OIO and Moananui Unite to Support BLUE ECONOMY INNOVATORS

Written by Elisa-Marie Dumas

There’s something special happening in Te Tauihu, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a region defined by its relationship with the ocean; world-class aquaculture, marine research, and communities that live in rhythm with the sea.

That connection is now evolving into something new: a vision for a regenerative, innovation-driven blue economy that balances prosperity with ocean health.

Across Aotearoa, a new generation of founders, researchers, and entrepreneurs are developing solutions that restore ocean health and create a thriving blue economy.

Across key industries, opportunity is everywhere. New Zealand’s fisheries remain a global model for sustainable harvest, while aquaculture, already world-renowned for Greenshell™ mussels and king salmon, is expected to triple in value by 2035 through innovation and responsible growth. The shipping and maritime logistics sectors are on the cusp of transformation, with decarbonisation, electrification, and smart-port technologies opening the door to lower emissions and greater efficiency. Meanwhile, in marine biotechnology and the broader blue bioeconomy, New Zealand’s rich marine biomass and research expertise position us to lead in developing marine-derived pharmaceuticals, bio-based materials, and carbon-sequestering seaweed systems.

But for many innovators, the hardest part isn’t the science or technology, it’s finding the right support, networks, and pathways to bring their ideas to life.

That’s why I’m so excited to share that Ocean Impact Organisation is partnering with Moananui to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative offering free startup support for ocean innovators across Aotearoa in 2026.

Through Moananui’s free startup membership, founders will gain access to OIO-led masterclasses, mentoring, founder circles, and storytelling opportunities throughout the year helping them grow their ideas, connect with peers and experts, and get investment-ready.

This is just the beginning; the first of many initiatives we plan to build together to strengthen the pipeline of blue-economy founders and researchers across New Zealand and the wider Asia–Pacific. Our goal is simple: to help solutions born here scale globally, shaping a future where ocean health and human prosperity go hand in hand.

I couldn’t be more proud of what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to see what this community will create.