Ocean Enterprise Accelerator 2026

NOAA funded accelerator for commercialization of new ocean data technologies and services

Apr 13-Jun 15 '26 (9 weeks)

The Ocean Enterprise Accelerator supports ocean enterprise, data, and technology companies advancing solutions across the blue economy. This NOAA-funded program is delivered in partnership with The Continuum, a collaboration of seven entrepreneurial support organizations.

This 90-day, virtual accelerator features weekly workshops and dedicated 1:1 mentor support, complemented by optional in-person engagement at Braid Space, our co-working hub located at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles. Like all Braid Theory accelerators, the Ocean Enterprise Accelerator focuses on three core pillars of commercialization: building capability, capacity, and intellectual capital.

FAQs:

Q. Do you take equity?

A. No, our Accelerator and Incubator programs are free of charge.

Q. What kind of financial support is available?

A. Upon successful graduation and application, participating teams may be eligible to apply for up to $150,000 in non-dilutive funding through the Technology Development and Commercialization Awards.

Q. What is the time commitment?

A. During the 10-week program, teams will engage in a one and a half hour curriculum call, a one hour 1:1 mentor call with their assigned advisor, and be responsible for working towards specific deliverables. We understand founders are very busy. Expect to spend a range of 3-5 hours a week.

Q. How is the program structured?

A. During the 10-week program, teams will engage in weekly interactive webinars with related assignments, one-on-one meetings with their assigned advisor, in-person and virtual office hours with industry experts, stakeholder introductions for customer discovery, access to co-working space, and more. At the end of the program, you will have a defined pitch ready for either investors or partners.

Q. What are the key areas of focus for the accelerator program?

A. The program concentrates on three key aspects of commercialization: building capability, capacity, and intellectual capital. In addition to curriculum topics like business model canvas and product/market fit, customer discovery, value proposition, and go-to-market strategy, a range of other critical areas will also be covered.

Q. What are the attendance requirements?

A. You must attend 70% of the weekly workshops unless agreed upon in writing.