OceanHub African Accelerator Programme Applications Open

Around the world, ocean-impact accelerators are emerging as societies start to realize the importance of focusing efforts and investments towards healthier oceans. Cape Town-based impact accelerator OceanHub Africa is calling on impact-for-profit startups focused on preserving and restoring the health of the ocean to apply for this year’s six-month online acceleration programme. 

In a press statement, Alexis Grosskopf and Stéphanie Canac, Co-founders of OceanHub provide insight into the importance of assisting ocean-conscious and sustainable-focused startups. 

“We believe it is down to businesses to implement the necessary changes and up to us to promote more Oceans-conscious innovative businesses : innovations led by science, technology and entrepreneurship will provide the necessary leverage points to meet SDGs’ objectives [Sustainable Development Goals], with the right pace and scale” say Co-founders of OceanHub Africa Alexis and Stéphanie. 

OceanHub African Accelerator programme

Applications for the OceanHub African Accelerator Programme opened on 25 January 2021 and close on 5 March 2021. Interested startups can submit an online application for the programme here. 

Beginning in April 2021, only the most innovative and impact-driven startups that focus on developing an environmentally conscious and profitable ocean economy will be selected for the prestigious accelerator. 

The programme will assist participating startups to scaleup their existing business model with insight from OceanHub’s partner services and highly qualified network of stakeholders. In addition, participants will be provided mentorship and support that includes one-on-one business training and personal development skills. 

Other benefits of the accelerator include pitching to investors and access to a large portfolio of impact investors that form part of the ocean-focused ecosystem. 

How to qualify

Interested applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• An ocean-minded startup, that has a direct or indirect positive impact on the ocean by either addressing or providing tangible solutions to climate change, pollution, or overexploitation of the ocean
• A for-profit organization and operational in Africa
• The startup must have a scalable service or product readily available to market or soon to be available 
• The startup’s product is innovative and adopts a disruptive business model 
• Aiming to enter new investments and markets.