We take a ‘whole ocean’ view, seeking new ideas in areas from ocean-based climate change solutions to technologies that support the implementation of offshore renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, reduction of ocean plastics, cleaner shipping and ports, and coastal resiliency. Your idea must have a clear connection to the ocean.

BlueSwell is targeting ventures looking to validate a beachhead market or explore a new one. For instance, a business model innovation that has been well-researched and maybe lightly tested, or a technology coming out of the lab that is looking for a refined business model. We will facilitate, making industry and expert connections to accelerate your value proposition, and help you talk to potential customers to validate your offering.

The BlueSwell Incubator is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are seeking Founders that are dedicated to launching impactful businesses. There is no specific experience level or background required. We take seriously our responsibility to seek and attract diverse applicants to aid in the expansion of opportunity in the field of bluetech, and are planning our recruitment process accordingly. We do require that at least one founder is full time with the project by program start, and while we do not exclude solo founders, we encourage co-founding teams.

Applicants accepted into the BlueSwell program are eligible for a $50k stipend, to be disbursed in 2 tranches, at the beginning and middle of the program, subject to the review of the Founder’s progress by the Steering Committee.

No, as long as Founders are meeting their milestones they will receive $50k in grants, to be disbursed in 2 tranches. Founders can spend funding based on their specific needs, where they see best fit. Mentorship and workshops through BlueSwell will help Founders in making financial decisions.

The program focuses on supporting Founders through a combination of mentorship and curriculum, including workshops. Leadership and business operations will take place each week, and mentor engagements will be tailored to the organization’s development. The program will also include peer presentations and feedback sessions, monthly opportunities to connect with successful bluetech founders, networking events and site visits. Weekly founders’ forums host a space to work through difficult questions and celebrate wins with the Cohort. All founders will have access to up to 2 coworking seats at the CIC Kendall Square for the length of the program, which comes with a variety of benefits including discounts on AWS, Hubspot, MathWorks, Google Cloud, and Asana. The CIC Kendall square has stocked community kitchens, unmetered access to conference rooms, enterprise-grade internet services, printing and copying, phones, high-end furniture, operational and technical support, concierge services, perks and wellness offerings, and more.

SeaAhead and New England Aquarium provide a community of mentors, partners, and investors during the program and through the lifetime of our cohort companies. We ask for a small amount of equity and the right to invest in a future round in exchange for the time, resources, and valuable support that we provide.

This is a 20-week program, planned from September through February with breaks for holidays.

We believe that there is a lot of innovation in universities and labs that is ripe for commercialization. However, before you apply please make sure that you have the rights to the technology. Typically you will need an agreement with your institution, so please contact your technology transfer office early, as this can take time. Further, the applicant has to have at least one Founder committed full-time to pursue the concept for the entirety of the program period. Academic PIs who would only be part-time and who have not identified a full time co-Founder are discouraged from applying.

Applicants who submit before the priority deadline will be eligible to pitch live to a member of the selection committee. Those submitting after the priority deadline will submit a recording of their own pitch for committee review. Finalists will be alerted and additional materials will be requested. The application will then be sent for review by technical and commercial experts, a virtual interview will be scheduled, and references contacted. Applicants will be alerted in August if they have been accepted into the program.

One founder is required to be present in our space at CIC Cambridge for the one week a month in-person curriculum components. Exact dates will be provided as the program start date nears.

Teams will have co-working seats at CIC and are encouraged to work there at other times during the program to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities. You are not required to be there every day, so if you need to access equipment or facilities elsewhere, that will not be a problem. If you are accepted into the program, we will work with you to locate the resources you need if you don't already have them.

For international teams, we will prioritize companies that have applications to the Northeast US market and are willing to relocate to work alongside us for the duration of the program.

You must already have the right to work in the US for the length of the program. We will not be sponsoring employment in the US.

For international teams, we will prioritize companies that have applications to the Northeast US market and are willing to relocate to work alongside us for the duration of the program.