Advancing Ocean Innovation

Planet & Purpose is a LinkedIn Newsletter featuring professional insights and personal experiences from ocean and climate ecopreneurs, investors, and advocates brought to you by Daniela V. Fernandez , Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA). This newsletter is paired with a handy ocean-climate glossary, for ease of comprehension.

May is National Inventors Month, so I took the opportunity to discuss ocean innovation with some of my favorite disruptors, including Navier Co-Founder & CEO Sampriti Bhattacharyya , clean-tech investment pioneer Adam de Sola Pool , and Ocean Solutions Mentor Phil Plumley .

In just a few short days, ocean advocates everywhere will celebrate World Ocean Month and on June 8, take action for UN World Oceans Day. Aligned to this dedicated period of ocean recognition, in June we’ll be featuring Marine Biologist Dr. Diva Amon , At One Ventures Investor Tom Chi , and Kortney Opshaug , Founder of Blue Ocean Gear .

Stay tuned!

Daniela: Sampriti, thank you for agreeing to be the first founder featured in Planet & Purpose!

Having been an early investor of Navier, I’m intimately familiar with your vision and innovative, for-profit ocean venture.

For the benefit of our readers, can you share in a nutshell what your startup solves for, the area of ocean impact it addresses, as well as progress to date?

Sampriti: Of course! Navier is revolutionizing the maritime industry by fundamentally transforming the economic model, convenience, and comfort of small marine vessels — paving the way for the next generation of clean, maritime companies.

We recently launched our first product, Navier 30 (or “N30”) — America’s first all-electric hydrofoil boat and the world’s longest-range electric boat.

N30 is ten times more efficient than a traditional gas boat with a quiet, smooth ride. Because it foils above the water, riders do not experience sea sickness.

Additionally, N30-Transformer launched as the world’s first flying water taxi during SailGP in May and is now being piloted for use in the San Francisco Bay and across the West Coast.

Our zero-emission marine vessels are unlocking a new mode of clean, scalable waterborne transportation for people and goods. This will be especially crucial for congested, coastal cities where as much as 46% of the global population resides.

Daniela: It’s amazing the waves you’ve already made and how rapidly you progressed from concept to production. As Navier scales, what do you feel is the potential for systemic reimagination of the maritime industry?

Sampriti: The planet is 70% ocean, so the potential is huge. Today’s maritime industry continues to be extremely polluting, highly fragmented, and old-school in terms of innovation.

By harnessing technological advancement in electrification and hydrofoil with faster computing and scalable manufacturing, we are now able to offer a cleaner, cost-effective alternative. 

While many people think going green is "charity" and would come at a business loss, we are proving the opposite! A whole new market of small-vessel, waterborne transportation is now possible because our vessel is ten times cheaper to operate.

With N30 vessels, every marina can be a transportation hub — a concept that was previously impossible. And when you make waterways accessible, waterfront properties and communities develop and it fuels economic growth!

Daniela: Tell us about your journey to founding Navier and how (based on your own experience) readers can channel their passion into purpose, generate profit, and ultimately benefit the planet?

Sampriti: I used to be an aerospace engineer, but while building underwater drones during my time as a Ph.D. student at MIT, my attention turned toward the ocean. 

The fact that we know less about our ocean than the moon’s surface was mind-blowing to me. The future of food, energy, transportation — and the entire health of the planet is tied to our ocean!

Ten years ago, the general consensus was that working in “ocean tech” was either very academic or nonprofit work, with little economic value. But I saw the advancement of tech-enabled for the space industry and it was obvious that there’d be huge economic returns from building next-generation, ocean companies. 

So my advice is to be willing to see things differently. If, like me, you have always been an inventor, entrepreneur, or explorer inspired by solving hard problems, take on an impactful challenge. Aspiring founders can fundamentally change how we interact with the world and push humanity forward.

Daniela: Speaking of humanity’s advancement, how can society — and specifically funders, investors, and educators — catalyze the next era of invention, bringing forth a period of development and progress that mirrors the "Age of Enlightenment"?

Sampriti: First, we must ask, “What world do we want to live in?” and consider the cumulative effect over the next 5, 10, and 100 years as technology evolves beyond our comprehension and control.

Intentional innovation with specific short and long-term goals could lead to a solar punk, future utopia. Invention to satisfy immediate greed could lead to an irreversible, dark, apocalyptic cyberpunk nightmare. 

To build our desired future society, diverse groups of technical experts, business leaders, funders, and academics should come together to identify impact areas and inventors in those spaces. University programs and platforms, resources, and tools should be made available to these aspiring founders. 

Advisors should guide the development of business models and commercialization, enabling inventors to focus on their genius. Together, we can build a green, sustainable planet for future generations to inhabit.

Daniela: How can inventors capitalize on available programs to channel their creativity and innovation in a specific, scalable direction so that revolutionary concepts that will support the ocean can successfully exit funding rounds and ultimately go to market?

Sampriti: What I can say to inventors is that if you believe your work can have a substantial impact, don’t shy away from getting the word out and attempting to commercialize.

