Six startups are joining Blue Action Canada’s second cohort. The Blue Action Canada Accelerator, powered by Blue Action alongside Victoria’s COAST and the Founders Factory, has expanded internationally for the first time. The second cohort features four Canadian startups (including two based in British Columbia) plus two from the United Kingdom. “Blue Action Canada was […]
COAST
B.C. Firms Selected to Power Coast Guard Decarbonization
Four British Columbia-based companies have been selected to participate in a new Innovation Challenge aimed at reducing diesel reliance across remote Canadian Coast Guard operations. Delivered through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace and enabled by the BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub—a joint initiative of COAST and the University of Victoria—the Challenge is focused on advancing […]
Ocean Startup Project Launches Idea Challenge to Support Early-Stage Blue Tech
The Ocean Startup Project has officially opened up applications for the 2026 Ocean Idea Challenge, a national program supporting Canadian entrepreneurs validating startup opportunities within the blue economy. The Ocean Startup Project leverages a network that includes Victoria-based Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies alongside Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Springboard Atlantic, […]
COAST Seeking Blue Economy Startups to Join ‘Hyper-Focused’ Accelerator
Canada’s Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies is accepting applications for the second cohort of Blue Action Canada. Blue Action Canada is a “hyper-focused” ocean venture accelerator for early-stage startups in the blue economy. The accelerator is powered by COAST alongside startup investor Founders Factory, climate investor Blue Action, and the Canadian Ocean Supercluster. “The […]
COAST Pitchfest Spotlights ‘Strength and Future’ of Ocean Tech Sector
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 […]