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Acceleration program 2026/ 27

Applications close 21 April 2026
Apply here

About OceanHub Africa

Africa's Leading Enabler of Ocean-Impact Entrepreneurship

OceanHub Africa is the continent’s leading force in ocean-impact entrepreneurship. We don’t just host a program. We are your strategic partner to de-risk, scale, and access funding for your venture.

We are exclusively dedicated to supporting high-potential, for-profit startups actively working to preserve and restore the health of the ocean through our tailored approach to acceleration.

What we do

We support, connect, and invest in the African-led innovation to protect and restore our oceans by providing the specialized support, global connections, and catalytic investment needed to scale a regenerative Blue Economy.

Support

We back African ocean-impact startups tackling pollution, overexploitation, and climate change.

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Connect

We connect entrepreneurship with an international ocean ecosystem.

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Invest

We invest in sustainable, ocean-impact entrepreneurship that disrupts the business landscape.

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The Results? Real Impact, Real Returns

Since our inception, our portfolio has successfully raised over $15.5 Million USD (as of Cohort 5).

Join us to build a financially viable Blue Economy that effectively combats global warming, pollution, overexploitation, and loss of biodiversity across 4 key areas of ocean impact:

  • Sustainable Blue Food
  • Clean Ocean Energy
  • Solutions to Pollution
  • Low-Carbon Transport and Ports

About the program

This intensive acceleration program runs for up to twelve (12) months and is specifically designed to rapidly scale Africa’s most promising ocean-impact ventures.

We will support up to twenty-four (24) high-potential startups, welcoming founders with both pre-revenue and post-revenue status, provided you have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or are very close to launching one.

We host two intakes throughout the year—one kicking off in March (longer track) and a second in July (shorter track).

Hybrid Format

Our structure blends high-impact, in-person deep dives with flexible remote support to minimize disruption to your operations while maximizing acceleration.

In-Person Bootcamp:

A compulsory one-week in-person training bootcamp (travel costs for at least one representative must be covered by the startup; accommodation and food are provided).

Annual Ocean Innovation Africa Summit:

In-person participation for graduating startups (including a delegate pass) and pitching time at the Summit (travel costs for one representative must be covered by the startup; accommodation and food are provided).

Remote Sessions:

Ongoing one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and training sessions conducted using online tools and communication methods.

Program Structure and Timeline

The program is structured in two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Pathway to Readiness:

This initial phase is dedicated to building and refining the core elements of your business. We ensure you possess the key strategies and materials necessary to successfully engage potential clients, funders, and investors.
The entire program features an intense in-person bootcamp for each intake and culminates with the BlueTech Showcase gathering key stakeholders within the hosting region

Acceleration Assessment:

Following Phase 1, a rigorous assessment determines which ventures have demonstrated the most growth potential and commitment. The elimination of 12 or more startups occurs at this point.

Phase 2: Bridge to Opportunities

Up to a maximum of the top 12 remaining startups proceed to this advanced phase. Phase 2 is where we increase focus on stakeholder engagement, visibility, and direct introductions, as the teams have demonstrated they are ready to engage with investors and strategic partners.
Phase 2 participants are also eligible for our potential Blue Loop Fund, as well as curated introductions via our digital dealroom.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking up to 24 African-focused, passionate, scalable, and impact-driven startups that meet all our eligibility criteria and demonstrate excellence across our selection criteria.

Specifically, we look for companies that:
  • Are for-profit entities operating primarily in Africa.
  • Are ocean-minded, with a direct or indirect positive impact on the ocean (addressing sustainable blue foods, clean ocean energy, solutions to pollution, and low-carbon transportation and ports.
  • Have a scalable service or product either on the market or soon to be launched.
  • Are seeking investments or new markets for expansion.

Who We’re Looking For

Joining the OceanHub Africa portfolio provides an immersive experience designed to accelerate your growth and establish your company as a leader in the Blue Economy.

Specifically, we look for companies that:

Hands-On Growth Support:
Dedicated assistance with customer acquisition, executing your Proof of Concept (PoC), and scaling your business through guidance from our Entrepreneur-in-Residence team, and strategic exposure to Blue Economy stakeholders.

Networking with an Ocean Ecosystem:
Access to a global community of ocean experts, seasoned mentors, alumni, impact investors, potential clients, and collaborators.

Focused Peer Engagement:
Opportunities to engage and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs within the African and international Blue Economy space.

Personal and Professional Development:
Tailored 1-on-1 coaching for business skills and personal development, including self-development coaching with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business’ Centre for Coaching.

