BlueSwell's Demo Day for Cohort III at the New England Aquarium was a night to remember, filled with inspirational ideas and innovative solutions aimed at making a real impact on ocean sustainability. The event saw six startups pitch their business concepts, showcasing the progress they have made in the past few months, including talking to customers, refining their products, planning pilots, and fundraising.
Aloft Systems, Fathom Carbon, Berkeley Marine Robotics, Current Lab, Radmantis, and Ocean Data Network are all doing their part in making the world a better place by contributing to the conservation of the world's oceans. From reducing emissions with wind propulsion for ships to reducing risk and uncertainty in ocean-based carbon projects, these startups are making a positive difference.
Bonnie Lei, Microsoft's first Head of Environmental Justice, Employee Engagement, and Ecosystems, was the keynote speaker for Demo Day 2023. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of environmental justice and the role technology plays in finding solutions to the world's environmental problems.
BlueSwell is a program that aims to build the capacity of entrepreneurs to turn their ocean-focused concepts into profitable and sustainable businesses. By providing funding and mentorship, BlueSwell helps bridge the gap between big ideas and successful businesses. The program focuses on five main challenges and opportunities in the ocean, including sustainable food from the ocean, low-carbon ocean transportation, renewable energy in the ocean, marine debris and pollution, and coastal resilience.
Checkout this year's cohort of companies driving innovation in bluetech:
Aloft Systems
Reducing emissions with wind propulsion for every ship
https://www.aloft.systems/
Fathom Carbon
Reducing risk and uncertainty in ocean-based carbon projects
https://fathomcarbon.com/
Berkeley Marine Robotics
Automated hull data for shipping sustainability
https://berkeleymarinerobotics.com/
Current Lab
Hyperlocal ocean forecasts enabling efficient maritime navigation
https://current-lab.com/
Radmantis - The Sorting Company
Smart aquaculture for a hungry planet
https://radmantis.com/
Ocean Data Network
Delivering the data foundation for the sustainable ocean of tomorrow
https://oceandata.net/
FiveADRIFT is proud to sponsor BlueSwell's Demo Day for Cohort III, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these startups will have on the world. The future of our oceans is in good hands with these innovative minds leading the way. From the sale of our all natural hemp and cotton beach towels, FiveADRIFT supports a number of charities dedicated to ocean cleanup and also recognizes that major advances in technology are needed to help turn the tide on ocean pollution (for instance, there's currently no good way to remove micro plastics from the ocean - tech that does not yet exist may be able to help).
