OCEANOVATION

🚀 Time for Your Weekly Ocean Innovation Roundup!💡 Let's dive in 🔍 🌊 The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $54.3 million in funding for four business accelerators to support small businesses and entrepreneurs driving innovations in the Blue Economy. https://lnkd.in/eBvfKQgA 🌊 The shipping industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize as net-zero regulations tighten, making the transition to greener fuels essential. https://lnkd.in/eusdNWCT 🌊 FLOCEAN has secured 100M NOK in Series A funding, led by Burnt Island Ventures, Nysnø Climate Investments, and Freebird Partners LP, to advance its sustainable subsea desalination technology. https://lnkd.in/e3ry_q29 🌊 Aikido Technologies, a startup supported by Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Fellows program, is set to launch the first demonstration of its folding floating wind platform, designed to enable faster and more cost-effective offshore wind deployment. https://lnkd.in/dg4Me6-k 🌊 AIZIP and SoftBank Group Corp. have partnered to bring AI solutions to aquaculture, earning a CES® 2025 Innovation Award for their groundbreaking technology. https://lnkd.in/dhHf6uQj 🌊 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded over USD 18 million to 27 R&D projects to advance offshore wind and marine energy technologies. https://lnkd.in/dSdKnV3Z 🌊 DMEC (Dutch Marine Energy Centre) projects tidal and wave energy as key drivers of Europe’s green transition, with billions in market value by 2050. https://lnkd.in/dP4sgzb4 🌊 Katalist, a registry launched in November, allows companies like IKEA and Amazon to support low-emission maritime shipping through environmental attribute certificates. https://lnkd.in/dzZEqVys 🌊 Hapag-Lloyd AG has successfully reduced emissions and fuel costs using Shipshave's ITCH solution, with results independently verified by DNV. https://lnkd.in/dSFqhQ6t 🌊 Researchers in Edinburgh have developed autonomous robots capable of performing maintenance on offshore wind farms and tidal turbines, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods that rely on helicopters, ships, and hoisting equipment. https://lnkd.in/dm8v-Asf 🌊 A new study by UCL and UMAS reveals that optimizing port arrivals to address congestion and waiting times could reduce voyage emissions by up to 25% for certain vessel types. https://lnkd.in/d_7uU_jw 🌊 Despite significant investment in clean energy generation, there is a lack of capital targeting first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects, with existing funding not suited to the unique needs of these early-stage innovations, creating a "missing middle" in energy transition investment. https://lnkd.in/g7eWz5dg 👉 Don't want to miss out on the latest Ocean Innovation News? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and we'll take care of the rest. https://lnkd.in/dp8CxUpa #OCEANOVATION #WeeklyRoundup

🌊 DMEC (Dutch Marine Energy Centre) projects tidal and wave energy as key drivers of Europe’s green transition, with billions in market value by 2050. The report leverages offshore wind’s success to predict transformative milestones and cost reductions for these marine renewables. 🌱🌍 🔋 DMEC forecasts tidal energy capacity in Europe to reach 323-594 MW by 2030, with wave energy projected at 89-119 MW. These advancements could generate an annual market value of €44-64 million, based on a current Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 170 €/MWh. 🌊 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dP4sgzb4 #MarineEnergy #TidalEnergy #WaveEnergy #Renewables #GreenTransition #Sustainability #EnergyInnovation #DMEC #BlueEconomy

🌊 The Future of Shipping Fuels: A Turning Point? 🚢 The shipping industry is at a critical crossroads: transitioning to greener fuels is no longer optional, but investors remain divided on the best path forward. From hydrogen to ammonia, the race for sustainable solutions is heating up—but which option will lead the way? Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eusdNWCT #BlueEconomy #SustainableShipping #OceanInnovation #GreenFuels

🌊 Exciting Developments in the Blue Economy! 🌊 The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the selection of four business accelerators to propel ocean innovation: 🚀 StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator Led by UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and The Rady School of Management- Undergraduate Programs, this program supports the formation of advanced science and engineering startups addressing ocean-focused challenges. 🌊 gener8tor Great Lakes Resilience Accelerator Managed by gener8tor Management, LLC, this accelerator collaborates with partners such as Chain Reaction Innovations at Argonne National Laboratory, Current (a water innovation nonprofit), and Mazarine Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on water solutions. 🌐 VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator Operated by the NATIONAL COLLEGIATE INVENTORS & INNOVATORS ALLIANCE, INC. (dba VentureWell), this program is in the process of designing an accelerator to assist ocean-based climate resilience startups in overcoming commercialization challenges. ⚓ The Continuum A collaborative effort involving Tampa Bay Wave, Seaworthy Collective, St. Petersburg Innovation District, Braid Theory, University of South Florida, Ocean Exchange, and the World Ocean Council, this initiative aims to support ocean-focused startups and drive innovation in the blue economy. These accelerators are set to drive sustainable solutions in ocean technology, climate resilience, and economic growth. 🔗 Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/eBvfKQgA #BlueEconomy #OceanInnovation #Sustainability #NOAA #OceanTech

🌊 Dutch company GBM Works has raised €6 million in seed funding to further develop its Vibrojet® technology, a silent and environmentally friendly solution for installing offshore wind monopiles. Key investors in this round include Rotterdamse Havendraken , Katapult Ocean, EIC Fund, and existing shareholders, with additional opportunities for co-investors to raise funding to €7.5 million. The Vibrojet® technology aims to address environmental challenges by significantly reducing noise pollution during offshore wind construction, aligning with stricter regulations and mitigating harm to marine ecosystems. 🐟⚡ Read more: https://lnkd.in/dqGnciZV #OffshoreWind #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #MarineConservation #CleanTech #GreenEnergy #Innovation #ClimateAction #WindPower

