Supporting Startups at Every Stage: Expanding Our Programs for Greater Impact
SYDNEY, 16 OCTOBER 2024
Sarah Bertin is OIO’s Programs Lead. In this post, she discusses how we’re expanding our programs so we can partner with startups for the long term, helping them at both earlier and later stages of development.
Earlier this year, Elisa-Marie and I were reflecting on the applicants for this year’s Accelerator Program. We were struck by the diversity of startups, not just in terms of innovation, but also in stages of growth. Some were very early in their journey, beginning their technology-readiness level and finding their first customers, while others had already gained product-market fit and were preparing to scale into new markets. We knew this was not only a reflection of our applicants, but a reflection of the entire pipeline of blue economy deals.
The journey of building a startup is dynamic and often unpredictable, requiring different forms of support at various stages. Opportunities and challenges extend throughout the startup journey, requiring diverse guidance, commercial pathways, and robust networks to sustain momentum and evolve into successful later-stage businesses. We noted that having support is especially crucial for sectors that are still emerging, such as the blue economy. They often have more barriers to market entry, higher risk profiles, and longer horizons to access their first customers and pilots.
OIO’s Elisa-Marie Dumas and Sarah Bertin at Global Down Under, hosted by Investible at Greenhouse. Photo: Harry Steer.
Partnering for the long-term
We’re excited to launch new tailored initiatives designed to support startups at both earlier and later stages of development. This expansion ensures that entrepreneurs receive the comprehensive support they need at every pivotal moment in their journey.
By enhancing our offerings, we’re creating more opportunities for founders while also building a stronger foundation for sustainable ocean innovation. This strategic move positions Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) for long-term growth, setting the stage for 2025 and beyond as we deepen our impact across the Asia-Pacific region and align ourselves with key industry partners.
This region is remarkably diverse, with countries like Indonesia making headlines for substantial venture deals and successful startup exits, and areas such as the Pacific Islands still in the early stages of developing their startup ecosystems. By expanding our initiatives to tackle more stages of the entrepreneurial journey, we can better support startups for the long term, ultimately contributing to a thriving global blue economy ecosystem.
Introducing OIO Boost
We’re excited to announce OIO Boost, a new initiative developed to support founders before they enter growth or scaleup programs. We have seen the benefit of providing one-on-one tailored support in our current growth program and will continue to expand this to Boost, customising our approach to address their unique needs. Through Boost, founders get access to hands-on mentorship, expert advice, and resources to refine their business models and validate their product ideas. The program focuses on helping founders understand their market, sharpen their value proposition, and build a strong foundation to confidently approach investors and customers as they prepare for the next stage of growth.
We are proud to introduce four new startups joining our community (in alphabetical order):
AlgaeHive | Australia: AlgaeHive™ transforms microalgae production with its cutting-edge bioreactor technology, solving the inefficiencies in traditional algae cultivation. Our system enhances biomass yield, reduces energy consumption, and minimises water usage, making sustainable algae production commercially viable at scale. By unlocking algae’s full potential for industries like nutraceuticals, bioplastics, and feed, AlgaeHive™ drives innovation and sustainability in critical global markets.
Kelp Island | Australia: Kelp Island is developing high-performance sustainable construction products, made from seaweed, to reduce the environmental impact of construction particularly for coastal and offshore infrastructure.
LIPPER | Japan: Turn black tyres white: Nanotechnology Tire Reinforcement Materials for a decarbonised society and prosperous oceans. LIPPER develops environmentally friendly tyre materials. They are working on the development of naturally derived tire-strengthening reinforcement to replace petroleum-derived carbon black. Their goal is to achieve tyres that reduce CO2 emissions from manufacturing and disposal processes and reduce microplastic emissions from tyre dust.
Sprout Materials | Australia: Sprout Materials produces bio-based materials for sustainable foam and plastic production, to eliminate plastic waste and reduce fossil fuel consumption. Sprout Materials is using proprietary chemistry developed at the Australian National University to produce foams from renewable, bio-based sources. Their materials offer significant advantages over current foams, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, for comparable cost.
Scaling Beyond Growth
As companies scale, we need to provide our alumni and other startups with additional support to succeed. For later-stage companies, we will focus on scaling operations and entering new markets. We aim to assist global startups in expanding their reach into Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia-Pacific region, providing the kind of strategic partnerships and market access that can significantly impact their growth.
Cleaner Seas Group
We are thrilled to be welcoming back Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2024 Winners and OIO alumni Cleaner Seas Group:
Cleaner Seas Group | UK: Cleaner Seas Group is addressing one of the biggest ocean polluters: microfibres. Tackling this global problem with local solutions, from their Indi™ plug-and-play microfibre filter for domestic washing machines to their Indikon™ commercial filter for industrial laundry settings – like hotels, laundromats, ships, and even tour buses – or integration by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
By expanding our programs to cater to startups at all stages, we’re not simply filling the gaps; we’re fostering a thriving, interconnected community of entrepreneurs committed to transforming ocean health through innovation. We look forward to seeing how these new initiatives will drive sustainable innovation in the blue economy, creating significant impact for both climate action and biodiversity conservation.
About OIO
Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) helps startups make their greatest impact through funding and growth opportunities. Headquartered in Australia with a focus on the Asia-Pacific, our commercialisation programs and support initiatives accelerate the best solutions to transform ocean health.
At the forefront of the ocean health innovation ecosystem, OIO is passionately driving impact and investment into the rapidly emerging sustainable blue economy. Visit the website for more information: ocean-impact.org
