From Washington to Alaska, the coast of British Columbia stretches nearly 1,000 kilometres north-south.
When you factor in the coast’s many deep incisions and the province’s 40,000 islands, that figure balloons to a remarkable 26,000 km—or, in other terms, 10% of the entire country’s coastline.
Thus it is of little surprise that the super natural region is home to many ocean-technology companies innovating humanity’s relationship with water.
Alongside veteran Vancouver accelerator Spring, the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies is seeking out the next generation of ocean startups.
The collaboration between the two organizations targets innovation in BC’s blue economy, with a grand prize of $10,000 up for grabs.
The COAST Pitchfest is accepting applicants through April 17 by 11:59pm PST. To qualify a startup must be in the pre-commercial stage, within the blue economy ecosystem, and based in BC. The event is on April 22.
Based in Victoria, COAST brings together people, ideas, businesses and communities to create an innovation hub where ideas are nurtured and applied.
“With a focus on clean tech and digital technologies, our goal is to build B.C. into a global leader in the world’s rapidly-growing ocean economy, creating new sustainable, export-driven jobs and enterprises,” the organization states online.
By 2030, COAST wants Pacific Canada to be “known worldwide for leadership in the blue economy, with high-growth, globally-oriented companies that anticipate and solve problems, create high-value jobs and leave the ocean and planet in better condition than when we began.”
Last year, the Centre received $2 million in funding from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation through B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund.
“COAST is on an exciting journey to fulfill our 2030 vision to establish Pacific Canada as a world-leader in ocean technology innovations that create scaled economic and environmental impacts, especially new technologies focused on solving climate challenges and supporting sustainability across marine industries,” stated CEO Emilie de Rosenroll at the time.
Founded in 2014, Vancouver-headquartered Spring operates at the intersection of entrepreneurship and investing, connecting and catalyzing founders and investors through programs and events.
Spring has made its mark on BC entrepreneurship and innovation through an array of partnerships and initiatives, such as Impact Investor Challenges and a $20M capital fund.
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