Applications for the Fall 2021 session of the StartBlue Program are now open for submission.
The StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), is set to launch in the fall of 2021. This four-month program is designed to help ocean-focused startups accelerate their ventures, contributing to the growth of the Blue Economy in San Diego and beyond.
The program, which is part of UC San Diego's StartR accelerator program, offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial expertise from the Rady School of Management and ocean expertise from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in ocean science-related ventures, helping startups develop technologies and solutions that promote ocean resilience, sustainability, and economic growth tied to marine and coastal resources.
StartBlue connects startups with a broad ecosystem, including industry leaders, academia, investors, and regional partners, enabling pilot testing and collaboration within San Diego’s blue tech community. The program supports early-stage science and engineering startups that are tackling ocean challenges, providing them with access to a unique ocean science and technology curriculum taught by experts in these fields.
One such startup, Ocean Motion Tech, led by Pan, has benefited significantly from the program. Pan's team received live feedback from customers during the research and development process, leading to a breakthrough for his initial concept. The company has since secured several commercial partners that are becoming early adopters of their technology.
Pan, the founder of Ocean Motion Tech, emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, understanding the market, and achieving product-market fit in his business. He credits the training and support received from the Scripps blue tech ecosystem for motivating and providing resources for his company.
The technology developed by Ocean Motion Tech, a small-scale device that converts wave energy to electricity for ocean applications, can be used in various sectors, including ocean observation, offshore aquaculture, maritime monitoring, coastal security, and defense surveillance.
StartBlue received funding in 2020 through the Economic Development Administration's "Industry Challenge Award" and local donations. The program is open to teams with a San Diego presence, but there is no affiliation with UC San Diego required to participate.
Applications for the first cohort will be accepted from May 21 through July 2, 2021. UC San Diego aims to strengthen the local and regional Blue Economy through this program, which involves sustainable use and stewardship of ocean resources for economic benefit and environmental health.
Scripps Oceanography, a world-renowned center for global earth science research and education, offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders. By participating in the StartBlue program, startups can tap into this wealth of knowledge and expertise, positioning themselves at the forefront of ocean technology innovation.
- The StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, a program at UC San Diego, combines finance from the Rady School of Management with oceanographic research from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, providing a unique opportunity for startups to secure funding for ocean science-related ventures and access innovative technologies.
- Through the StartBlue program, startups in the Blue Economy can foster education and self-development by tapping into Scripps Oceanography's unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders, positioning themselves at the forefront of ocean technology innovation.
- With the launch of the StartBlue program, San Diego's Blue Economy can expect growth not only in ocean observing systems and oceanographic research, but also in related businesses such as offshore aquaculture, maritime monitoring, coastal security, and defense surveillance, thanks to the development of innovative technology like the wave energy converter by Ocean Motion Tech.
