Introducing the 2023 Inaugural Class of the Ecopreneur Network

Today we usher in a new era of for-profit ocean innovation at Sustainable Ocean Alliance .

With the introduction of the inaugural class of our first-of-its-kind Ecopreneur Network, we double down on our investment in visionary startup founders and deepen our commitment to elevating and accelerating inspiring ventures dedicated to restoring ocean health in our lifetime.

In 2014, when I launched our global nonprofit as a 美国乔治敦大学 freshman, I could have never envisioned we would rapidly expand our reach beyond the social sector, with 57 innovative ocean-climate startups in our network who are actively disrupting harmful industries.

If you’re new to my page and would like to learn more about Sustainable Ocean Alliance (from my founding vision to the evolution of our for-profit program) see my articles here and here.

Without further ado, please allow me to introduce The 2023 Class of visionary ocean-focused startups!?

The Ecopreneur Network, Inaugural Class of 2023

Agriloops - This French startup is leveraging aquaponics to sustainably farm shrimp and vegetables.

Follow them on Linkedin: Agriloops

Bound4Blue - Their patented, wind-assisted propulsion systems reduce marine vessel fuel consumption and reduce emissions by up to 40%.

Follow them on Linkedin: bound4blue

Alora Innovations Inc. - This “ocean agriculture company” is harnessing plant genetics to grow rice in the ocean, with future plans to produce a variety of salt-tolerant crops with no fresh water.

Follow them on Linkedin: ALORA

Urchinomics - A profitable, nature-based solution restoring kelp forests with urchin aquaculture, harvesting the invasive species as a culinary delicacy while generating blue carbon credits.

Follow them on Linkedin: Urchinomics

uWare Robotics - A Belgian-Spanish startup collecting underwater data with an autonomous robot (uOne), eliminating the risks to human life faced in traditional marine inspection/conservation efforts.

Follow them on Linkedin: uWare Robotics

FlexSea - A home-compostable biopolymer derived from seaweed and other natural materials, intended as a circular solution to replace plastic film packaging and degrade in weeks.

Follow them on Linkedin: FlexSea

Reefgen - Automating rapid planting of heat-resistant coral to regenerate reefs and counter the 2.5 acres of coral dying per minute due to intense marine heatwaves, bleaching, and pollution.

Follow them on Linkedin: Reefgen

TONTOTON - Their certified plastic credit system pays coastal communities to recycle, upcycle, and co-process “orphan plastics”—or those not traditionally recycled such as plastic bags and food waste. SOA first had the opportunity to witness the potential of TONTOTON when they joined us as participants (and eventually, winners!) of the Ocean Pitch Challenge 2023—a co-hosted event in partnership with SOA and RespectOcean .

Follow them on Linkedin: TONTOTON

Ittinsect - Feed for the Ocean - This Italian startup’s high-nutrition, sustainable aquaculture feed for salmon, trout, and other commercial fish species consists of treated insects, microalgae, and agricultural byproducts.

Follow them on Linkedin: Ocean Twist Biotechnology

Stream Ocean - Their easily deployable underwater camera system with live streaming capabilities and an AI data analytics solution helps efficiently monitor ocean biodiversity.

Follow them on Linkedin: Stream Ocean

Photon Marine - This cost-effective, marine vessel electric propulsion system pairs liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery modules with an intelligent, energy/battery management software platform.

Follow them on Linkedin: Photon Marine

Embarking on the Journey

From 2018 to 2021, SOA’s Ocean Solutions Accelerator—the world’s first startup accelerator specifically dedicated to ocean innovation—propelled 45 startups.

Now with the introduction of the inaugural Ecopreneur Network, Class of 2023, our evolved program will help us extend lifetime support to our existing and newly introduced ecopreneurs, all tackling these crucial ocean impact areas:

1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Blue Carbon & CO2E Removal or Avoidance
2. Pollution Reduction: Circular Use, Waste Removal or Avoidance
3. Ecosystem and Species Preservation and Restoration
4. Blue Foods: Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Seafood Alternatives
5. Ocean Data, Literacy, and Research

As my Ocean Solution Accelerator co-founder and tireless startup champion Craig Dudenhoeffer stated, “Building a startup takes years and at SOA, we actually want to be along for the entire journey”.

So to each of our new and existing class members, THANK YOU.

Thank you for your solution, for your love of the ocean, and for your commitment to this shared, lifetime journey as we support your venture.

We cannot wait to provide you with access to our partner network, mentorship support, thought leadership, and media exposure—and to get you ready for investor and fundraising opportunities.?

I have no doubt we will change the world together and drive a sustainable blue workforce revolution.?

Welcome to the Alliance—now, let’s get started!