2026 Ocean Startup Challenge

• A video of up to 3 minutes highlighting how the funding would support your business goals.

Who is eligible?

• Entrepreneurs or startup teams in the early stages of developing an ocean technology company.
• Innovators, entrepreneurs and companies from across Canada and around the world may apply.
• Individuals and teams of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Eligible expenses

• Incremental costs deemed essential for implementing the activities, including only new or additional costs that would not otherwise have been incurred.
• Equipment, materials, subcontracting, and travel.

• Team or founder, 30%: well-balanced team or founder with diverse skill sets, strong passion for solving a real-world problem, relevant experience and skills, with bonus points for previous startup experience and for having at least one person working full-time on the startup.
• Problem understanding and market opportunity, 20%: in-depth research, clear urgency, quantified problem size, and understanding of current alternatives.
• Customer discovery and market interest, 20%: clear ideal customer profile, customer validation with potential customers and stakeholders, and evidence that the problem is urgent for customers.
• Proposed solution, 15%: sustainability-focused, innovative, feasible and scalable, with potential for intellectual property and revenue generation.
• Use of funds and impact, 15%: how up to $25,000 will be spent and how it will accelerate the next milestone.

• Review the Challenge information kit in French and English before applying.
• Apply online through the application page.
• Submit a video of up to 3 minutes with your application.

• Applications are reviewed by an evaluation committee made up of Ocean Startup Project representatives and industry experts.
• The competition has two rounds, and the top 36 applicants are invited to 20-minute interviews.
• Selected teams work with OSP to set milestones focused on customer development, intellectual property strategy, product design, and business development.
• All submissions are treated confidentially, and only those directly involved in managing or judging the competition can view submitted documents.
• All competition entrants have the opportunity to receive feedback on their submission.

• Winners receive monthly meetings with an Executive-in-Residence, mentor advice, an assigned Ocean Ecosystem Navigator, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Winning teams may also have opportunities for media coverage and interviews, with guidance on media interactions.