Ocean Idea Challenge
Pays up to $8,000 to Canada-based individuals, teams and very early-stage companies who complete a milestone-based customer discovery sprint validating an ocean-sustainability idea.
The programme runs on a rolling basis: applications are reviewed as they arrive, and an Ocean Ecosystem Navigator for the applicant's own region meets with them individually, in either English or French, soon after they apply. Selected teams then attend prep workshops such as a session on talking about ocean technology and one on overcoming a slow start to customer discovery, before starting a rouβ¦
The Challenge is open to ocean-sustainability ideas across six innovation areas: ocean AI and data, sustainable seafood, marine mobility and port logistics, marine energy and decarbonization, marine carbon dioxide removal, and maritime security and defence systems. It targets very early-stage concepts, generally at a Technology Readiness Level of 3 or lower, from students, researchers, technologists and aspiring entrepreneurs rather than market-ready ventures.
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Guides for this application
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Covers up to $25,000 in pilot, deployment and field-trial costs for Canadian ocean-economy startups already working with an Amplify Partner.
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Gives past Ocean Startup Project winners and participants up to $5,000 in follow-on funding to hit near-term commercialization milestones.
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