OceanHub Africa Cohort 8 Supports Blue Economy Startups – Apply Now

OceanHub Africa has opened applications for the eighth cohort of its Acceleration Programme, inviting African entrepreneurs and startups developing innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges to participate in its 2027 programme.

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The initiative is designed to support businesses operating within Africa’s Blue Economy by helping them strengthen their business models, expand their market reach, improve operational efficiency and become investment-ready.

The nine-month acceleration programme will select up to 10 revenue-generating startups with commercially viable products or services that demonstrate a positive impact on ocean health.

Starting in March 2027, the programme will provide selected entrepreneurs with tailored business development support, technical assistance, mentorship and opportunities to connect with potential investors and other stakeholders in the Blue Economy ecosystem.

What Selected Startups Will Receive

Through the OceanHub Africa Acceleration Programme, participating businesses will receive practical support to strengthen their operations and prepare for sustainable growth.

Key benefits include:

• One-on-One Mentorship: Weekly coaching sessions with experienced Entrepreneurs in Residence who will work with founders to develop business growth strategies and implementation plans.
• Investor Readiness Support: Guidance on financial analysis, fundraising strategies, investor relations and preparing the necessary documentation for potential investors.
• Business Development: Support with customer acquisition, commercialisation, market expansion and building scalable business models.
• Technical Assistance: Access to experts who can provide guidance on software development, hardware design, Internet of Things (IoT), digital systems and operational processes.
• Funding Opportunities: Eligible startups may be considered for OceanHub Africa’s follow-on capital facilities, including the Blue Loop interest-free loan facility and the Catalytic Bridge Facility. Additional funding is subject to separate assessment and is not guaranteed.
• Bootcamp and Networking: Participation in an intensive in-person bootcamp, offering opportunities to engage with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts and potential business partners.
• International Exposure: Graduating startups will have an opportunity to pitch at a Blue Economy-related conference in Africa.
• Leadership Development: Access to personal and professional development support designed to strengthen founders’ leadership and business management capabilities.

The programme will operate primarily online, with an in-person bootcamp scheduled for April 2027. Successful participants are expected to graduate in early 2028.

Importantly, the accelerator does not charge participation fees or take equity in participating businesses. However, founders are responsible for their travel expenses for the in-person activities.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to registered African startups operating in the Blue Economy and related sectors.

To qualify, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Have an established product or service that has progressed beyond the prototype stage.
• Demonstrate commercial revenue through paying customers, signed contracts, invoices, repeat sales or renewals.
• Have a committed founding team, typically comprising at least two co-founders with complementary skills and relevant industry knowledge.
• Demonstrate a clear and measurable positive impact on ocean health.
• Operate within the Blue Economy or an adjacent sector.
• Have at least one team member available to participate in weekly coaching sessions and programme activities.
• Be able to send a founder or executive representative to the in-person bootcamp.

There is no specified minimum revenue requirement, and businesses do not necessarily need to be profitable. However, applicants must provide evidence that customers are paying for their products or services. Pilot projects and letters of intent alone are not considered sufficient proof of commercial traction.

OceanHub Africa has also made provision for a limited number of exceptional ventures that may not yet have achieved full commercial validation but demonstrate breakthrough innovation or exceptional ocean impact. Such businesses must have registered or pending intellectual property and a clear written plan for generating revenue.

Eligible Business Sectors

The accelerator welcomes applications from startups developing solutions across several Blue Economy and related industries, including:

• Climate technology and carbon removal.
• Waste management and recycling.
• Circular economy solutions.
• Marine biotechnology.
• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Marine renewable energy.
• Ocean robotics and data technology.
• Nature-based solutions.
• Boat building and repair.
• Maritime transportation and logistics.
• Coastal and marine ecotourism.

Businesses must demonstrate how their products, services or operations contribute to improving ocean health and promoting sustainable economic activities.

Required Application Documents

Interested startups should prepare the following documents and supporting information:

• Company incorporation documents.
• An investor pitch deck.
• Financial statements and management accounts, where available.
• Evidence of commercial activity, including customer contracts, invoices or records of repeat sales.
• Impact indicators or supporting evidence demonstrating the business’s contribution to ocean sustainability.

Applicants who make the shortlist will be required to submit a five-minute video pitch based on their investor presentation.

Application Deadline and Programme Timeline

Applications for OceanHub Africa Acceleration Programme Cohort 8 close on December 6, 2026, for the 2027 cohort selection.

The published selection and programme timeline includes:

• December 6, 2026: Application deadline for Cohort 8 selection.
• December 18–20, 2026: Shortlisted applicants are expected to receive notifications.
• January 18, 2027: Deadline for shortlisted startups to submit their pitch decks and video presentations.
• February 2027: Final pitching sessions and due diligence.
• February 15, 2027: Expected announcement of selected startups.
• March 2027: Programme commencement.
• April 2027: In-person bootcamp.
• Early 2028: Expected graduation.

How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs and startup founders can apply online by visiting the OceanHub Africa Acceleration Programme application page on VC4A.

Applicants should review the eligibility requirements, prepare the necessary business documents and complete the online application form before the deadline.

Application Deadline: December 6, 2026.

Programme Cost: Free. No participation fees or equity requirements.

Number of Selected Startups: Up to 10.

Programme Duration: Nine months.

Application Link: https://vc4a.com/oceanhub-africa/oceanhub-africa-acceleration-program-cohort-8/

For additional information, visit the official OceanHub Africa website: https://oceanhub.africa/