Calling for innovative, ocean-minded startups
OceanHub Africa, Africa’s leading enabler of ocean-impact entrepreneurship, is excited to announce the launch of the sixth cohort of its twelve-month (12) acceleration program. This initiative aims to support up to twenty-four (24) of Africa’s most promising impact-driven for-profit startups dedicated to preserving and restoring the health of the ocean. With two (2) intakes in the year (March and July), the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
What You Can Expect From
The Acceleration Program
Global ocean-impact
Access to a global ocean-impact ecosystem to network with leading ocean experts, mentors, self-development coaches, alumni, impact investors, and potential clients and collaborators.
Network
Engage with like-minded entrepreneurs within the Blue Economy space in Africa and abroad.
Hands-on support
To accelerate your growth, including customer acquisition, executing your Proof of Concept, and scaling your business through commercial contracts and fundraising.
Hybrid-format program
Combining a one-week in-person bootcamp, in-person participation in the annual Ocean Innovation Africa Summit, and remote sessions using online tools and communication methods.
Two Phases
The program will be running in two phases per intake. Evaluations will determine the 12 startups who progress to the second phase (Bridge to Opportunities) for additional engagement support to see through to graduation.
In Partnership with
Program Offerings
Service Package
- Up to $75k worth of cloud service through our partner AWS Activate.
- Over $40k worth of mechanical engineering design software licences for prototyping and virtual testing, courtesy to our partner. 3DExperience Lab.
- Access to Dassault Systèmes, Amazon Web Services, Hubspot support, and Notion Premium.
- Legal advisory sessions with Sidley Austin, Bowmans, and Lex Mundi (multinational law firms) based on your targeted market, valued at up to $50k.
- Advisory sessions with: Mercator Ocean International, Blue Oceans Partners, Ocean14 Capital, WWF-SA, Dept. of Oceanography University of Cape Town, EuroSIMA, and more!
- Self-development coaching with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business’ Centre for Coaching.
Mentorship & Support
- Participation in an in-person bootcamp.
- Tailored business skills and personal development 1-on-1 coaching.
- Sales, Product Development, Communication, and Business Development Support.
- Mentorship from our network of scientific, business, impact, and investment experts from international corporations, foundations, universities, and intergovernmental organisations.
Network
- Access to networking events and conferences, including partial funding to attend, host an exhibition stand and stage time at the Ocean Innovation Africa annual summit.
- Access to potential clients (market leads) for local and international expansion.
- The potential to attend Katapult Ocean’s Future Festival in Norway.
Fund-Raising Support
- Potential funding of up to 15k USD.
- Investor readiness support in preparing and conducting investor pitches, including training sessions with partner investors directly.
- Assistance in structuring deals, including reviews by transactional and commercial lawyers.
- Access to a diverse portfolio of impact investors and corporate venture capitalist funds.
- Access to a dedicated investment with the partnership with Katapult Ocean’s investment team.
Selection Criteria
Impact & Vision
Positive impact for triple - bottom line - People, Planet and Profit
Aligned vision with OceanHub Africa
Business Model
Market & Traction
Commercial Value
Strategy for growth & scalability
Team
Expertise & Background
Collective ambition & passion
Technology
IP Owned
Reliability
Innovation
Adaptability & Scalability
Timeline
Registrations
First Phase Intake 1
First Phase Intake 2
Second Phase
High Level Terms
What we expect from the entrepreneur(s):
- Availability (at least 1.5 x full-time equivalents dedicated to the project).
- Limited commitment to other support programs concurrently.
- Transparent communication and cooperation.
- Involvement of at least 2 key C-level team members in the acceleration program.
- Commitment to cover the travel expenses (airfare and visa) for 1 representative attending the in-person bootcamp and Ocean Innovation Africa. Accommodation and food support will be provided.
- Reporting to OceanHub Africa and other stakeholders.