What We Offer

World-Class Mentorship and Support

Receive tailored support and guidance covering all aspects of your business growth:

  • Participation in the in-person training bootcamp.
  • Mentorship from our global network of experts.
  • Technical support from our Engineer-in-Residence and dedicated pool of experts
  • Direct support in Sales, Product Development, Communication, and Business Development.
  • Potential opportunity to participate in Katapult Ocean’s acceleration program post-OHA graduation.

Strategic Fundraising Support

We provide the resources and connections necessary to secure the capital you need to scale:

  • Potential funding: Opportunities for catalytic financial support in the form of an interestt-free loan from our Blue Loop Facility
  • Pitch Training: Support in preparing and conducting compelling investor pitches, including training sessions with partner investors.
  • Deal Structuring: Assistance in structuring deals, including reviews by transactional and commercial lawyers.
  • Investor Access: Direct access to a diverse portfolio of impact investors and Corporate Venture Capitalist funds, supported by Katapult Ocean’s investment team.
  • Awards Nomination: OceanHub Africa is a nominator organization for The Earthshot Prize, promoting our portfolio to this prestigious global award.

Potential access to our Blue Loop Fund

The Blue Regeneration Loop Finance Facility (BLF), supported by partners including The Coca-Cola Foundation, Builders Vision, and DOEN Foundation, is designed to support the financial scaling of ocean-impact ventures.

Purpose of the Facility
The BLF is a catalytic resource providing interest-free loans, of up to $30,000 USD. These funds are strategically deployed to enable current accelerator participants to achieve critical scaling milestones by:

  • Validating key aspects of your market strategy or technology.
  • De-risking your business model to attract private investment.
  • Achieving either commercial readiness (e.g., pilot completion, initial revenue) or investment readiness (e.g., clear valuation, robust financial model).

The repayment structure is designed to act as a powerful signal of credibility to future investors and instill financial discipline, preparing ventures for commercial loans and private investment.

Important Note on Selection
Please note: The financial facility offers loans, not grants, and the BLF is reserved exclusively for a select number of ventures. Selection is made following a rigorous review by an independent investment committee.

Eligibility Criteria

Growth Stage:

You are actively seeking investments or exploring new markets.

To be considered for the OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program, your startup must meet all the following requirements:

Impact Focus:

Your startup is ocean-minded, having a direct or indirect positive impact on the oceans (addressing climate change, pollution, or overexploitation).

Legal Status & Location:

You are a for-profit entity operating in Africa.

Product Maturity:

You offer a scalable service or product either on the market or soon to be launched.

Innovation:

Your product/service demonstrates innovation and/or your business model is disruptive.

Growth Stage:

You are actively seeking investments or exploring new markets.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be rigorously evaluated by our committee across four key pillars:

Impact and Vision

The depth of environmental and/or social impact embedded in your culture and long term goals. The magnitude of your business's impact on ocean pollution, overexploitation, and/or tackling global warming effects on oceans.

Business Model

Clarity of Product-Market Fit. Market potential and current traction/growth strategy. Innovative approach and demonstrated scalability.

Technology

Innovation and adaptability of the technology. Reliability of the underlying technology (software and hardware). Status of Intellectual Property (IP) owned.

Team

Team size, background, and distribution of responsibilities. Ambition, passion, and relevance of priorities. Focus (limited participation in other programs in parallel).

Meet the Team

You will work closely with our core acceleration team, alongside a vast network of scientific, business, impact, and investment experts from international corporations, foundations, universities, and Intergovernmental Organizations.

Thando Mazomba

Venture Development Manager

Moeketsi Moseau

Engineer-in-Residence

Zandile Nyawo

Entrepreneur-In-Residence Lead
Southern Africa

Solomon Ngoma

Entrepreneur-In-Residence
Eastern Africa

Samuel Orji

Entrepreneur-In-Residence
Western Africa

Timisola Rotimi

Program Administrator

FAQs

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.

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 program.

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.

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.

Applications open on 10 November 2025 and will be reviewed on a rolling, first-come-first-serve basis. We recommend submiting your application before 31 December 2025.

The selection process includes:

  • Pre-screening of applications (ongoing from application opening date)
  • Shortlisting of candidates based on the selection criteria
  • Final selection interviews and evaluation by the final selection committee (28 – 30 January 2026)

At OceanHub Africa, we are guided by our values of love, collaboration, innovation, and no bullshit. These principles serve as the guiding framework for our intended partnerships.

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, (sweat) equity in the business can be negotiated, with the percentage to be co-defined with the startup.

Startups have the potential to receive up to $30 000 USD in interest-free loans from our Blue Loop Facility, along with investor readiness support, including pitch training, deal structuring assistance, and access to a network of impact investors and corporate venture capitalists.

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.

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.
  • Potential funding through BLF