BlueSwell incubator program selects third cohort of startup companies focused on supporting ocean health
Image courtesy of Berkeley Marine Robotics
Six “bluetech” projects target areas including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and ocean forecasting
BOSTON, MASS. (Sept. 8, 2022) – SeaAhead, Inc. and the New England Aquarium have selected a third cohort of startup companies for BlueSwell, an innovative incubator program in the Northeast dedicated to supporting early-stage entrepreneurship in bluetech.
To improve ocean health, sustainable ocean industry, and global resilience, BlueSwell supports the creation and growth of startups with scalable solutions. With a focus on bridging the gaps between innovators, ocean experts, and the venture community, this program builds a path toward commercialization. Since June 2020, BlueSwell has supported 13 startups that have raised $16.5 million to scale their businesses.
Following a rigorous selection process for its Cohort III this year, BlueSwell will be funding six projects in areas of impact including decarbonization, artificial intelligence, and ocean forecasting. The startup companies are:
Aloft Systems Inc. – Making clean, renewable, and free wind energy available for any ship’s propulsion system, reducing fuel consumption and emissions immediately.
Berkeley Marine Robotics – Focused on maritime decarbonization by using autonomous underwater robotic systems and communication technologies to help ships lower fuel CO2 emissions and ports protect marine ecosystems.
Fathom – A platform that scales carbon crediting for coastal ecosystems with remote sensing and machine learning—enabling high-quality, transparent carbon removal for companies with net zero climate goals.
Current Lab – The underwater weather forecast. Current Lab's high detail ocean forecasts improve the efficiency and safety of maritime operations.
Ocean Data Network – A data collection service outfitting fishing vessels to provide oceanographic information in difficult-to-monitor ocean shelves, and delivering the findings in real-time to improve ocean models and operational forecasts.
Radmantis – An environmental engineering company developing AI-enhanced fish management and leveraging robotic fish handling for the protection of natural resources, smart fisheries, and improved seafood production with precision aquaculture.
Participants in the incubator program benefit from SeaAhead’s bluetech expertise, network, and experience growing companies, along with the Aquarium’s five decades of global leadership in ocean conservation research and as a trusted ocean steward. This program includes an individualized 20-week curriculum, guidance from SeaAhead and the Aquarium’s ocean science, policy, and advising arm (the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life), an extended network of advisors, and coworking for the length of the program at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Kendall Square. Cohort III will begin on September 13 with mentor matching, industry site visits, and a focus on creating a product with market fit.
“We are delighted to welcome this new group of startups for our third Cohort. From an extensive applicant pool, we found these ventures to have far reaching impact on how we interact with the ocean,” says Program Manager Katherine Woolford. “This year we’re also scaling up our own impact for the teams. We are increasing each team’s stipend and are inviting the program’s first Entrepreneurs in Residence—Ed Cesare and Pascal Mittermaier—who will share their own entrepreneurial experiences and spend concerted 1:1 time helping the founders build and lead their own businesses. Look out for big things from Cohort III.”
“The health of our planet depends on the ocean, and the New England Aquarium is excited to guide another cohort of innovative start-ups focused on fostering a vibrant ocean and blue economy,” said John Mandelman, Vice President and Chief Scientist of the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. “The BlueSwell incubator program is a key focus for the Aquarium, which advises long-time and emerging industries on ocean-friendly practices.”
BlueSwell awards stipends of $50,000 to each selected startup. This program is made possible by sponsoring foundations, public sector organizations, companies, and individuals that prioritize venture-based innovation, recognizing these companies as a new source of solutions for ocean-related challenges. Startups leave with the knowledge and networks to run their businesses, bring their ideas to market, and raise funds.
*A Dropbox folder of images is available here.
About SeaAhead
At SeaAhead, we are on a mission to launch new ocean-related ventures into scalable businesses. We are a community of entrepreneurs, technologists, mentors, and investors seeking solutions to the toughest challenges facing the ocean. Our partnerships allow us to break down barriers to growth and support startups with expertise, resources, and connections across a variety of bluetech sectors – from offshore renewable energy to resilient waterfronts, clean shipping, fisheries and aquaculture. We drive innovation. Our innovation challenges inspire new ideas, the BlueSwell Incubator builds companies, and the Blue Angels facilitate bluetech investment. Working alongside cutting-edge ocean entrepreneurs gives us unique market insight and deal flow, which has led us to launch SeaAhead Ventures, a new fund dedicated to emerging ocean technology currently in formation.
About New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a global leader in marine science and conservation, working to safeguard ocean animals and habitats. With more than one million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. The Aquarium’s research and rescue efforts build on the institution’s 50-year legacy of protecting the blue planet and advocating for a vital and vibrant ocean. In the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, scientists conduct applied marine research that informs ocean management, policy, and industry practices, and contributes to the innovation of new technologies. Through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program, the Aquarium helps protect critically endangered and threatened sea turtle populations through rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Katherine Woolford, BlueSwell Program Manager; Katherine.woolford@sea-ahead.com
Pam Bechtold Snyder, Director of Communications & PR, New England Aquarium; psnyder@neaq.org