OceanHub Africa provides a specialized accelerator for high-potential, for-profit startups working to protect and restore ocean health. The program acts as a strategic growth partner, helping ventures de-risk operations, scale sustainably, and improve access to funding. By supporting, connecting, and investing in African-led innovation, the initiative aims to advance a regenerative blue economy that addresses major global challenges including ocean warming, pollution, and overexploitation across areas such as sustainable blue food, clean ocean energy, pollution solutions, and low-carbon transport.
Program Overview
• Program Name: OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program 2026/27
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Objective: To scale Africa’s most promising ocean-impact ventures
• Cohort Size: Up to 24 high-potential startups
• Target Stage: Pre-revenue and post-revenue founders with an MVP or close to launch
• Intakes: Two annual intakes, with a longer track starting in March and a shorter track in July
Program Structure and Format
• Format: A hybrid model combining in-person sessions with remote support
• In-Person Bootcamp: One mandatory week-long bootcamp; startups cover travel for at least one representative, while accommodation and meals are provided
• Annual Ocean Innovation Africa Summit: Graduating startups receive a delegate pass and pitching opportunity; startups cover travel for one representative, while accommodation and meals are provided
• Remote Support: Ongoing one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and virtual training
• Phase 1 – Pathway to Readiness: Focuses on strengthening core business fundamentals for engagement with customers, funders, and investors; includes the in-person bootcamp and ends with a BlueTech Showcase
• Acceleration Assessment: After Phase 1, ventures are assessed for growth potential, and at least 12 startups may be filtered out
• Phase 2 – Bridge to Opportunities: Up to 12 startups continue into this phase, which emphasizes market access, investor visibility, and strategic introductions; participants may also become eligible for the Blue Loop Fund and dealroom introductions
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
• Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be for-profit startups operating in Africa, be ocean-minded and impact-driven, offer a scalable product or service, actively seek investment or market access, and demonstrate innovation or a disruptive business model
• Selection Pillars: Applications are assessed across four areas:
• Impact and Vision: Strength of environmental and social impact, and potential to address ocean-related challenges
• Business Model: Product-market fit, market size, traction, and scalability
• Technology: Innovation, reliability, adaptability, and IP status
• Team: Team composition, experience, role clarity, ambition, and execution focus
Program Offerings and Support
• Hands-On Growth Support: Practical support for customer acquisition, proof-of-concept execution, and scaling, led by the Entrepreneur-in-Residence team
• Networking and Ecosystem Access: Access to a global network of ocean experts, mentors, alumni, investors, and collaborators, including opportunities linked to the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit
• Peer Engagement: Collaboration opportunities with founders across the African and global blue economy ecosystem
• Personal and Professional Development: Tailored one-on-one coaching covering business development and personal growth, including self-development coaching through the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business’ Centre for Coaching
• World-Class Mentorship: Guidance from global experts and technical support from an Engineer-in-Residence
• Strategic Fundraising Support: Help with pitch development, deal structuring, and introductions to impact investors and corporate venture capital funds
• Partner Benefits: Access to up to $75,000 in AWS cloud credits, engineering software licenses, and legal and business advisory support valued at up to $50,000
• Awards Nomination: Portfolio ventures may be promoted through OceanHub Africa’s role as a nominator for The Earthshot Prize
Funding and Participation Terms
• Blue Loop Fund: Selected ventures may qualify for the Blue Regeneration Loop Finance Facility, which offers interest-free loans of up to $30,000 USD to support milestone-based scaling and help de-risk the business for future private investment; recipients are selected by an independent investment committee
• Key Participation Terms: Founders are expected to commit at least 1.5 full-time equivalents to the business, involve at least two C-level team members, limit participation in other support programs during the accelerator, cover their own travel costs for in-person events, and submit regular progress reports
• Compensation Structure: Program support may be compensated through success fees of up to 5% on future fundraising and up to 10% on commercial contracts secured through introductions; sweat equity may be negotiated as an alternative
Application Details
• Application Period: Opens November 10, 2025 and closes April 17, 2026
• Review Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis; applying before December 31, 2025 is recommended
• Selection Timeline: Pre-screening begins upon opening, with final interviews and committee evaluations scheduled for January 28–30, 2026
This program offers a strong platform for impact-driven founders building in the blue economy. Through expert mentorship, tailored strategic support, and access to a global network, participants are positioned to scale their ventures and contribute to a more sustainable future for the world’s oceans.