🚀 Time for Your Weekly Ocean Innovation Roundup!💡 Let's dive in 🔍 🌊 GBM Works has secured €6 million in seed funding, with support from Rotterdamse Havendraken , Katapult Ocean, EIC Fund, and existing shareholders with room for co-investors to increase funding to €7.5 million, to advance its Vibrojet® technology, a silent and eco-friendly solution for installing offshore wind monopiles. https://lnkd.in/dqGnciZV 🌊 NTT Communications has launched a land-based aquaculture system through its new venture, NTT Aqua, enabling easy fish farming without filtration tanks, making it suitable even for small land plots. https://lnkd.in/dD3QmtZM 🌊 Ocean 14 Capital Fund has partnered with Norwegian cod farming operation KIME Akva AS to advance sustainable cod aquaculture as an alternative to declining wild stocks, helping to meet the growing global demand for fish protein. https://lnkd.in/dR83SZ5D 🌊 CorPower Ocean is partnering with switcH2 to develop a floating green ammonia production facility in northern Portugal, integrating wave energy with wind and solar to power offshore electrolyzers. https://lnkd.in/dXnSv-fV 🌊 Fujitsu has spun out BLUABLE, the first start-up from its Fujitsu Innovation Circuit program, to deliver comprehensive blue carbon services supporting global carbon neutrality. https://lnkd.in/dZijyGip 🌊 Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a groundbreaking modelling tool to advance marine hydrokinetic energy projects, which harness power from ocean waves, currents, and tides. https://lnkd.in/daj6QJVp 🌊 Portugal is launching INESCTEC.OCEAN in 2025, its first Center of Excellence for ocean engineering and marine technologies, to advance sectors like offshore renewable energy, deep-sea monitoring, and aquaculture. https://lnkd.in/dKasTn4u 🌊 Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) has announced plans for a 1.1-square-kilometre aquaculture hub to meet rising industry demand and enhance connectivity for domestic and global markets.  https://lnkd.in/dNdjwf8p 🌊 Spiralis Energy has launched the 'Tides2Tea' campaign to promote tidal energy innovation ahead of the 2025 testing of its Axial Skelter technology in Alderney waters. https://lnkd.in/dqJndNJE 🌊 New research from The Ocean Race reveals that 70% of marine microplastics come from clothing, textiles, and fishing gear, with Europe emerging as a significant hotspot.  https://lnkd.in/diZWD-qp 👉 Don't want to miss out on the latest Ocean Innovation News? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and we'll take care of the rest. https://lnkd.in/dp8CxUpa #OCEANOVATION #WeeklyRoundup #OceanInnovation

Portugal is leveraging its vast exclusive economic zone and rich maritime heritage to establish INESCTEC.OCEAN, the nation’s first Center of Excellence dedicated to ocean engineering and marine technologies. Set to launch in 2025 under the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence program, this initiative aims to propel key sectors such as offshore renewable energy, deep-sea monitoring, environmental impact assessment, and offshore aquaculture, while fostering innovation through cutting-edge onshore and offshore infrastructures. Partnering with national organizations like Fórum Oceano and APDL, and global leaders such as Norway's SINTEF Ocean, INESCTEC.OCEAN is poised to bridge science and industry. With SINTEF.OCEAN mentoring its scientific programs, Portugal aims to lead marine innovation and strengthen its position in the global Blue Economy. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dKasTn4u #BlueEconomy #MarineInnovation #Portugal #OceanTech #OffshoreEnergy #HorizonEurope #Sustainability #Aquaculture #DeepSeaExploration #ResearchAndDevelopment

Fujitsu has announced the successful spinout of BLUABLE Ltd., the first start-up born from its Fujitsu Innovation Circuit (FIC) program. Established in October 2024, BLUABLE provides end-to-end blue carbon services, from building seaweed beds to monitoring blue carbon initiatives and supporting global carbon neutrality goals. The start-up secured Spinout Capital Fund No.1 funding in November 2024 to refine its product-market fit and services. By driving innovative solutions for carbon capture in marine ecosystems, BLUABLE aims to promote sustainability and protect ocean health. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dZijyGip #BlueCarbon #Sustainability #MarineConservation #Startups #Innovation #ClimateAction #CarbonCapture #FujitsuInnovation #GreenTech #OceanSolutions

🌊 A Breakthrough in Plastic Sustainability 🌊 A groundbreaking innovation from the RIKEN, led by Takuzo Aida, has introduced a recyclable plastic that fully dissolves in seawater, addressing the growing issue of microplastic pollution. Published in Science, this material is both sturdy and biodegradable, disintegrating only when exposed to electrolytes like those found in the ocean. With cross-linked salt bridges ensuring strength and stability, this development offers a promising solution to the global plastic crisis, paving the way for sustainable materials that are ocean-friendly. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dDN4m28f #Sustainability #OceanHealth #PlasticFree #Innovation #CircularEconomy #ScienceForGood

🌎🐟 In 2023, global aquaculture startups achieved a record $1 billion in VC investments, driven by innovation in sustainable farming systems and cutting-edge technologies. However, 2024 has seen a sharp decline, with investments at $0.2 billion by September, the lowest since 2019, according to PitchBook. Despite Asia leading global aquaculture production (55% of the total), VC funding remains concentrated in Northern Europe. This is due to Europe’s complex, tech-intensive systems, led by corporations like SalMar and Mowi, which create more opportunities for agtech startups. Meanwhile, Asia's less tech-reliant methods, like freshwater pond systems, attract comparatively fewer VC dollars. 🌱✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/dhFV8Dd5 #Aquaculture #Sustainability #BlueEconomy #Innovation #VentureCapital #TechForGood #GlobalTrends #AgTech #SustainableFarming