Boston-based oceans accelerator SeaAhead and the New England Aquarium have announced the launch of the BlueSwell Incubator Program, New England’s first early-stage bluetech incubator.

BlueSwell is designed to support the creation and growth of startups that aim to enhance ocean sustainability and global resilience. It will provide each team with a grant of $35,000.

The organizers are especially interested in startups involved in offshore renewable energy, sustainable seafood, maritime decarbonization, marine pollution, and resilient waterfronts. The program builds on New England’s diverse ocean-related capabilities and offers access to leaders and experts from industry, academia, government, and ocean conservation.

The BlueSwell program includes 20 weeks of curriculum and mentorship from SeaAhead and the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, an extended network of advisors.

“Human use of our ocean is vital to global health and the economy, including food and energy security, commerce, and the climate crisis,” said Dr. John Mandelman, Vice President and Chief Scientist at the New England Aquarium. “At the same time, this must be done responsibly and collaboratively, and an influx of new methods and technologies are helping to pave the way.”

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Canada’s Student on Ice Foundation has launched Blue Futures Pathways, a program to inspire and support young Canadians interested in pursuing careers in the blue economy.

The program will engage with diverse youth, aged 14 to 30, with a focus on supporting under-represented, remotely located, and Indigenous youth. It will aim to engage with at least 250 young people over the next 15 months.

“As an Ocean nation with an ocean sector worth $32 billion, the longest coastline in the world, and emerging, innovative nature-based solutions, now is the time to engage youth in the opportunities this presents, while instilling in them the knowledge and leadership skills to help preserve and restore Canada’s ocean and freshwater resources,” said SOI Foundation’s Founder and President Geoff Green in a statement. “The SOI Foundation aims to do just that.”

Blue Futures Pathways is launching a digital platform called the PORT (Portal for Opportunities, Resources and Talent) in English and French. PORT will connect youth, educators and employers through educational and employment opportunities, as well as funding related to the Blue Futures Pathways internship and mentorship programs.

The SOI Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire and empower leadership for a sustainable future by connecting youth to nature, and to the knowledge, people, and resources to make a difference.

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Several groups on Canada’s East Coast have announced the creation of Samqwane’jk (suhm•kwan•āj•ka), the first initiative of its kind connecting Indigenous ocean businesses.

The Indigenous business group Ulnooweg, along with the Dartmouth, NS-based Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship, or COVE, and Halifax-based Upswing Solutions announced the new project on World Oceans Day last week. It will be funded with $857,000 from the Canadian government’s Sustainable Development Goals Program.

Indigenous ocean businesses in Atlantic Canada will be invited to propose projects in partnership with ocean technology companies at COVE. At least three projects will be selected to receive support and funding that can demonstrate measurable progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and help advance Canada’s 2030 Agenda.

“Samqwane’jk translates into people who love the water,” explained Chris Googoo, Chief Operations Officer at Ulnooweg Development Group. “This project brings together innovators who care about our oceans and who have the skills and desire to make significant strides towards ocean sustainability. The impact of these initiatives will positively affect many generations to come.”

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And finally, many thanks to my old friend David Callaway for plugging our bluetech coverage in Callaway Climate Insights last week. Now in its second year, the San Francisco-based publication is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the business of climate change. Its coverage of oceans companies involved in sustainability is outstanding.

Check out the most recent bluetech coverage  here.

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Bluenotes is Entrevestor's weekly roundup of oceantech news from around the world. If you have announcements, please forward them to us at peter@entrevestor.com.