A startup based on Vancouver Island is developing carbon-negative, seaweed-based building insulation.
Victoria’s SeaFoam is behind a non-toxic, fire- and rot-resistant material for building insulation that can reduce the overall emissions associated with building construction up to 20%, according to founders Amy Yang and Chloe Doesburg.
This innovative idea recently earned SeaFoam $10,000 during the 2025 Pitchfest by COAST.
Yang says that winning Pitchfest toward “helping us build momentum toward key research and development, intellectual property, and the partnerships we need to bring ocean-regenerative insulation to market.”
“Our mission has always been to turn construction into a climate solution,” she said, “and this takes us one step closer.”
SeaFoam was among five finalists selected to showcase their innovations during COAST Pitchfest, which drew applicants from across Canada.
The finalists included Victoria-based Sailbotix, maker of uncrewed, robotic, energy- harvesting surface vessels capable of months-long missions, and Vancouver’s Ocean Wise, conservation organization that has developed tools to protect whales.
Deepwater Robotics out of Toronto was also recognized by COAST for its long-range autonomous ocean vessels, while local upstart Mostar Labs was selected by the audience as Pitchfest People’s Choice Award for its “LilyPad” technology specializing in maritime electrification and modular floating infrastructure.
“Our five finalists represented BC’s wide array of ocean innovation, from blue biomaterials to subsea and surface robotics, marine mammal detection, and maritime electrification,” commented Jason Goldsworthy, who serves as Executive Director of COAST.
COAST’s mission is to build B.C. into a global leader in the world’s ocean economy.
The organization hosts the Pitchfest competition to provide both an opportunity for early-stage ocean startups to compete for a cash prize, and to offer a public platform on which founders can introduce their companies to investors.
“COAST Pitchfest is an amazing opportunity for blue economy entrepreneurs to present their innovations before a high-profile panel of judges, each with significant expertise driving innovation both in BC, and around the world,” said Goldsworthy, noting how the event “showcases the momentum of British Columbia’s diverse blue economy—and offers confirmation of the necessity for the ocean venture support COAST provides.”
Pitches were judged by a panel comprising Elizabeth Dutton, Chief Operating Officer at Innovate BC; Jennifer Busler, Senior Manager of Innovation at Seaspan; Carol Hall, Senior Director, Innovation & Impact at the Victoria Foundation; David Molinski, clean technology consultant; and Golriz Fattahi, Chief Executive Officer of Alacrity Canada.
The event was supported by Innovate BC, which is “is proud to support COAST’s Pitchfest and help spotlight Canada’s impressive ocean technology entrepreneurs.”
“Events like this not only showcase the bold ideas shaping the blue economy, but also build the connections and confidence founders need to move from promising innovation to market impact,” stated Elizabeth Dutton of Innovate BC. The talent on stage is a powerful signal of the strength—and the future—of our ocean tech sector.”
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