Applications are now open for the 2026 Ocean Startup Challenge, a national program that provides funding and support to early-stage Canadian oceantech startups.

The challenge will award up to $25,000 to as many as 15 startups. Participating companies will also receive mentorship, specialized programming and access to a network of industry experts and ocean-sector partners across Canada.

Now in its sixth intake, the program is seeking startups developing technology-enabled solutions for ocean industries, including marine transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, ocean data, environmental monitoring, coastal resilience and offshore energy.

The Ocean Startup Project, which administers the challenge, said eligible applicants must be Canadian companies that are pre-revenue or generating pilot revenue, have raised $250,000 or less in investment, employ fewer than 10 full-time staff and be at Technology Readiness Level 6 or lower.

The program will run from August 2026 through February 2027 and includes monthly meetings with an executive-in-residence, mentorship opportunities, workshops, networking events and support from an ocean ecosystem navigator. Participants will work on milestones related to customer discovery, product development, intellectual property strategy and business growth.

Since launching in 2020, the Ocean Startup Challenge has supported 102 startups and distributed $2.95 million in funding.

Applications close July 26. Shortlisted applicants will be announced Aug. 7, and successful applicants will be named Aug. 25.

You can apply here.