The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is a national suite of programs designed to empower early-stage ventures and drive the future of the blue economy. It assists innovators from across the United States in turning their vision into reality by supporting the development, commercialization, and adoption of new ocean data technologies and services. The accelerator provides an opportunity to gain funding, grow expertise, and connect with a network of industry leaders, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers, and academic partners, benefiting both the U.S. economy and society.
Program Overview
The accelerator is designed for a wide range of participants passionate about building ocean solutions and aims to equip them with the necessary tools, resources, and support.
• Target Audience: Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and innovators.
• Program Goals: To help innovators turn bold ideas into impactful solutions for the growing blue economy.
• Key Benefits: Access to funding, enhanced expertise, and connections to a powerful network of industry leaders, NOAA researchers, and academic partners.
Program Stages
• Optional Stage 0: This program is designed for those new to commercialization and venture development. Over three half-day virtual workshops, participants will gain exposure to lean startup methodology, explore pathways for their innovation, network with peers and experts, understand funding options, and leave with tangible next steps. Stage 0 is a recommended entry point to prepare for future Stage 1 cycles but is not a prerequisite.
• Stage 1: This stage is for U.S. ocean enterprise innovators, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. It includes seven weeks of virtual programming followed by a three-day in-person workshop. Participants receive a $15,000 award in Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC), intensive technical development analysis planning, business model development, and personalized coaching.
• Complete Venture Support: Startups that successfully complete Stage 1 can access the full pipeline of future Ocean Enterprise Accelerator programming. This entire funnel offers a cumulative $140,000 in direct awards per team and includes access to a technical assistance fund for additional support services, guiding ventures from an exploratory stage to significant realization.
Eligibility and Focus Areas
The program seeks innovators and ventures developing technologies in key marine and coastal sectors.
• Industry Sectors: Coastal management, marine carbon, water quality, aquaculture, shipping, ports, and others.
• Geographic Requirement: The national accelerator is open to innovators and startups based or incorporated in the U.S.
Application and Key Dates
• Stage 0 (Spring 2026): Applications are currently open.
• Info Session: March 4, 2026
• Application Deadline: April 7, 2026
• Virtual Training: May 19, May 21, and June 9, 2026
• Stage 1 (Spring 2026): Applications are currently closed.
• Virtual Training: April 22-June 10, 2026
• In-Person Sessions: June 16-18, 2026, hosted at the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus in Narragansett, Rhode Island.
• Office Hours Sessions: Through July 22, 2026
Past Instructors
• Courtney McGeachy: Former director of Ocean Visions-United Nations Decade Collaborative Center for Ocean Climate Solutions, Ocean Visions
• Jeff Plumblee: Hazard mitigation and commercialization specialist
• Whitney Tallarico: CEO, GRIT Consulting
For over 30 years, VentureWell has supported innovators and startups in finding their path to impact. With a history of training more than 7,700 early-stage innovation teams and helping launch over 6,100 ventures that have collectively raised more than $7.8 billion in investments, the organization offers programs tailored to various stages of the entrepreneurial journey, backed by an extensive network of experts.