IMPACT

VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator
2026-07-07 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Virtual Online
Stage 0 and Stage 1 Application Portal

Driving Innovation for Ocean Enterprise
Applications are currently open for Stage 1!
Apply today for Stage 1:

The Stage 1 Fall 2026 application deadline is July 7
Applications for our introductory Stage 0 will reopen soon. Sign up to receive updates.
Be part of a groundbreaking accelerator empowering early-stage ventures to drive the future of the blue economy.
The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is here to help innovators from across America turn their vision into reality by supporting the development, commercialization, and adoption of new ocean data technologies and services for economic and societal benefit to the U.S. and our growing blue economy. Whether you’re a student, researcher, entrepreneur, industry professional, or innovator passionate about building ocean solutions, this transformative national suite of programs is designed to equip blue innovators with the tools, resources, and support needed to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions.
The accelerator offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain funding, grow your expertise, and connect with a powerful network of industry leaders, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers, and academic partners.
“The launch of the first cohort of the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator marks a significant step forward for ocean innovation,” stated Zack Baize, Ocean Enterprise program manager at NOAA. “We are proud to be partnering with VentureWell to help support the technologies that will strengthen the U.S. ocean economy.”

Why Apply
Stage 1
For U.S. ocean enterprise innovators, small businesses and entrepreneurs, this is the opportunity to accelerate your innovation with seven weeks of virtual programming followed by a three-day in-person workshop where you’ll work with expert coaches and industry experts to prepare for the next stage of your venture development journey. Participants will receive:

$15,000 in Technology Development and Commercialization (TDC) awards
Intensive technical development analysis planning
Business model development
Personalized coaching

Program Dates

Information Session: May 18, 2026
Virtual Training: September 23-November 4 2026
In-Person Sessions: November 9-11, 2026

The Fall 2026 in-person programming will be hosted in New Orleans. Exact details to be announced.
Coaching and office hour sessions will be hosted from September 23 to December 21.
Applications for Stage 1 are currently open. Apply today.

Optional Stage 0
Are you curious about beginning your blue innovation journey but not sure where to start? Our optional Stage 0 program is designed specifically for those who are new to the world of commercialization and venture development.
Over three half-day virtual workshops, you will:

Gain exposure to lean startup methodology and explore possible pathways for your innovation
Network with peers and domain experts in ocean-related fields
Understand funding options to further your innovations
Exit the workshop with tangible next steps and access to the VentureWell network

Stage 0 is the recommended entry point and is designed so that innovators will be equipped for future Stage 1 cycles. It is not a required prerequisite for innovators who are further along in their venture development.
Program Dates

Virtual Training: May 19, May 21, and June 9, 2026

Applications for Stage 0 are currently closed.

Complete Venture Support
The full pipeline of future Ocean Enterprise Accelerator programming is available to startups that successfully complete Stage 1. The entire funnel offers the opportunity for ventures to start from an exploratory stage all the way to significant venture realization, representing a unique opportunity for early-stage innovators to go all of the way with their ventures, with a cumulative $140,000 available in direct awards per team. The program also includes access to a technical assistance fund for additional support services.

Download the chart above as a PDF.

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

Is Your Innovation a Good Fit?
We’re looking for innovators and ventures developing technologies in key marine and coastal sector industries, including coastal management, marine carbon, water quality, aquaculture, shipping, ports, and others.
The national accelerator is open to innovators and startups based or incorporated in the U.S.
You can learn more about the requirements, as well as obtain more information generally, by visiting our FAQ page and by downloading our Stage 1 application guidelines.

We Help Innovators and Startups Find Their Path to Impact
For over 30 years, we have helped innovators and startups uncover opportunities, discover and validate their target market, and prepare for investment and commercialization. The evidence? We’ve trained more than 7,700 early-stage innovation teams and helped launch 6,100+ ventures that have raised more than $7.8 billion in public and private investments. No matter what phase you’re at in your entrepreneurial journey, we have the right program to help you advance your innovation—and a network of experts to help.

Final Application Deadline: Harvard Climate Circle Accelerator
2026-07-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Online
Wed, Jun 24

Event Details

Date
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026

Time
11:45pm

Location
Online

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Calling all Harvard climate founders! Join a community of climate innovators and gain access to expert mentorship, tailored resources, and a global network. Harvard student, alumni, faculty, or staff? This is for you.
The Harvard Climate Entrepreneurs Circle is now accepting applications for its sixth cohort! This selective, year-long accelerator supports high-potential climate ventures with expert office hours, pro-bono legal assistance, sales coaching, VC pitch-deck preparation, and more. Previous ventures, including XCharge, Rarefied, and Subject to Climate, have leveraged this program to refine their strategy, secure key partnerships, and scale their impact.
HEAR FROM OUR VENTURES
“The Climate Circle didn’t just accelerate our growth—it set us on a trajectory for long-term success.”
“One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded and highly skilled individuals early on.”
“Being selected for the Climate Circle was instrumental in refining our focus and how we present our value to partners.”
APPLICATION TIMELINE
All applications must be received by June 24, 2026, for consideration. Learn more and apply.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Eligible ventures must demonstrate one or more milestones: active users, written partnerships, funding or donations, or established intellectual property.

Brown Bag Lunch at Ascender
2026-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Ascender, 6401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
July 29 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

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DETAILS

Date:July 29
Time:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Event Category:Community

VENUE

Ascender

6401 Penn Ave 3rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206 United States + Google Map

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ORGANIZER

Ascender
Emailinfo@ascenderpgh.com
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Bring your lunch and join us for a casual, interactive learning experience designed for founders who are actively building. Each session focuses on a practical business topic, broken down at a foundational level so you can learn, ask questions, and walk away with insights you can immediately implement. Along the way, you’ll connect with fellow Ascender members, meet new founders, and share real experiences from your entrepreneurial journey.
Happening the last Wednesday of every month, come grow, learn, and build community with us.
