Ocean Startup Project

Lab2Market Oceans / Validate is a 10-week, full-time program that helps graduate students and postdoctoral researchers test the market potential of ocean-related research and explore commercialization, with $15,000 in Mitacs funding.

After more than eight years in Canada’s startup ecosystem, and the last two working closely with ocean tech founders across Canada, one thing has become increasingly clear: ocean technology is entering a new phase driven by advances in digital tools and rising strategic demand.

The Ocean Startup Project has launched the second round of Amplify, a national commercialization initiative making up to $25,000 available per startup to help Canadian ocean founders move from product validation to market traction. Designed for pilot-ready startups, Amplify supports companies at on

Applications are open for the 2026 Ocean Startup Challenge, which supports early-stage Canadian ocean technology startups. Up to 15 startups may receive up to $25,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding, mentorship, and national support.

Karey Billyard is leaving her role as Ecosystem Navigator with the Ocean Startup Project to pursue another opportunity. Her work supported ocean founders and Canada’s ocean startup ecosystem.

Canada’s next wave of ocean technology companies is taking on everything from seafood waste and aquaculture disease to marine decarbonization, coastal erosion and autonomous ocean monitoring.

Natasha Legay is the Ocean Challenge Director at the Ocean Startup Project (OSP). In her role, she is responsible for leading initiatives, such as the Ocean Challenge competitions, and also oversees the planning and execution of various OSP events and mentorship activities.

The company connects Canada’s ocean founders with resources, funding, training, and expert guidance to develop early-stage ideas into scalable, sustainable ocean solutions.