turning individuals into oceanpreneurs
Gather the tools and know-how you’ll need to generate an ocean impact startup idea, or test and develop an idea you already have.
Ocean academics, express your interest in the Ocean Impact Ideation Program!
Applications have closed for 2023 - express your interest for next year.
OCEAN SOLUTION AREAS
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Ocean Pollution
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Climate
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Habitat & Biodiversity
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Food Security
what IS THE ocean impact ideation Program?
This program focuses on turning individuals into oceanpreneurs. We’ll set you up with the foundations you’ll need to launch an ocean impact solution or product.
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Ten group sessions are delivered via video link over the ten-week sprint to show you how to identify opportunities, generate solution ideas, and walk you through the commercialisation journey.
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We strike a balance between providing vital knowledge and teaching you the processes needed to found a startup.
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Delivered by a team with the expertise to help you efficiently and effectively identify and test areas of opportunity.
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Only a small group of talented individuals will be offered a spot in Ocean Impact Ideation, all of which you'll get to know by the end of the program.
WHO IS THE PROGRAM FOR?
Are you an Australian-based ocean science academic with a burning passion to develop solutions that tackle challenges facing the ocean and broader environment? The program is open to late-stage PhD candidates through to three years post-PhD.
EIGHT modules to set you up for success
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Embark on your entrepreneurial journey, uncovering your motivations to become an oceanpreneur. Explore ideation techniques to generate and select solutions aligned with your passion and expertise.
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Explore challenges, ocean solution areas, trends, and untapped niches. Develop comprehensive market analysis skills to identify innovative opportunities in the sustainable blue economy.
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Refine and develop your concept, evaluating feasibility, scalability, and environmental impact. Engage in workshops and mentor-led sessions to shape your ideas into viable projects with a compelling value proposition.
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Learn how to craft a persuasive value proposition. Discover how to articulate key elements of your solution in a compelling pitch that demonstrates the potential impact for future customers.
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Immerse yourself in understanding and validating customer needs. Learn how to create a lasting solution based on real-world insights from customer research, feedback collection, and iterative development.
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Navigate the diverse funding options available for ocean impact startups. Explore funding types, stages of fundraising, and expectations from potential investors. Gain the knowledge to secure financial support for your venture’s journey.
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Learn how to build strategic connections in industry ecosystems. Develop a plan to network with mentors, industry experts, and potential collaborators. It’s time for your final pitch! Integrate the insights gained throughout the program and show off your new skills.
PARTICIPATION FEE
$nil
The program has been generously funded by SARAH & SEBASTIAN and OIO’s philanthropic community. Successful applicants will be awarded a free scholarship to the program.
What we’re looking for
During the selection process, we will assess your application against three key areas:
Skill - Do you have problem-solving capabilities or a specific skill/experience that you can leverage to create a unique offering?
Spirit - Are you driven, persistent, disciplined, comfortable with ambiguity, and not afraid to take calculated risks?
Hustle - Can you find a way to get something done in an unconventional way? Could you convince someone to trial your product for the first time?
the application process
The application process consists of a simple online application and a short interview so we can make sure that you’re a good fit for the program. That’s all there is to it!
key dates
Applications Open: Friday 5 April 2024
Information Session: Tuesday 23 April 2024
Applications Close: Friday 26 April 2024
Two Week Online Intro: Friday 5 April 2024
Selection Interviews: Monday 13 - Friday 17 May 2024
Program Commences: Monday 3 June 2024
Program Closes: Friday 26 July 2024
FAQs
If there is anything else you would like to know please email info@ocean-impact.org
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SARAH & SEBASTIAN and OIO’s philanthropic community have generously funded the cost of the program. Successful applicants will be provided with a free scholarship worth $2,000pp.
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Each session is around 2.5 - 3 hours long. Each week you'll have a small 'homework' task to work on before the next session.
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To ensure we can give everyone the attention they deserve there will be no more than 20 participants.
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These are areas in which you may be pursuing an impact, such as:
Ocean Pollution:
Solutions contributing to a clean ocean that target plastic, agricultural, chemical, biological, or sound pollution.Climate:
Solutions shaping a stable climate by addressing clean ocean energy, shipping & ports emissions, or ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (ocean CDR).Habitat & Biodiversity:
Solutions contributing to thriving and restored habitats, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), nature-based solutions, and restoration or monitoring technologies.Food Security:
Solutions that help sustainably manage ocean resources via aquaculture, fisheries, and alternative blue foods. -
Yes! We’d love for you to share this with your faculty or individuals who are the right fit. Please download and distribute this PDF.
Are you ready to begin your ocean impact journey?
The Ocean Impact Ideation Program focuses on turning individuals into oceanpreneurs. Get the foundations you’ll need to launch an ocean impact startup. Express your interest below.