OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program 2026/27

About OceanHub Africa 

Africa’s Leading Enabler of Ocean-Impact Entrepreneurship

As 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 dedicated exclusively to supporting high-potential, for-profit startups actively working to preserve and restore the health of our ocean through our bespoke approach to acceleration, access to a global ecosystem, and access to catalytic capital.

The Results? Real Impact, Real Returns

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

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).

What to Expect from the Program

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 through:  

• 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, product,  and personal development, including self-development coaching with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business’ Centre for Coaching.

To learn more about what we offer, including world-class mentorship and support, strategic fundraising support, and our Blue Loop Fund, please visit: https://www.oceanhub.africa/accelerator-program-2025/#

Program Structure and Timeline

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

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 AssessmentFollowing 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 (potentially) eligible for our Blue Loop Fund, as well as curated introductions via our digital dealroom.

Eligibility Criteria

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

• Growth Stage:You are actively seeking investments or exploring new markets
• Impact Focus: Your startup is ocean-minded, having a direct or indirect positive impact on the ocean
• Product maturity: You offer a scalable service or product either already on the market or soon to be launched
• Innovation: Your product/ service demonstrates innovation and/ or your business model is disruptive

Selection Criteria

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

• Impact and Vision: The depth of environmental and/ or social impact is embedded in your culture and long-term goals. The magnitude of your business’s impact on ocean pollution, overexploitation, loss of biodiversity, and/ or tackling the effects of global warming on the ocean.
• 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 parallel programs).

For more information on our team, program, and for frequently asked questions, please visit: https://www.oceanhub.africa/accelerator-program-2025/#