and pumping technologies for quieter, more energy-efficient underwater systems
• Watts on Water: Covers artificial waterways with renewable energy generating solar infrastructure

Scale

• AquaPoro Technologies, Inc.: Scalable atmospheric water systems that operate below the humidity threshold of conventional systems, with dramatically lower energy costs; Builds decentralized infrastructure that turns air into ultra-pure water
• Benchmark Labs, Inc.: Provides site-calibrated weather intelligence for marine, construction, energy, and agriculture industries, empowering operators to make confident decisions where it matters most
• Hawaii Ocean Power Solutions LLC: Wave-powered data gathering platform that enables automation of marine operations, such as aquaculture, autonomous vehicle operations, and subsea infrastructure inspection
• Lucendi, Inc.: AI-powered platform for automated characterization of microobjects in water, from microplastics to harmful algal blooms and pathogens
• Scoot Science: Designs ocean intelligence software for fishermen, fish farmers, and marine operators
• SpaceTime Industries: Builds autonomous command-and-control systems that detect and respond to threats against critical ocean infrastructure
• Sub Sea Sonics, LLC: Low-cost underwater equipment recovery systems, including acoustic releases and timer releases for scientists, commercial fishers, and defense

Upon completion of the program, Launch startups are eligible to apply for up to $20,000 in non-dilutive funding, while Scale startups can apply for up to $150,000.

StartBlue’s impact to date includes support for 34 ocean-focused startups that have collectively raised $19.5 million during their time in the program. StartBlue alumni startups that are making waves in ocean innovation include Kai Pono Solutions, a patented system focused on transforming the stormwater industry with a low-impact stormwater filtration device; Greenwater Scientific, a climate-tech startup producing natural, negative-emission air purifiers that harness the photosynthetic prowess of oceanic plankton and algae; and Del Mar Oceanographic, a company creating wave-powered vertical profiling systems.

“Working with StartBlue really introduced me to the niche blue industry. Now everywhere I present my product, I can say I worked with StartBlue and instantly gain credibility due to the amazing network involved in the program,” said Navy McKee, CEO and founder of Kai Pono Solutions. “Even years after graduating from the program, I still receive support, check-ins, and feel I can access resources whenever needed. Working with StartBlue really feels like a lifetime relationship.”

The StartBlue program’s initial funding in 2020 came from the Economic Development Administration’s “Industry Challenge Award” that fuels high-growth entrepreneurship across the US, along with a local match donated by members of the Scripps Director’s Council, Builder’s Initiative, and other philanthropic supporters.

StartBlue’s partners include the Port of San Diego and Blue Economy Incubator, TMA Blue Tech, CONNECT, Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, California Sea Grant, University of San Diego, San Diego State University, Southern California Energy Innovation Network, Cleantech San Diego, Ocean Visions, 1,000 Ocean Startups, AltaSea, US Coast Guard Blue Tech Center of Expertise, San Diego Small Business Development Centers, and Synchro.

This year’s StartBlue program will conclude with an Ocean Enterprise showcase as part of TMA BlueTech Week on Thursday, November 19 at the Robert Paine Scripps Forum for Science, Society and the Environment at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. More details will become available in the weeks leading up to the event.

To stay up to date on StartBlue and this year’s cohort, subscribe to the program’s newsletter. Visit the StartBlue website to learn more and connect with the StartBlue team on LinkedIn or via email.