What Nekton Foundation does

Nekton Foundation is an independent UK-registered charity and ocean exploration institute founded in 2015 and headquartered at Begbroke Science Park, Oxford. It operates four interconnected programmes: the Ocean Census (co-founded with The Nippon Foundation in April 2023, positioned as the largest species discovery programme in history), First Descent (a series of Indian Ocean missions partnered with Omega and Kensington covering Seychelles, Maldives, and Comoros), Ocean Rising (a cultural engagement initiative partnered with Schmidt Ocean Institute spanning fashion, music, gaming, and arts), and Yachts For Science (a not-for-profit platform matching private vessels with research teams, co-founded with EYOS, BOAT, and the Ocean Family Foundation).

Underlying these programmes is a layered technology and methodology stack. Nekton deploys Triton submersibles, ROVs, and Sonardyne BlueComm optical communications to pioneer live subsea broadcasting from ocean depths. Its GOSSIP protocol provides a standardised methodology for collecting and comparing ocean data across regions, and the NOVA digital platform (launched May 2026) accelerates species documentation from the historical 13.5-year average between discovery and formal description down to weeks or days. Computer vision and machine learning techniques are applied to stereo-video transects and underwater imagery to assess benthic biodiversity and fish health.

The organisation is funded entirely through philanthropic investment — explicitly no government grants and no commercial revenue — with cumulative partner investments of £59 million into programmes over ten years. It operates a community-led GTM model through a network of 191 partners and a science network spanning 650+ institutes across 85 nations, co-designing expeditions with host governments (Seychelles, Maldives, Comoros, Bermuda) that own the resulting data. Customers/beneficiaries are national governments seeking marine protected area evidence, marine research institutes seeking frontier expedition access, and philanthropic foundations seeking measurable ocean impact. As of 2026, Nekton is seeking $100M in catalytic capital to unlock $75M+ already pledged by partners.

Name

Nekton Foundation

Legal name

Nekton

Website

https://nektonmission.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nekton Foundation is a UK-registered non-profit ocean exploration institute that runs the Ocean Census species discovery programme, Indian Ocean First Descent missions, and the Yachts For Science platform, funded entirely by philanthropic investment and serving governments, marine research institutes, and conservation partners across 85 nations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Exploration and Conservation Services

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Revetments, Groynes & Beach Nourishment (IMAFAJAD), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Ocean exploration missions
• Marine species discovery
• Deep sea research
• Ocean conservation programs
• Subsea broadcasting technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Oxford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Funding: Nekton is funded entirely through philanthropic investment and the collective resource of the Nekton Network. No government grants. No commercial revenue. Funding categories include Core Operations, Ocean Expeditions, Ocean Science, Ocean Census, First Descent, Ocean Rising, and Yachts for Science.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Nekton Foundation is an independent, non-profit ocean institute that runs large-scale deep ocean expeditions and four interconnected programmes: The Ocean Census (global species discovery alliance with The Nippon Foundation), First Descent (Indian Ocean exploration co-designed with host nations), Ocean Rising (cultural engagement initiative), and Yachts for Science (platform matching marine scientists with private vessels). It generates open-access scientific data, discovers new marine species, pioneers live subsea broadcasting technology, and translates findings into policy to support marine protected area creation.

Product overview

Nekton Foundation is an independent ocean exploration institute operating four interconnected core programmes: The Ocean Census (global species discovery alliance with The Nippon Foundation), First Descent (Indian Ocean exploration with Omega and Kensington), Ocean Rising (cultural engagement with Schmidt Ocean Institute), and Yachts For Science (private vessel research platform). Supporting infrastructure includes the NOVA open data platform for species discovery, the GOSSIP standardized sampling protocol, and pioneering subsea broadcast technology. All programmes are co-designed with partner nations and focus on generating open scientific data to drive ocean protection policy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ocean Census: The largest programme in history dedicated to discovering life in the ocean, launched by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton in April 2023.
• First Descent
• Ocean Rising
• Yachts for Science

Products and services

• The Ocean Census
• First Descent
• Ocean Rising
• Yachts for Science
• Ocean Census NOVA Platform

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,000+ species discovered
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered founding partner - ocean census co-founder, primary philanthropic backer, flagship - programme partner for first descent expeditions, founding partner, core - programme partner for ocean rising and research vessel provision, core - co-founder of yachts for science, core - technology partner for subsea communications, core - media partner for deep ocean live, flagship - news agency partner for global content distribution, core - submersible technology partner, strategic, core - host nation partner, core - host nation partner for inaugural mission, core - r-poc programme partner for comoros, core - research partner for indian ocean, core - research platform partner, core - research partner for ocean census japan expedition, core - research partner for coral sea expedition, core - research partner and scientific leadership, core - academic research partner, core - local conservation partner, core - host nation research partner and supporting.

