innovation challenge
The Port of San Diego Innovation Challenge, presented by the Ocean Impact Organisation, offers startups across the APAC region a unique opportunity to showcase their solutions for potential entry into the Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator (BEI).
Launched in 2016, the BEI is one of the world’s leading platforms for testing and scaling innovative ocean and port technologies in real-world conditions on San Diego Bay. To date, it has supported 12 startups, helping them validate concepts, refine technology, and progress toward commercial readiness.
By opening up port infrastructure, waterfront sites, and operational expertise, the BEI provides startups with the environment they need to demonstrate measurable environmental and economic benefits. Its focus spans critical areas such as water quality, coastal and marine resilience, aquaculture, decarbonisation, and infrastructure innovation, accelerating solutions that shape a more sustainable and resilient blue economy.
Why apply
Startups that are admitted to the Blue Economy Incubator receive:
Funding support
Selected companies typically receive between US$100,000 - $250,000 in pilot funding (may be more dependent on scope and nature of the pilot).
Regulatory assistance
Startups receive guidance in navigating relevant regulatory and compliance requirements.
Test-bed and pilot sites
Startups gain access to real-world Port of San Diego assets and environments to test and pilot their solutions.
Expert guidance
Participants benefit from targeted feedback and mentorship from Port staff and sector experts.
Project facilitation
The Port provides hands-on support with contracting, coordination, and project management to enable efficient pilot delivery.
Networking & Public relations
Connections to a global network of innovators, agencies, and partners, plus visibility through the Port of San Diego’s communications and media channels.
What can you bring to this waterfront of opportunity?
Challenge statement
A 2024 study by Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute found that 86% of ports worldwide are exposed to more than three climate-related geophysical hazards, underscoring the growing vulnerability of global port infrastructure.
As a working waterfront spanning more than 32 miles of coastline, the Port of San Diego faces increasing exposure to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme weather, and ecosystem degradation. Ensuring long-term resilience is critical to maintaining safe operations, protecting natural assets, and supporting the regional economy.
The Port of San Diego Innovation Challenge seeks to identify and accelerate practical, scalable solutions that strengthen port resilience, bridging global innovation with real-world deployment in one of the United States’ most dynamic coastal ports.
Areas of opportunity
The Innovation Challenge invites solutions that enhance port resilience through deployable technologies, data-driven tools, and nature-based or engineered approaches across the following focus areas:
Coastal & Marine Resilience
Nature-based and engineered solutions that reduce vulnerability to erosion, sea-level rise, and wave impacts, while supporting healthy marine ecosystems and working waterfronts.Climate Risk & Adaptation Planning
Decision-support tools and technologies that help ports assess climate risks, model future scenarios, and design adaptation strategies to ensure long-term operational continuity.Water Quality & Ecosystem Monitoring
Monitoring systems and sensors that track water quality, pollution, biodiversity, and environmental change, enabling early detection, regulatory compliance, and rapid response.Extreme Weather & Disaster Resilience
Technologies that help ports anticipate, withstand, and recover from extreme weather events, including storms, flooding, and other climate-driven hazards, reducing downtime, protecting assets, and maintaining operational continuity.
Evaluation CRITERIA
Alignment to challenge categories
How does your solution address the objectives and focus areas of the Port of San Diego Innovation Challenge?
Technical viability
& Readiness
Is your solution technically sound and ready to be implement in a pilot stage in the Port?
Expertise & Experience
Does your team and any partners involved possess the necessary expertise and relevant experience to successfully execute the project?
Scalability
Can your solution be scaled up to effectively meet port demands?
Innovation & IMpact
Does your submission demonstrate innovation and creative problem-solving? What is the innovative merit and impact of your solution?
USA Operation
Are you willing to register your business in California?
Current BEI Portfolio companies
Voltsafe inc.
Founded: 2015
Founders: Trevor Burgess, Sanad Aridah
Solution:
VoltSafe is bringing next-generation electrification to marinas by replacing traditional shore power plugs with a safer, magnetic connection system that reduces electrical hazards and improves efficiency for marina operators.
MarineLabs
Founded: 2017
Founder: Scott Beatty
Solution:
MarineLabs is a coastal intelligence startup providing real-time environmental data from sensor networks to support decisions around coastal resilience, climate risk monitoring, and marine operations.
Founded: 2017
Founders: Graeme Rae, Costas Soler
Solution:
HyperKelp develops Kelp Smart Buoy sensor platforms that collect and transmit near-real-time ocean data, including water quality and underwater acoustic measurements, to help ports and partners monitor critical marine conditions.
HyperKelp Inc.
FAQS
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We welcome submissions from startups, scaleups, science institutions, and small-medium enterprises.
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Subissions from anything not directly connected to the solution categories, such as consulting and services firms, advocacy groups, etc.
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Once you submit your application, all submissions will be funnelled through a panel of domain experts, which includes the port of San Diego team.
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Key Dates
Application
Period
Applications Close March 13, 2026
Applications
Assessed
Week of March 16th 2026
Week of March 23, 2026
Finalist notified
Finalist Showcase (Virtual)
March 27, 2026
