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-Emily, [email protected]

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Vancouver Island ocean tech entrepreneurs will have a fresh shot at connecting with global investors and industry partners as COAST, Founders Factory, and Blue Action open applications for the second round of Blue Action Canada. The four-month accelerator, built specifically for early-stage ocean ventures, will select up to eight startups tackling challenges in maritime innovation, coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, or defence and dual-use tech. Applications close February 15.

What sets this accelerator apart is the network: founders get direct access to investors, government partners, and industry contacts across 10 countries, along with hands-on support for everything from operations to fundraising. The first cohort proved the model works—companies attracted over $2 million in funding and nearly $1.74 million in pre-order sales through connections made during the program.

"Blue Action Canada helped us level up across the board," said Tony Olynyk, chief marketing officer for Open Waters Solar, one of the pilot participants. "Their corporate development support gave us a sharper focus. The marketing input helped refine how we talk about what we do. And their investment and business network has expanded our reach significantly."

This year's program is funded by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, which has helped launch close to 300 new ocean companies in Canada over the past five years. The accelerator wraps up with a residential program in May 2026, timed to coincide with Web Summit Vancouver—giving founders a chance to showcase their progress on a major stage.

"With over 25,000 km of coastline, 15 research and academic centres, and burgeoning ocean tech innovation, B.C. is uniquely positioned for blue economy leadership," said Burak Evren, Director of Programming and Investment at COAST, which runs the program through Greater Victoria's South Island Prosperity Partnership. "Blue Action Canada brings global perspectives to regional entrepreneurs and connects them with high-value international opportunities to drive their path to commercialization."

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🧊 Ice ice baby: Ocean Networks Canada's Bradley Wells and Ruchie Custan entered the Drake Passage aboard the BIO Hespérides, heading toward Spain's Juan Carlos I Station on Livingston Island in Antarctica to complete their research mission with partner CSIC Catalunya.

🏆 Let's celebrate: VIATEC shared a save-the-date for its 2026 Awards ceremony on April 1, bringing together Greater Victoria's $5.9 billion tech sector to recognize notable companies and individuals through an evening of networking, dinner, and an after-party at Carson Hall.

🤲 Helping hand: The Victoria Hand Project was featured in Douglas Magazine for its work developing low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetics, including a new elbow model being trialled in Ukraine and efforts to make partial hand prosthetics more accessible to Canadians.

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