Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Investment for a Growing Blue Economy
The Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator is an immersive, four-month, mentor-based program focused on helping maritime industry startups learn how to scale and grow. Startups receive access to Washington Maritime Blue’s global network of industry and ocean leaders, mentors, and advisors. This is a powerful opportunity for impact-driven startups to secure funding and define a clear path to success in a sector where capital is often scarce.
30+ startups graduated since 2018
$450M raised in total funding
500+ jobs created
…and immeasurable impact to the Blue Economy.
Upcoming events!
Meet our Founders! Come to the 4th Wave Showcase Event – June 1st. RSVP Today!
Want to become a program mentor?
Reach out to learn more about opportunities to get involved in this next wave of programming.
Interested in investing?
From digital solutions to large infrastructure – innovation in the Blue Economy will need a diverse and varied financing approach; from public funding to equity stakes. We seek investments from Angel groups, Venture Capital, Impact, and Corporate investors. There is a need and opportunity for philanthropy, debt financing, and coordination of public dollars to fill gaps and buy-down risk.
A proud partner…
Applications will open in Summer 2023!
This program is open to early-stage, North American startups looking to drive early traction and growth in the maritime industry and the Blue Economy. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.
Accelerator details
- Founder-built and led
- 4-weeks of 1:1 and small group programming
- Hybrid structure — join in-person or virtually
- Mentor-based
- Funding
Custom-built curriculum based on individual startup needs
No two Blue Accelerator programs look alike. In advance of the program’s start, our team conducts a needs assessment for each participating company, then curates the curriculum around their needs.
Potential curriculum topics include:
- Storytelling for Impact
- Financial modeling
- Fundraising
- Go-to-Market strategy
- Hiring
- Business Development
Submission process
Applications for the Fifth Wave will be open in Summer 2023 and will be considered on a rolling basis. Submission in advance of the final deadline is highly encouraged.
The program will begin in late February 2024.
Washington Maritime Blue is working to direct capital towards maritime innovation and entrepreneurs.
We act as a resource and pipeline to projects, start-ups, and investments that lead towards our vision for a sustainable, innovative and growing blue economy in Washington State.