OceanHub Africa Accelerator Programme Calls For Applications

OceanHub Africa, a South Africa based startup accelerator, has opened applications for a six month online acceleration programme, targeted at startups with innovative and impact-driven solutions that seeks to restore the health of the oceans.

Founded by Alexis Grosskopf and Stéphanie Canac, OceanHub Africa supports “ocean-conscious” entrepreneurs and initiatives to find solutions to the world’s threatened marine ecosystems.

In a press statement, these founders explained 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”, they stated.

In April 2021, only startups that meet the criteria for innovation and a focus on promoting a profitable ocean economy will be selected for the programme.

Startups who qualify stand to gain the following:

Assistance in scaling their business models

Highly qualified stakeholder network

Mentorship and support

Business training and personal development skills

On the other hand, startups who wish to apply must meet these 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 organisation 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.

Applications close on the 5th of March 2021. Interested startups can submit an online application for the programme here.