Many novel inventions die in the basement labs of universities and never see the light, which is a huge loss for society. Perfecting every detail isn't crucial—take your ideas to different platforms, pitch them, and connect with others.

It is amazing that today there are so many programs and platforms actively funding inventors to build a better, sustainable world. These spaces offer an arena to meet helpful people, get feedback without judgment, and collaborate early. 

All these programs provide early funding to test and validate ideas and various ways to pilot your ideas, so embrace the mindset of rapid experimentation. Fearlessly test and learn from failures, propelling your ideas toward success. It takes a few tries to make hard things work! 

Daniela: Adam, I’m so excited to have the opportunity to tap into your expertise this month. 

What’s truly unique about your professional journey is that you don’t fit neatly into one category in the climate and ocean space. You’ve been a Founder, a Venture Capitalist, an Angel Investor, and a Mentor, so I know you’ll have so many unique insights to share with Planet & Purpose readers.

Adam: Thanks Daniela, that’s correct. I have helped to start roughly 20 different clean-tech companies across a variety of professional capacities. I served as CEO for one, and for others was Chairman of the Board of Directors, an investor, and/or mentor. 

Currently, I’m managing the new Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Mentor Program.

Daniela: Unbelievable! You’re what I’d call a “Jack-of-all-Climate-Trades.”

Let’s start with insights gleaned from your time as a CEO. What’s a challenge that a founder may encounter and how can they turn what others might experience as an obstacle into an opportunity?

Adam: Founders should expect the unexpected. Of the 20 companies I mentioned, four failed due to a lack of preparedness.

To avoid this eventuality, I highly recommend planning a “Management Team Risk Assessment Retreat” — a company-organized event that must involve every member of leadership and include discussion and game-planning for every conceivable risk. 

Risks vary by company, but a recent example of a risk to anticipate is the failure of a large bank holding the company’s deposits. A team prepared to flex their emergency reaction muscles can save a company in an unexpected moment of tragedy and benefit from a competitive edge in an industry-wide crisis.

Daniela: It’s true that no one goes into a startup envisioning a crisis. I’m glad you brought this up. It should help readers plan ahead and be prepared to respond to an unfortunate scenario. 

Leaning into your example of the failure of a large bank holding a startup’s deposits, what are your predictions for the biggest evergreen and current challenges to funding ocean tech?

Adam: A current obstacle to securing investments is the sheer volume of capital required to implement and scale promising ocean tech that is sitting on the proverbial shelf.

I’ve unfortunately had to decline such investment opportunities myself. For example, open ocean charging stations distributed across the Atlantic would transform the recreational boating and maritime industries, but the associated costs are stupendous.

The fix? We need existing venture funders to set aside project capital and develop demonstration funds. This dedicated money would power the first few operational projects of a given, emerging technology. Once conservative, commercial institutions became convinced the given solution was both functional and economical, they’d more willingly fund its global rollout.

Daniela: So essentially, money has to be intentionally set aside to take on the first phase of risky ocean solutions to prove their “seaworthiness”, if you will, which would encourage more established entities to then step in and help scale the tech. 

That actually leads me to my next question, which is: how can society — specifically funders, investors, and educators — catalyze the next era of ocean invention, bringing forth a period of development and progress that mirrors the Age of Enlightenment… but for the ocean?

Adam: To stimulate an "Age of Ocean Enlightenment,” we need to get the public sector’s buy-in.

If every government pension fund (think your state teachers pension fund) had to report its Blue Economy investments, it would prompt consultancy and investment advisory industries to begin tracking ocean metrics.

In reviewing data, well-managed funds reporting zero investment in the Blue Economy would course-correct to capitalize on this valuable opportunity, catalyzing funds to flow into the sector.

I encourage Planet & Purpose readers to call or email elected officials about sponsoring regulations and legislation to implement a reporting requirement for every state pension fund.

Daniela: I definitely agree with the need for a cross-sector, hybrid approach to funding ocean innovation, and thanks for offering a way for readers to take action.

Since we’ve covered your advice as a former Founder and Investor, let’s talk about mentorship. As a final, two-part question, why did you become a mentor and what have your mentees taught you over the years?

Adam: As my professional journey unfolded, I realized every good investor should also mentor.

In this hybrid capacity, I offer both liquidity AND valuable (possibly more valuable) experience advising the entrepreneurs I invest in on how to avoid common potholes startups face.

Even when I do not invest, mentorship generates goodwill and allows me to offer my 20th-century perspective as relevant to impact the innovators leading the way in the 21st.

As for what I’ve learned, diverse opinions and demographics (from generation to geography to professional experience) are necessary. Despite associated management challenges, varied composition builds a stronger, more dynamic company.

Daniela: Hi Phil, thank you so much for joining us. Can you please share a bit about yourself with Planet & Purpose readers, specifically, the ways in which you serve as an ocean advocate?

Phil: Thanks, Daniela. Anything that helps! 

