In partnership with
startup support program empowering early stage founders to grow Blue Economy ventures globallY
Big Ocean
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big opportunity
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Big responsibility
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Big Ocean ✳︎ big opportunity ✳︎ Big responsibility ✳︎
about the program
The Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) and Moananui are presenting a year-long support program for New Zealand–based startups working in the sustainable blue economy.
Designed to build capability, connection, and founder confidence, the program brings together practical learning, peer support, and ecosystem access. It is delivered primarily online, with select in-person moments hosted in Auckland and at the Blue House in Nelson.
Elisa-Marie Dumas (OIO)
Program benefits
Impact Masterclass Series
Expert-led sessions on storytelling, commercialisation, and fundraising
LEARNING
Founder Firesides & Peer Circles
Honest conversations and small-group support with fellow founders
Founder Community
1:1 Office Hours
Direct access to OIO mentors and advisors for tailored guidance
Advisory Support
Founder Spotlights & Showcases
Profile your venture through OIO and Moananui communications and events.
Visibility
In-person meet ups
Meet-ups in Nelson & Auckland
Connect in person with founders and partners at the Blue House and in Auckland.
a place to build
Blue House is a newly launched blue economy innovation hub at the Nelson Port and Marina, and the physical home of Moananui. Established through a partnership between Westpac NZ, the Nelson Regional Development Agency, and Kernohan Engineering, it brings founders into a trusted, place-based community shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s sustainable blue economy. Blue House will provide a dedicated workspace, support and connections for businesses, innovators and researchers working to grow a sustainable, regenerative blue economy.
Image from left: Fiona Wilson (NRDA), Paul Miller (Kernohan Engineering), Brent Callaghan (Westpac) and Hon Dr Nick Smith, Mayor of Nelson.
“from research labs and aquaculture learning facilities to startups, industry-led initiatives, and corporate partners, Nelson’s interconnected cluster is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. It’s exactly why we’ve chosen to anchor OIO’s Aotearoa base here.”
Elisa-Marie Dumas, Global Head of Programs & Partners OIO
Nick Chiarelli and Elisa-Marie visiting Cawthron's Aquaculture Park
join The program
Join the community of NZ innovators working together to grow a blue economy that delivers prosperity while safeguarding ocean health for generations to come.