- As part of our collaborative success, compensation for OHA’s support can be structured through success fees:
- up to 5% on subsequent fundraising (over the program duration + 2 years) and
- up to 10% on commercial contracts secured through OHA’s introductions.
- Alternatively, equity in the business can be negotiated, with the percentage to be co-defined with the startup.
FAQs
What is OceanHub Africa's acceleration program?
OceanHub Africa’s acceleration program is a 12-month initiative designed to support innovative, ocean-impact-driven startups in Africa. It offers access to mentorship, funding, networking, and resources to help startups scale and succeed in the Blue Economy space, with a focus on preserving and restoring the health of the ocean.
Who is eligible to apply for the acceleration program?
The program is open to for-profit startups in Africa that are working towards positive ocean impact, whether the impact is direct or indirect. Startups must demonstrate a strong business model, a visionary team, and scalable low to high technology. Applicants must also have at least 1.5 full-time equivalents (FTEs) dedicated to the project.
What types of support does the program offer?
The program offers a variety of support, including:
- Up to $75k worth of cloud services through AWS Activate.
- Mechanical engineering software licenses for prototyping and testing.
- Legal and business advisory services worth up to $50k.
- Mentorship from experts in science, business, impact, and investment.
- Networking opportunities at events like the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit.
- Fundraising support, including potential funding and investor readiness coaching.
How does the hybrid format of the program work?
The program combines in-person and remote components. It includes:
- A one-week in-person bootcamp.
- In-person participation in the annual Ocean Innovation Africa Summit.
- Remote sessions using online tools for ongoing support throughout the year.
When can I apply for the program?
Applications are open on a rolling basis for two intakes each year: March and July. The first intake for 2025 will start in March, and the second intake will begin in July. Key dates for 2025 can be found in the program timeline.
What is the selection process for the program?
The selection process includes:
- Pre-screening of applications
- Shortlisting of candidates based on the selection criteria, such as impact, business model, team, and technology.
- Pitch preparation and final selection interviews in February and June per intake, respectively.
- The announcement of selected startups
- Please note that the program will be running in two phases per intake.
Evaluations will determine who progresses to the second phase for added engagement support to see through to graduation.
What are the key terms for participation in the program?
Entrepreneurs are expected to:
- Dedicate at least 1.5 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to the startup.
- Limit participation in other support programs during the acceleration period.
- Have at least two key C-level team members involved in the program.
- Cover travel expenses for attending in-person components (airfare and visa), though accommodation and food will be provided.
- Report regularly to OceanHub Africa and stakeholders.
- As part of our collaborative success, compensation for OHA’s support can be structured through success fees: up to 5% on subsequent fundraising (over the program duration + 2 years) and up to 10% on commercial contracts secured through OHA’s introductions. Alternatively, equity in the business can be negotiated, with the percentage to be co-defined with the startup.
What is the funding support available in the program?
Startups have the potential to receive up to $15,000 in recoverable grant funding, along with investor readiness support, including pitch training, deal structuring assistance, and access to a network of impact investors and corporate venture capitalists.
What kind of mentorship will startups receive?
Startups will have access to tailored 1-on-1 coaching in areas like business skills, product development, communication, and sales. They will also receive mentorship from a diverse network of experts from international corporations, foundations, universities, and intergovernmental organizations, as well as scientific and impact specialists. Startups will also receive self-development coaching to enhance their entrepreneur resilience and development.
The benefits of being part of the OceanHub Africa network
Being part of OceanHub Africa’s network provides:
- Access to a global ecosystem of ocean-impact incubators and accelerators.
- Connections to potential clients for both local and international expansion.
- Opportunities to showcase your startup at high-profile events like the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit.
- Access to key external partners and support networks, such as Amazon Web Services, Dassault Systèmes, and more.
Apply Now
Applications open 9th December
Apply now to OceanHub Africa’s twelve-month acceleration program, supporting up to 24 innovative startups restoring ocean health. With intakes in March and July, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—don’t miss your chance! We are a nominator of the earthshot prize.