• The Nippon Foundationfounding partner - ocean census co-founder, primary philanthropic backerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023Launched Ocean Census in April 2023 as a global alliance to discover and protect ocean life. The Nippon Foundation is the founding partner and co-creator of the Ocean Census program, the largest species discovery initiative in history. Committed to open access data and equitable sharing.
• Omega (SWATCH Group)flagship - programme partner for first descent expeditionsStrategic or Co-development PartnerOmega provides the Seamaster submersible support vessel for First Descent expeditions, enabling deep ocean exploration. The partnership combines luxury brand sponsorship with genuine expedition support and scientific research capabilities.
• Kensington (Kensington Tours/Yachts/Expeditions)founding partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerKensington is a founding partner of Nekton, offering bespoke luxury travel experiences including yacht charters and expeditions. Supports First Descent: Comoros mission and provides luxury expedition services.
• Schmidt Ocean Institutecore - programme partner for ocean rising and research vessel provisionStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchmidt Ocean Institute operates the research vessel Falkor (too) for ocean science expeditions. Partners with Nekton on Ocean Rising cultural program and provides vessel access for Ocean Census expeditions.
• AXA XL (XL Catlin)founding partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerXL Catlin (now AXA XL) was the founding partner for the 2016 Bermuda XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey. Supported the inaugural mission and subsequent Ocean Risk Summit collaboration.
• EYOS Expeditionscore - co-founder of yachts for scienceStrategic or Co-development PartnerEYOS Expeditions is co-founder of Yachts for Science initiative, providing operational expertise for matching private yachts with research teams. Conducts expedition management for marine research missions.
• BOAT (Yacht Marketplace)core - co-founder of yachts for scienceStrategic or Co-development PartnerBOAT is co-founder of Yachts for Science, connecting marine scientists with private vessels through its yacht marketplace. Helps overcome logistical challenges of marine research access.
• Ocean Family Foundationcore - co-founder of yachts for scienceStrategic or Co-development PartnerOcean Family Foundation is co-founder of Yachts for Science, supporting the platform that connects private yachts with marine scientists for vital ocean research.
• Sonardynecore - technology partner for subsea communicationsTechnology or IntegrationSonardyne provides BlueComm optical communication technology enabling high-bandwidth live video transmission from underwater submersibles. Essential for Nekton's pioneering live subsea broadcasts.
• Sky (Sky News)core - media partner for deep ocean liveGTM or Marketing PartnerSky partnered with Nekton to produce Deep Ocean Live, the first-ever live subsea newscasts. Broadcast 9 hours of programming to audiences in 120 nations during First Descent missions.
• Associated Press (AP)flagship - news agency partner for global content distributionGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociated Press is Nekton's news agency partner for distributing expedition content globally. Provides broadcast and digital content distribution across 283 broadcasters and 1,168 publishers in 120+ countries.
• Triton Submarinescore - submersible technology partnerTechnology or IntegrationTriton provides submersible technology for Nekton expeditions, enabling deep ocean exploration and research. Partnership includes specialized submersibles for mesophotic and deep-sea research.
• TeledynestrategicTechnology or IntegrationTeledyne provides underwater technology and imaging solutions for ocean research expeditions.
• Government of Seychellescore - host nation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Descent: Seychelles mission co-designed and co-delivered with Seychelles government. Host nation owns all data and discoveries. Supported commitment to protecting 400,000 km² of ocean territory.
• Government of Maldivescore - host nation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Descent: Maldives mission partnered with Maldives government for first comprehensive deep ocean survey. Included Presidential visit and national scientific capacity building.
• Government of Comoroscore - host nation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Descent: Comoros mission launching nation's first systematic ocean exploration. Supports 30x30 commitment to protect 30% of ocean by 2030. Includes coelacanth research program.
• Government of Bermudacore - host nation partner for inaugural missionStrategic or Co-development PartnerXL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey partnership with Bermuda government. Led to Bermuda committing to protect at least 20% of ocean territory.
• WildTrust / WILDOCEANScore - r-poc programme partner for comorosStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildTrust leads the R-POC programme and is key partner for Comoros expeditions. Manages the WILDOCEANS program championing locally rooted ocean conservation solutions.
• CORDIO (Coastal Oceans Research and Development)core - research partner for indian oceanStrategic or Co-development PartnerCORDIO East Africa works at intersection of marine scientific research and conservation policy in Western Indian Ocean. Key partner for Comoros pathfinder expedition.
• NRF-SAIAB (South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity)core - research platform partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAIAB provides advanced research platforms for aquatic biodiversity research. Supports higher education sector by educating and developing aquatic researchers and managers.
• JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology)core - research partner for ocean census japan expeditionStrategic or Co-development PartnerJAMSTEC operates Shinkai 6500 submersible for deep-sea research. Partner for Ocean Census Japan expedition discovering dozens of new species including Dalhousiella yabukii worm.
• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)core - research partner for coral sea expeditionStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSIRO conducted Coral Sea Marine Park expedition discovering ghost shark Chimaera and 100+ new species. Australian national science agency with advanced marine research capabilities.
• University of Oxfordcore - research partner and scientific leadershipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Oxford provides scientific expertise and research leadership. Dr. Lucy Woodall is Associate Professor at Exeter. Oxford scientists lead taxonomic workshops and research publications.
• University of Exetercore - academic research partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Exeter hosts Principal Scientist Dr. Lucy Woodall. Academic partner for conservation biology and policy research.
• The CommonwealthstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommonwealth Blue Charter partnership supporting 56 governments on ocean and climate governance. Launched Commonwealth Blue Charter and Apia Ocean Declaration.
• Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT)core - local conservation partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeyCCAT manages Deep Blue Grants Fund enabling Seychellois scientists to participate in field research. Supports taxonomic training and research capacity building.
• Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI)core - host nation research partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerMMRI co-hosts taxonomic workshops with Nekton. Maldivian participants receive species identification training contributing to ongoing research and publications.
• Helly HansensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical maritime apparel partner providing gear for expedition teams.
• EcountersupportingTechnology or IntegrationEducational technology partner supporting marine science education programs.
• Blue Marine FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine conservation NGO partner working on ocean protection and sustainable management.
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal conservation organization partner supporting marine protection initiatives.
• IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal authority on conservation status of species providing scientific framework for marine research.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Schmidt Ocean Institute: Nonprofit operating research vessel Falkor (too) for ocean science expeditions, with a parallel cultural and open-data agenda. Directly comparable to Nekton as an independently funded ocean-exploration nonprofit that co-designs voyages and openly shares data; they are also an active Nekton partner.
• OceanX: Ocean exploration nonprofit pairing deep-sea research with high-production media output from a dedicated research vessel and submersibles. Closely comparable to Nekton's expedition-plus-storytelling model and pioneering of public-facing subsea media.
• Blue Marine Foundation: UK marine conservation foundation funding ocean protection projects and policy. Comparable to Nekton in mission-driven ocean protection but focused on marine protected area establishment and fisheries rather than deep-ocean species discovery.
• Rev Ocean: Norwegian-founded nonprofit ocean exploration initiative with its own research vessel and focus on marine science and ocean health. Comparable as a private philanthropic ocean-exploration organization targeting scientific discovery and ocean protection at scale.
• Pristine Seas (National Geographic): National Geographic program combining sea expeditions with documentation of marine ecosystems and support for marine protected areas. Closely comparable to Nekton's First Descent model of expedition-driven marine protection in partnership with sovereign states.

Broad incumbents

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI): Largest private oceanographic research institution, operating research vessels, submersibles, and an extensive science network. Shares Nekton's deep-ocean research mandate and open science ethos, but is much larger, academic, and operates permanent infrastructure rather than project-led expeditions.
• Ocean Conservancy: Large US marine conservation nonprofit focused on policy, advocacy, and science-to-action for ocean health. Comparable in mission arc (science feeding conservation outcomes) but anchored in policy and advocacy rather than in-person expedition delivery.
• National Geographic Society: Large, established nonprofit funding exploration, conservation, and science storytelling. Compares to Nekton in blending exploration grants, scientific research, and public engagement, but operates across land and sea rather than focusing exclusively on the deep ocean.

Emerging players

• Adventure Scientists: Nonprofit that recruits adventurers and athletes to collect scientific data across wild environments including oceans. Comparable in crowdsourced-data and partner-network model to Nekton's leveraging of the Nekton Network for expeditions and data flows.

Others

• Census of Marine Life / OBIS: Legacy global marine biodiversity data program and the underlying Ocean Biogeographic Information System that maintains the historical baseline of marine species records. Functionally adjacent to Nekton's Ocean Census NOVA platform — both are building the global open dataset for marine species.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nektonmission
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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Nekton Foundation