Applications are now open for the OceanHub Africa Acceleration program 2026/ 27
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
Applications are now open for the OceanHub Africa Acceleration program 2026/ 27
About OceanHub Africa: Africa’s Leading Enabler of Ocean-Impact Entrepreneurship
OceanHub Africa is the continent’s leading force in ocean-impact entrepreneurship. OceanHub Africa don’t just host a program. OceanHub Africa is your strategic partner to de-risk, scale, and access funding for your venture.
OceanHub Africa is exclusively dedicated to supporting high-potential, for-profit startups actively working to preserve and restore the health of the ocean through its tailored approach to acceleration.
OceanHub Africa Approach to Acceleration: Support, Connect, Invest
Support:
OceanHub Africa delivers tailored, specialized expertise to overcome your toughest scaling challenges. No generic advice. Just proven strategies from its Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and dedicated experts.
Connect:
Access the global ecosystem you need now. OceanHub Africa plugs you directly into investors, multinational corporate partners, blue economy experts, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Invest:
OceanHub Africa provides access to capital, from early-stage funding (reserved for a select few of its participants and alumni) to dedicated investor readiness and support and direct introductions to its diverse portfolio of impact investors towards the end of the program.
About the OceanHub Africa Acceleration program
This intensive acceleration program runs for up to twelve (12) months and is specifically designed to rapidly scale Africa’s most promising ocean-impact ventures.
OceanHub Africa will support up to twenty-four (24) high-potential startups, welcoming founders with both pre-revenue and post-revenue status, provided you have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or are very close to launching one.
OceanHub Africa hosts two intakes throughout the year—one kicking off in March (longer track) and a second in July (shorter track).
Hybrid Format
OceanHub Africa structure blends high-impact, in-person deep dives with flexible remote support to minimize disruption to your operations while maximizing acceleration.
In-Person Bootcamp:
A compulsory one-week in-person training bootcamp (travel costs for at least one representative must be covered by the startup; accommodation and food are provided).
Annual Ocean Innovation Africa Summit:
In-person participation for graduating startups (including a delegate pass) and pitching time at the Summit (travel costs for one representative must be covered by the startup; accommodation and food are provided).
Remote Sessions:
Ongoing one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and training remote sessions conducted using online tools and communication methods.
Program Structure and Timeline
The OceanHub Africa Acceleration program is structured in two distinct phases:
Phase 1: Pathway to Readiness:
This initial phase is dedicated to building and refining the core elements of your business. OceanHub Africa ensure you possess the key strategies and materials necessary to successfully engage potential clients, funders, and investors. The entire program features an intense in-person bootcamp for each intake and culminates with the BlueTech Showcase gathering key stakeholders within the hosting region
Acceleration Assessment:
Following Phase 1, a rigorous assessment determines which ventures have demonstrated the most growth potential and commitment. The elimination of 12 or more startups occurs at this point.
Phase 2: Bridge to Opportunities
Up to a maximum of the top 12 remaining startups proceed to this advanced phase. Phase 2 is where OceanHub Africa increase focus on stakeholder engagement, visibility, and direct introductions, as the teams have demonstrated they are ready to engage with investors and strategic partners. Phase 2 participants are also eligible for OceanHub Africa potential Blue Loop Fund, as well as curated introductions via its digital dealroom.
Who OceanHub Africa is Looking For
OceanHub Africa is seeking up to 24 African-focused, passionate, scalable, and impact-driven startups that meet all its eligibility criteria and demonstrate excellence across its selection criteria.
Specifically, OceanHub Africa look for companies that:
- Are for-profit entities operating primarily in Africa.
- Are ocean-minded, with a direct or indirect positive impact on the ocean (addressing sustainable blue foods, clean ocean energy, solutions to pollution, and low-carbon transportation and ports.
- Have a scalable service or product either on the market or soon to be launched.
- Are seeking investments or new markets for expansion.
What to Expect from the Program
Joining the OceanHub Africa portfolio provides an immersive experience designed to accelerate your growth and establish your company as a leader in the Blue Economy.
You can expect:
Hands-On Growth Support:
Dedicated assistance with customer acquisition, executing your Proof of Concept (PoC), and scaling your business through guidance from our Entrepreneur-in-Residence team, and strategic exposure to Blue Economy stakeholders.
Networking with an Ocean Ecosystem:
Access to a global community of ocean experts, seasoned mentors, alumni, impact investors, potential clients, and collaborators.
Focused Peer Engagement:
Opportunities to engage and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs within the African and international Blue Economy space.
Personal and Professional Development:
Tailored 1-on-1 coaching for business skills and personal development, including self-development coaching with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business’ Centre for Coaching.
What OceanHub Africa Offer
World-Class Mentorship and Support
- Receive tailored support and guidance covering all aspects of your business growth:
- Participation in the in-person training bootcamp.
- Mentorship from OceanHub Africa global network of experts.
- Technical support from OceanHub Africa Engineer-in-Residence and dedicated pool of experts
- Direct support in Sales, Product Development, Communication, and Business Development.
- Potential opportunity to participate in Katapult Ocean’s acceleration program post-OHA graduation.
Strategic Fundraising Support
- OceanHub Africa provide the resources and connections necessary to secure the capital you need to scale:
- Potential funding: Opportunities for catalytic financial support in the form of an interestt-free loan from OceanHub Africa Blue Loop Facility
- Pitch Training: Support in preparing and conducting compelling investor pitches, including training sessions with partner investors.
Potential access to OceanHub Africa Blue Loop Fund
The Blue Regeneration Loop Finance Facility (BLF), supported by partners including The Coca-Cola Foundation, Builders Vision, and DOEN Foundation, is designed to support the financial scaling of ocean-impact ventures.
The BLF is a catalytic resource providing interest-free loans, of up to $30,000 USD. These funds are strategically deployed to enable current accelerator participants to achieve critical scaling milestones by:
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