Idea Challenge Info Session #1
Got an ocean idea you can’t stop thinking about?
The Ocean Idea Challenge is where bold, early-stage ocean ideas turn into real startups — with structure, support, and momentum behind them.
If you’re sitting on a sustainable ocean innovation and wondering “Could this actually become something?”, this info session is your next move.
Join us on March 12, 2026 for an information session on the Ocean Idea Challenge — a national competition designed to help aspiring ocean founders validate their idea, build confidence, and take their first real steps into Canada’s ocean innovation ecosystem.
This isn’t just about competing for up to $8,000 in non-dilutive funding. It’s about testing whether your idea solves a real problem, learning how to talk to customers and industry, and gaining credibility in the ocean sector — before you over-invest time or money.
Whether you’re coming from science, engineering, policy, design, or lived ocean experience — if you’ve got an idea and curiosity, you belong here.
Proof it works: past Ocean Idea Challenge alumni
Real founders. Real momentum. Real ocean impact.
Annie Dahan, Founder — Seacork Studios, BC
Designing biodegradable acoustic panels from local seaweed, reimagining sustainable materials through circular design and ocean innovation.
Recognized as a MaRS Women in Cleantech leader, with additional accolades across the cleantech and sustainable design ecosystem.Ranah Chavoshi, Co-Founder & CEO — PhyCo Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC
Marine biologist developing home-compostable, non-toxic seaweed-based bioplastics for the agri-food sector, in partnership with BC Indigenous Nations.
Clean50 Emerging Leader; winner of the SFU Coast Capital Venture Prize and the 2025 Startup Global Pitch People’s Choice Award.Zachary A. McCue, Founder — REPWR (Waabaag Energy Corp), ON
Developing a standardized, modular solar energy system that rapidly installs on shipping containers, delivering deployable renewable power solutions for marine transportation and port logistics infrastructure. Zachary is recognized for advancing Indigenous-led renewable energy partnerships, with leadership spanning economic development and multinational clean energy initiatives.
These founders all started with an idea — and a question about what was possible.
"The Ocean Startup Project has played a pivotal role in accelerating Alaagi’s growth and helping us transform an early‑stage idea into a validated ocean‑innovation venture. Through their programming, mentorship, and community, we gained access to industry experts, technical guidance, and a supportive network that helped us refine our technology, strengthen our business model, and build confidence as a founder." - Sheher Yar Khan, Co-Founder, Alaagi Inc.
"OSP has helped us build strong connections with peers in related fields, allowing us to support one another in our technological endeavours and learn from each other's experiences as resilient entrepreneurs." - Minh Hai Tran, Miha Biotech
What we’ll cover in the info session
How the Ocean Idea Challenge works and who it’s for
What makes a strong application (and common pitfalls to avoid)
What customer discovery actually looks like in the ocean sector
How participants connect with industry, mentors, and Canada’s ocean ecosystem
Live Q&A to help you decide if this is the right next step for you
You’ll leave with clarity on whether your idea is ready — and what to do next if it is.
Ready to explore what your idea could become?
Learn more about the Ocean Idea Challenge
👉 www.oceanstartupproject.ca/idea-challenge
Session en français 🇫🇷
For French-speaking innovators, a French-language information session will be held on
📅 March 26, 2026
Registration details coming soon.