ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Start With the Wind at Your Back

BlueSwell focuses on bridging the gaps between innovators, ocean experts, industries and the venture community. We support founders as they bring their innovations toward commercialization.

Program Overview

We believe that bluetech innovation can deliver both investment returns and impact. The goal of the BlueSwell program is to enable founders to convert their ocean-focused startups into profitable and sustainable businesses.

Hear reflections from BlueSwell Cohort V members in our Demo Day 2025 intro video.

Who Should Apply?

Early-stage bluetech startups that are ready to commercialize their tech or product and share our commitment to ocean impact.

What Do You Get Out of the Program?

BlueSwell provides access to SeaAhead’s broad and deep blue economy ecosystem. Our program is aimed at building your company’s knowledge and expertise around product-market fit, capital formation, branding, team building, and governance.

By the time they graduate, BlueSwell participants…

Have a verified product/market fit, a viable business model, and a clear plan to scale, as well as pitch decks and pro formas

Have built connections with customers, investors, potential partners, and other ocean stakeholders

Are prepared to accept commercial investment and apply for financial resources (e.g. company legally formed, accounting processes in place, etc)

Have developed their leadership skills, including methods for engaging advisors and building a team and a support network

Key Details

Program Type

Hybrid: virtual combined with five in-person weeks

Program Length

Mid-October 2025 to early February 2026

Location

Cambridge, MA

BlueSwell is headquartered at CIC Cambridge One Broadway.

Funding

Stipend awarded to participants to cover costs of participation

Key Dates

Late June 2025

Applications open

Mid-July 2025

Applications close

Early September 2025

Cohort chosen

Mid-October 2025

Program start

Early February 2026

Cohort VI Demo Day

 

What are the selection criteria?

During the selection process, BlueSwell staff and a team of experts will identify the most promising startups based on the below criteria:

Ocean Impact

The company will advance ocean health, global sustainability, or resilience.

Commercial Scalability

A technology or product with an identified market opportunity and the potential to scale.

Team

A founding team that, while perhaps incomplete, has the commitment and skills to propel the company forward.

Program Fit

A company that is positioned to derive maximum benefit from the program and can contribute to the cohort.

Commitment

A team that can commit to program for its entire duration and have at least one company representative present and participating at all programming.

Words from BlueSwell Founders

“We did not have a ton of business acumen, so the BlueSwell Program was like an MBA. The person I was coming into the BlueSwell Program and the business person I am coming out are totally different.”

Phil Caspers, Crewless Marine

Words from Our Mentors

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as a mentor and advisor in the BlueSwell program, and support rising stars in the industry, help contribute to building a sustainable sector, and expand my professional network.”

Linda Cornish, Seafood Nutrition Partnership

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on BlueSwell announcements

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We take a "whole ocean" view. If your tech or product can advance ocean health, global sustainability, or resilience, you should consider applying.

  • Pre-seed and seed companies. For example, a technology that is looking for a refined business model, or a venture that is shifting out of R&D and is now looking to validate their beachhead market.

    If you are uncertain if you're at the right stage, please reach out to us via blueswell@sea-ahead.com.

  • Equity is not a prerequisite for the program. In exchange for the support offered, SeaAhead requests the right to invest in a future funding round at a discount. Additional opportunities to continue working together are available to program alumni.

  • Current professors and students may apply, but you or another founder representing your venture must be present at all programming. Before you apply, please also ensure that you have the rights to your technology. Contact your technology transfer office in advance.

  • No, but at least one representative from each cohort member must join us at CIC Cambridge One Broadway for the full duration of each in-person week. Two team members from each company will be given CIC memberships, allowing them access to any CIC co-working space across the globe.

  • Companies must establish a U.S. entity to participate and receive the stipend. The BlueSwell Program does not provide stipends to individuals or foreign entities.

    You must also be able to travel to the U.S. for five separate visits over the course of the program.

    If you have questions, please reach out to blueswell@sea-ahead.com.

  • Please reach out to the BlueSwell team via blueswell@sea-ahead.com.

Learn more about BlueSwell

The venture ecosystem the ocean's been waiting for.