Blue Action Canada Launches Second Call for Ocean-Tech Accelerator Applications

Blue Action Canada has officially opened the application window for the second installment of its specialized "blue economy" startup accelerator. This initiative, which targets early-stage ventures, holds the distinction of being Canada’s premier accelerator dedicated exclusively to ocean-based enterprises, ranging from coastal infrastructure development to advanced dual-use technologies. By focusing on the intersection of maritime needs and technological innovation, the program aims to catalyze growth in a sector that is increasingly vital for global sustainability.

The program is the result of a strategic collaboration between Victoria-based COAST, the London-based venture studio Founders Factory, and the Bahamas-based ocean hub Blue Action. This Canadian iteration builds upon the foundation of the original Blue Action accelerator established in 2023 and benefits from the robust backing of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. This partnership brings together international expertise and local maritime knowledge to provide a comprehensive support system for the next generation of ocean entrepreneurs.

For this second cohort, the organizers intend to select up to eight high-potential companies to participate in a rigorous four-month intensive program. The curriculum is specifically designed to accelerate product development, facilitate commercialization, and streamline market entry strategies for emerging maritime solutions. Participants will undergo a transformative journey intended to turn scientific breakthroughs into scalable business models ready for the global stage.

Notably, the accelerator operates on an equity-free model, meaning participating startups are not required to surrender any ownership stakes in exchange for the support they receive. Instead, they gain invaluable access to an international network spanning 10 countries, connecting them with global investors, government entities, and industry pioneers. This network serves as an essential resource for launching successful pilot projects and securing the necessary capital for long-term growth.

The second intake will prioritize several critical sectors within the blue economy that are essential for future maritime resilience:

• Maritime transportation and port-related technologies
• Coastal infrastructure and climate change adaptation strategies
• Nature-based solutions and biodiversity conservation
• Defense and dual-use technological innovations

The involvement of the Ocean Supercluster highlights Canada’s strategic commitment to the ocean as a primary engine for national innovation. The cluster’s overarching ambition is to expand the country’s ocean economy to a staggering $220 billion by the year 2035. Within this framework, Blue Action Canada serves as a vital nexus where scientific research, entrepreneurial spirit, and sustainable practices converge to drive economic prosperity.

Rupert Hayward, the President of Blue Action, emphasized that Canada possesses all the fundamental elements required to achieve global leadership in the blue economy. He pointed to the nation’s world-class research institutions, deep-seated maritime expertise, and a rapidly maturing ecosystem of innovative startups as key competitive advantages that will define the country's role in the international maritime community.

Prospective participants have until February 15 to submit their applications for this prestigious opportunity. The program is scheduled to conclude in May 2026, a date carefully chosen to align with the high-profile Web Summit being held in Vancouver. This timing ensures that the graduating cohort will have a global platform to showcase their innovations to some of the world's most influential tech leaders and investors.

This initiative reflects a broader shift in how we perceive our oceans—moving away from viewing them merely as a reservoir of resources and toward treating them as a vital partner in global development. Blue Action Canada is strengthening the bond between technological progress and environmental stewardship, fostering a space where innovation is born from a deep-seated respect for marine ecosystems.

Ultimately, these efforts encourage a new way of interacting with our planet's waters, moving beyond extraction toward a model of mutual growth. By aligning human ingenuity with the natural rhythms of the sea, we are learning to operate in true resonance with the ocean, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the global blue economy.