I wear a few different hats. Currently, I serve as a consultant and advisor for various ocean ventures. My passion project is the Ocean Matters Podcast, in which we explore how innovation has been a support to science and the planet. For example, we examine how the small yellow submarine in front of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco was a rudimentary predecessor to the drones that have become commonplace tech solutions today. 

Lastly, and importantly for purposes of this newsletter, I am also mentoring, which keeps me learning — and that is key in this field.

Daniela: An individual of many talents, to be sure! Adam Pool touched on his journey to mentorship earlier in this edition. But for those unfamiliar with this crucial role in the startup ecosystem, can you dive deeper into explaining how a mentor offers support to an aspiring or early-stage Founder?

Phil: Well thank you for that, and I’m happy to share my perspective. A mentor bolsters the company’s potential for success.

Initially, we advise the founder on strategy, help clarify their ideas and strengthen their business plan, and suggest different potential applications of their climate or ocean solution.

As the company evolves, our role can transition to operational. We’ll provide feedback on proposed company structures, touch base around benchmarks and milestones, and help keep development within budget.

An honest and useful mentor provides both a supportive, safe space (highlighting wins and the founder’s competencies) and identifies areas for growth (like developing discipline).

Daniela: That’s such an important point, that a mentor can serve the dual purposes of cheerleader and coach. Putting on your ‘coach’ hat, what insights can you impart to aspiring founders that might challenge their current way of thinking?

Phil: Aspiring founders: examine if you’re innovating for the sake of innovation.

I have encountered expensive and sophisticated solutions that no one ever wanted and simple solutions that ultimately proved to be the most impactful, marketable, and profitable.

Aligned with that, be open to constructive criticism from mentors AND colleagues. When you’re hiring, don’t fall into the trap of surrounding yourself with solely “yes” people. Instead, build a team that will tear up bad ideas to help achieve the vision.

All good ideas need to go through the intense exercise of developing, destroying, and remodeling to build momentum and move the needle.

Daniela: I love those and they go hand in hand. Identifying people who support your dreams and who also know how to raise valid concerns to help strengthen a product or service is invaluable.

I’m so grateful that the Sustainable Ocean Alliance “Dream Team” voices their perspectives and brings expertise to various verticals I’m not versed in.

Any advice for those who want to be part of a team in the climate and/or ocean space, rather than a founder?

Phil: You are more than your resumé.

Personally, being in bands and orchestras, songwriting, publishing, and producing has served me as much as working in finance, energy, and with international organizations. 

When it comes to innovation, we need participants in each step of the process. Those who understand what is needed (founders/disruptors), those who create the product or offer the service (scientists, engineers, manufacturers), communicate it (poets, marketers, creators, filmmakers), and beyond.

The reality is a movie could raise more awareness of an impact area and potential solutions than the combined platforms of 50 scientists.

We need people who inspire!

Daniela: I couldn’t agree with you more. To summarize: a successful startup takes a village! For those looking to contribute in their unique capacity, what are key impact areas and opportunities across the Sustainable Blue Economy to get involved?

Phil: The Sustainable Ocean Alliance Impact Report is a great place to start but here are a few that I’m particularly focused on:

1. Raising awareness/education (to prevent further damage).
2. Community solutions, especially in coastal regions and areas suffering from extreme weather events (bonus points if they’re scalable). 
3. Eco-friendly substitutes for polluting products (an impact area with innumerable applications for disruption across industries, especially plastics, and packaging).
4. Data accessibility technology (like marine drones), underwater communication devices and cameras, and extreme weather sensors. I see this buzzy tech evolving alongside AI and ML over the next 5 years.

Daniela: Thank you for the shout-out to SOA’s solutions and their impact to date as a great place to start, as well as for ID’ing the trends you’ve seen emerging in your experience as a Mentor.

A final question for National Inventors Month: How can society catalyze the next era of invention, bringing forth a period of development and progress like the Age of Enlightenment?

Phil: I think it is absolutely essential to understand we are all a part of one interconnected, complex system.

Worldwide, efforts are being made in geographic silos to solve similar climate crisis problems. Integrating ideas to redesign a healthier planet can help collectively achieve shared breakthroughs in a split second, historically speaking. 

The inspiring, younger generation is key to ushering in the next “Age of Enlightenment.” Being raised in an era of immediate access to information, they’ll harness the tools at their fingertips to build, bring to market, and scale solutions faster than ever. Then it’s on society to adopt them.

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Have questions about the Blue Economy, Ecopreneurship, Investing, or Mentorship in the ocean and climate innovation space? Submit your inquiries here and we’ll answer them in upcoming editions.

Exclusive Opportunities for Planet & Purpose Readers

• Interviewee Adam Pool is managing the new Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Mentor Program. If you’ve run a business arising from an academic setting (any sector), reach out about mentorship. Time commitment is a minimum of 1 hour per month advising WHOI scientists on how to start a company using their lab technologies. Contact Adam.
• Navier is hiring full-time staff and interns for the fall! Email info@navierboat.com and learn more at www.navierboat.com

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