Blue Action Insider News

BLUE ACTION ACCELERATOR

LAUNCHING THE 2ND COHORT

We have officially launched a second cohort of our Blue Action Accelerator program, which continues to empower early-stage companies and innovative leaders dedicated to addressing climate change through sustainable solutions. With a diverse range of climate-focused startups, we are expanding the scope of impact and ensuring that bold, innovative ideas gain the support they need to scale and make a difference.

Over the past 18 months, Blue Action Accelerator has invested in eight promising startups addressing challenges around the blue economy and climate. From ocean carbon capture to mobile offshore renewable energy, we have seen the breadth of challenges to which founders are applying their ingenuity.

We are thrilled to share our next three BAA investments: Elateq Dolphin Labs Ocean Technology and Metal Light Inc.

These three investments are innovative companies focused on sustainable energy and environmental solutions, utilizing advanced technologies to address wastewater contamination, harness ocean wave power, and create renewable energy for the shipping industry.

You can read about Blue Action Accelerator, and all of our investments, in Forbes Magazine:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariannelehnis/2024/12/19/innovation-in-the-blue-economy-the-technologies-reshaping-ocean-based-industries/

EXPANDING OUR GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

CARIBBEAN AS A VANGUARD FOR CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

In 2024, Blue Action solidified key collaborations across the globe, via 11 innovation partners and 9 government partners covering 10 countries and 5 continents. From the U.S., The Bahamas, Portugal, Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada (B.C.), to Spain and Italy, we have made strides globally.

Notably, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Barbados (MOU), paving the way for the Caribbean to emerge as a global leader in climate action. This partnership with FutureBARBADOS , a think tank with the Office of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley , aligns the region with cutting-edge climate solutions that can be scaled to Latin America, Africa, and beyond. By working with some of the most influential voices in the climate crisis, we are positioning the Caribbean as a vanguard for climate solutions, demonstrating what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.

We celebrated an MOU with the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship - Caribbean

Blue Action and the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship - Caribbean have established a cooperative relationship for the purpose of developing and accelerating climate-resilient technologies and models for sustainable development and programs focused on building the blue and green economy, supporting entrepreneurs, and promoting innovative technologies in Jamaica, The Bahamas, and across the wider Caribbean region.

More news on this exciting collaboration will be revealed next month!

RESTORATION EFFORTS

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

Our commitment to restoration and mitigation has been at the core of our work. Through our initiatives at Conservation Cove, our ‘living laboratory’ based in Grand Bahama, we build the blue economy by safeguarding key resources such as mangroves, reefs and conch; while also developing climate solutions that benefit coastal communities around the world.

Successful Conch Metamorphosis We demonstrated the viability of our methods and marked a step closer to scalable solutions for replenishing wild populations. Our collaboration with Dr. Megan Davis and the Queen Conch Lab | FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has been instrumental in overcoming technical challenges and refining protocols for conch aquaculture. Their expertise has helped us establish best practices for larval care, water quality management, and juvenile rearing.

Community Involvement Local divers were employed to collect egg masses, ensuring community engagement and creating job opportunities in marine conservation. This initiative has strengthened local stewardship and highlighted the role of Bahamians in protecting their natural resources.

Mangrove Mania Through education, out-planting, and employment initiatives, we and our partners have made remarkable strides in restoring mangrove ecosystems.

Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB) Mangrove Program achieved significant milestones last year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to mangrove conservation and restoration. Over the year, the organization planted over 10,000 mangroves at Dover Sound, Grand Bahama, focusing on restoring coastal resilience. Through collaborative efforts with additional partners in the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance and at Conservation Cove, along with funders, WKB has not only rehabilitated critical mangrove habitats but also heightened public awareness about the ecological importance of these ecosystems.

The mangrove nursery developed by Blue Action Lab served as an outdoor classroom and have hosted hundreds of school students and volunteers throughout last year.

A YEAR OF GLOBAL INFLUENCE

FOOTPRINT AND IMPACT

In 2024, Conservation Cove played a pivotal role in raising awareness and driving climate action on a global scale. Through key events like Forum for Impact , Clinton Global Initiative , and collaborations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas , we have brought together diplomats, policymakers, and change-makers from around the globe.

Our Conservation Cove Community Day offered immersive educational experiences to hundreds of visitors, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. With nearly 2,000 international VIPs engaging in these events, Blue Action has made significant strides in shaping global attitudes and inspiring climate-conscious action, creating a ripple effect that will continue to resonate across the world.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE

NEW EMPLOYMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Blue Action ’s growth last year was not only measured by partnerships and initiatives but also by the expansion of our team, whose expertise and dedication will drive our mission forward. We welcomed new team members: Lachelle Russell, Kristian Moree, Lashanti Jupp , Ann-Marie C. , to our Blue Action Lab team in The Bahamas.

Through various educational programs, including our University of The Bahamas internship program, collaborations with Florida Atlantic University , and our work with chevening Scholarships , we are cultivating the next generation of climate leaders. We introduced two Chevening Scholarships, exclusive to Bahamians, creating new opportunities for local talent to gain international experience and contribute to global climate solutions.

The Chevening Scholarship program allows outstanding students from around the world to pursue fully-funded master’s degree studies at accredited universities in the UK. The scholarship includes tuition, accommodation, stipend, and air travel for three years.

DRIVING INVESTMENT

CLIMATE FINANCE AND HIGH-TECH SOLUTIONS

In 2024, Blue Action played a key role in driving investment in climate finance and technology; we proudly supported Jeevan Climate Solutions, Ocean Ledger, Acua Ocean, Armada Technologies, SOARCE, Brineworks, AtmoCooling and DRIFT Energy, all of which have made significant strides in providing high-tech climate solutions. To date, over $20 million has been raised for these 8 portfolio companies, advancing large-scale technologies that aim to have a measurable impact on the global climate landscape.

Read more about Our Investments: https://www.blueaction.eco/blueactionaccelerator?utm_campaign=2341e54d-0075-4ad0-a223-3a8b3813d1a1&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=5c20e32a-b182-499f-81d6-04940a350d70

2025 AND BEYOND

STRENGTHENING OUR CARIBBEAN PRESENCE AND EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS AHEAD

As we continue to expand our impact across the Caribbean, we are focusing on solidifying our position as a leading force in the region. Through strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and investors, we aim to deepen our presence and drive sustainable change.

In addition to our regional efforts, we are thrilled about the upcoming deployments of several of our portfolio companies, either through pilot projects or full-scale commercial launches. We are looking forward to collaborating with our partners to bring these innovations to life. Companies like Brineworks , Jeevan Climate Solutions , and MetalLight Inc are at the forefront of our upcoming initiatives, and we cannot wait to see the impact they will make.

As we look to 2025 and beyond, Blue Action remains steadfast in our commitment to driving climate solutions, building partnerships, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to our incredible team, partners, and supporters, we are excited to continue this journey and tackle the challenges of tomorrow, today.