Ocean Exchange’s CEO Millicent Wallace Pitts, to Keynote the Fall Startup Showcase
Seaworthy Collective, a Miami-based non-profit that supports current, aspiring, and underrepresented entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean and climate impact (AKA BlueTech), announces the launch of its fifth cohort of startups and founders in its Startup Studio and Incubator.
This year, seven pioneering startups, including one startup to be co-created, with founders from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, have been selected from over 75 applicants from across the globe.
Each embodies innovation in technology, data, and science to tackle critical environmental challenges, including coastal resilience and adaptation, upstream and downstream pollution, and greenhouse gas reduction and removal. Startups are able to participate on full scholarships (no equity or fees) due to support from Seaworthy’s mission-aligned partners at Salesforce and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition.
“Supporting 5 cohorts and 40 startups is an incredible milestone for our organization, and we’re looking forward to celebrating all of our hard work, dedication, and tangible impact with our community. We’re pulling out all the stops for our biggest Startup Showcase in the history of Seaworthy, while bringing our flagship event back to where it all started with our very first cohort in 2021. If you’ve been following our work, or are BlueTech / ClimateTech curious, this is the best opportunity to dive in and get inspired,” said Daniel Kleinman, Seaworthy Collective’s Founder & CEO.
The seven Fall 2024 cohort startups are:
- Astraeus Ocean Systems (Bellingham, WA)-Founded by Alex Parker, Astraeus Ocean Systems is building a platform for direct access to a smart network of Autonomous Surface Vessels deployed across the ocean, enabling rapid, cost-effective data delivery from anywhere at sea at short notice.
- Cordelia Biosciences- (Gainesville, FL)- Founders Jessica Tittl Nielsen and Monica Schul are tapping into the natural chemistry from our world’s oceans, to drive innovation in the chemical industry. Cordelia uses ocean microscopic organisms to create sustainable ingredients to replace the harmful chemicals in your everyday products.
- Mud Rat (Mansfield, CT)– Founded by Amelia Martin, Mud Rat is making an eco-friendly alternative to the standard styrofoam surfboard core, out of mycelium.
- Prosper Water (Miami Beach, FL)- Founded by Max MacKenzie, Prosper Water uses a patent process for infusing oxygen into water in a bubble free manner to improve the energy consumption and water quality in water treatment processes, remediate or prevent algae blooms, and restore and maintain coastal marine environments.
- Thrasos3D (Nuevo Leon, Mexico)- Co-Founded by Alena Kharissova and Vasily Korshikov, Thrasos 3D is 3D printing coral reefs with carbon-negative materials to tackle coral decline and sargassum invasion at once while also enhancing coastal resilience and biodiversity.
- Toothpick (Fort Lauderdale, FL)- Founded by Tenny-Ann Dandy, Toothpick reduces contamination in the recycling stream by pre-sorting waste at the source to get more waste composted and recycled.
- Co-created startup to be announced at Seaworthy’s Fall Startup Showcase with co-founders Addison Becker from the University of Miami, Jay Hernandez from Miami Dade College, and Dr. Natalia Uribe Castañeda of Mission: Iconic Reefs.
“We were thrilled by the caliber of applicants we received, and these exceptional founders truly stood out. Their innovation, passion, and collaborative spirit align perfectly with our mission. We’re confident that our tailored program will empower them to thrive. We also can’t wait to celebrate a banner year for our startup programs – in 2024 we’ve supported the most startups and founders in Seaworthy’s history!” said Tamara Kahn Zissman, Seaworthy Collective’s Startup Programs Director.
This three-month Startup Studio and Incubator program propels startups focused on ocean-based climate solutions. It connects founders to Seaworthy’s extensive global network, which includes 2,400 members, 250 mentors, and a worldwide coalition of investors with over $1 billion in combined assets.
The program’s culmination is the eagerly anticipated Fall Startup Showcase on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Frost Science Museum, which spotlights the cohort’s innovative endeavors.
The Fall Startup Showcase keynote speaker is Millicent Wallace Pitts, CEO/Executive Director of Ocean Exchange. Ocean Exchange is a 501c3 advancing the adoption of innovative ocean and coastal solutions by aggregating private and corporate philanthropy and re-deploying it in annual, competitive grant activities, with the 2024 purse of $320,000. Over 1000 startups have engaged in the awards application process from 30 countries and 32 US states, resulting in 181 finalists. Investment in and transaction value of vetted finalists is approximately $1.6 billion.
Tickets for the Startup Showcase are available here.
Since 2021, Seaworthy has championed 40 startups and 78 founders, while intentionally prioritizing support for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The program offers a blend of human-centered design and bespoke support, with access to a global network and community, in-depth mentorship, business curriculum, grants assistance, and opportunities for visibility.
For further details, visit www.seaworthycollective.com or reach out via email at Info@SeaworthyCollective.com.
About Seaworthy Collective
Seaworthy Collective is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports current, aspiring, and underrepresented entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean and climate impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to make BlueTech accessible and inclusive; bringing all hands on deck via programs to co-create and grow early-stage startups as well as build capacity and educate our community. We empower Sea Change Makers – diverse founders leading profitable and planet-positive businesses addressing pollution, coastal resilience, and adaptation, as well as greenhouse gas reduction and removal. Based in Miami, our local and global community generates scalable solutions for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet. Learn more at www.SeaworthyCollective.com.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media