OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program 2024

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Application for OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program is currently open. Calling for innovative ocean-minded startups OceanHub Africa, Africa’s leading enabler of ocean-impact entrepreneurship, is excited to announce the launch of the fifth cohort of its eight-month acceleration program. This initiative aims to support up to fifteen of Africa’s most promising impact-driven for-profit startups dedicated to preserving and restoring the health of the ocean.

What you can expect

Joining the OceanHub Africa portfolio offers you:

Access to a network of leading ocean experts, mentors (entrepreneurs, investors, innovation experts, impact experts, scientists, lawyers, etc.), impact investors, and potential clients.
Hands-on support to accelerate your growth, including customer acquisition, executing your first Proof of Concept, and scaling your business through commercial contracts and fundraising.
Engagement with like-minded entrepreneurs within the Blue Economy space.

OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program Benefits

Service Package
- Up to $75k worth of cloud service through our partner AWS Activate.
- Over $40k worth of mechanical engineering design software licences for prototyping and virtual testing, courtesy to our partner 3DExperience Lab.
- Access to Dassault Systèmes, Amazon Web Services, Hubspot support, and Notion Premium.
- Legal advisory sessions with Sidley Austin, Bowmans, and Lex Mundi (multinational law firms) based on your targeted market, valued at up to $50k.
- Advisory sessions with: Mercator Ocean International, Blue Oceans Partners, Ocean14 Capital, WWF-SA, Dept. of Oceanography University of Cape Town, EuroSIMA, and more!
Mentorship & Support
- Participation in an in-person bootcamp.
- Tailored business skills and personal development 1-1 coaching.
- Sales, Product Development, Communication, and Business Development Support.
- Access to our network of scientific, business, impact, and investment experts from international corporations, foundations, universitites, and intergovernmental organisations.
Network
- Access to networking events and conferences, including a stand and stage time at the Ocean Innovation Africa annual summit
- Access to potential clients (market leads) for local and international expansion
- Access to our international network of ocean-impact incubators/accelerators to scale overseas
- Access to key external partners
Fund-Raising Support
- Potential funding of up to 10k USD.
- Support in preparing and conducting investor pitches, including training sessions with partner investors directly
- Assistance in structuring deals, including reviews by transactional and commercial lawyers
- Access to a diverse portfolio of impact investors and corporate venture capitalist funds

Note: Our program will operate in a hybrid format, combining one-week in-person bootcamp sessions, in-person participation in the annual Ocean Innovation Africa Summit, and remote sessions using online tools and communication methods.

Eligibility criteria

Your startup is ocean-minded, having a direct or indirect positive impact on the oceans (addressing climate change, pollution, or overexploitation).
You are a for-profit entity operating in Africa.
You offer a scalable service or product either on the market or soon to be launched.
Your product/service demonstrates innovation and/or your business model is disruptive.
You are seeking investments or exploring new markets.

OceanHub Africa Acceleration Selection Criteria

Impact & Vision
- Positive Impact on the ocean
- Aligned vision with OceanHub Africa
Business Model
- Market & Traction
- Commercial Value
- Strategy for growth & scalability
Team
- Expertise & Background
- Ambition & Passion
Technology
- IP Owned
- Reliability
- Innovation
- Adaptability & Scalability

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Deadlne: 5^th May 2024

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We got the perfect solutions tailored just for you:

Business Plan/Proposal Writing Service: Every successful business needs a solid business plan, and a business plan can be a fundraising tool. We can help you craft compelling business plans and proposals tailored to your unique vision and secure funding, turning your business dreams into reality.

Feasibility Studies: Your business idea is not enough; you need to test its viability by conducting in-depth feasibility studies. We can help you conduct feasibility studies and analyze market trends, risks, and opportunities, providing you with the insights needed to make informed decisions and maximize success.

Farm Consultation and Setup Service: Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to optimize your existing farm, we are here to guide you. We offer comprehensive farm consultation services, guiding you from planning to setup. Grow your dreams with us!

Grant Writing & Project Management: Secure funding and oversee seamless project execution with our dedicated team. From grant applications to project implementation, we got you covered.

Website Development Service: In the digital age, having a professional online presence is essential. Let us build you a stunning website that showcases your products, services, and expertise. Reach a broader audience and grow your business online!