The Ocean Exchange
The Ocean Exchange is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerator that deploys non-dilutive grants (Neptune, Collegiate, MEOPAR, Orcelle, and Guy Harvey awards) to ocean-innovation startups and student researchers, curating a global pipeline of 1,600+ solutions and 155+ universities through annual events, webcasts, and a sponsor-funded ecosystem.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersSavannah, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Ocean Exchange does
The Ocean Exchange is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded circa 2011, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy. Rather than developing proprietary technology, the organization operates as an ecosystem facilitator: it curates a global pipeline of ocean-innovation startups, evaluates them through a multi-stage review process, and deploys non-dilutive grant funding through a portfolio of co-branded award programs. These include the flagship Neptune Awards (three $100,000 grants plus two $50,000 grants in the 2026 cycle), five $10,000 Collegiate Awards, the CAD $100,000 MEOPAR-Ocean Exchange Neptune Award for Canadian innovators, the $100,000 Orcelle Award sponsored by Wallenius Wilhelmsen for maritime decarbonization, and the $10,000 Guy Harvey Collegiate Award. The organization claims 1,600+ registered solutions and 155+ registered universities, with portfolio startups having collectively raised $3.1 billion in follow-on grants, impact/VC capital, and exit transitions.
The organization's go-to-market is event-driven and partnership-led rather than commercial: an annual three-day event in Fort Lauderdale (the 2026 edition is scheduled for October 25-27), quarterly webcasts co-hosted with the Marine Technology Society, a monthly NAVIGATOR newsletter, and a Solution Spotlights content series. Distribution runs through the organization's own website (oceanexchange.org), LinkedIn, Twitter, and PR channels. Sponsorship revenue from corporate partners (Royal Caribbean, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Marine Research Hub of South Florida, Oceaneering, Guy Harvey Foundation, MEOPAR, Broward College, Nova Southeastern University) and private donations fund operations. The platform does not charge startups to apply and takes no equity; grants are entirely non-dilutive. Customer segments are horizontal across the blue economy, with primary end-users being ocean-technology startups and university researchers, and secondary stakeholders being corporate sponsors and international innovation ecosystems.
The Ocean Exchange firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Ocean Exchange
- Legal name
- Ocean Exchange
- Website
- https://oceanexchange.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Ocean Exchange is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerator that deploys non-dilutive grants (Neptune, Collegiate, MEOPAR, Orcelle, and Guy Harvey awards) to ocean-innovation startups and student researchers, curating a global pipeline of 1,600+ solutions and 155+ universities through annual events, webcasts, and a sponsor-funded ecosystem.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Ocean Exchange industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ocean Innovation and Blue Economy Acceleration
- NAICS
- Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas) (EDADAFAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mobility Grants & Short-Term Study/Travel Awards (EDAIAOAK)
Keywords
Where The Ocean Exchange is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Savannah
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Ocean Exchange business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Sponsorships and Donations: Ocean Exchange is funded by private donations and sponsorships from organizations including Royal Caribbean, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, Marine Research Hub of South Florida, Oceaneering, and other entities passionate about healthy oceans. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, with its mission funded entirely through private contributions.
- Event and Program Participation: Revenue is generated through delegate registrations for the annual Ocean Exchange event, where attendees from business, government, NGOs, and academia participate. Information is shared with attendees and sponsor organizations via mobile app.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | 2026 Neptune Awards: 3x $100,000 + 2x $50,000 |
| Other | Annual | 2026 Collegiate Awards: 5x $10,000 |
| Other | Annual | 2026 MEOPAR Award: 1x CAD $100,000 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Ocean Exchange product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Ocean Exchange operates a global Blue Economy innovation accelerator that awards non-dilutive grants to ocean technology startups and university students through annual programs including the Neptune Awards, Collegiate Awards, MEOPAR-Ocean Exchange Neptune Award, Orcelle Award, and Guy Harvey Collegiate Award. It complements these awards with a Fort Lauderdale-based annual event, a mobile networking app for delegates, a monthly newsletter, and a quarterly webcast series, all funded by corporate sponsorships and donations.
Product overview
The Ocean Exchange operates as a 501(c)(3) accelerator ecosystem for the Blue Economy, offering a portfolio of non-dilutive award programs (Neptune Awards, Collegiate Awards, MEOPAR-Ocean Exchange Neptune Award, Orcelle Award, and Guy Harvey Collegiate Award) that collectively provide over $400,000 annually in grant funding to ocean innovation startups. The organization complements its awards with an annual event in Fort Lauderdale, the Navigator newsletter, Solution Spotlights content series, and a webcast series in partnership with Marine Technology Society - creating a comprehensive ecosystem that identifies, funds, showcases, and connects ocean-focused innovators with investors and industry partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Neptune Awards Flagship non-dilutive grant program offering 3x $100,000 and 2x $50,000 awards for innovative ocean and Blue Economy solutions across categories including alternative materials, CO2 reduction, data/robotics, digitalization, energy, fisheries/marine habitat, vessel/port operations, and water treatment.
- Collegiate Awards Student-focused non-dilutive award program offering 5x $10,000 grants for university-led innovations in ocean sustainability, blue economy technologies, and marine conservation.
- MEOPAR-Ocean Exchange Neptune Award Canadian-focused non-dilutive award program offering CAD $100,000 to Canadian ocean innovators, operated in partnership with MEOPAR (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network).
- Orcelle Award Non-dilutive award of $100,000 sponsored by Wallenius Wilhelmsen recognizing innovations in sustainable shipping, zero-emissions maritime activities, and ocean transportation.
- Guy Harvey Collegiate Award Specialized non-dilutive collegiate award of $10,000 sponsored by the Guy Harvey Foundation for student innovations in marine conservation and ocean health.
- Annual Ocean Exchange Event Annual three-day in-person event in Fort Lauderdale, FL bringing together ocean technology innovators, investors, industry leaders, and policy makers to advance ocean innovation and Blue Economy solutions through awards presentations, networking sessions, and pitch competitions.
Quantifiable outcome
- $3.1 BILLION raised by startups via grants, impact/VC investment, and Exit Transitions
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Ocean Exchange
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Ocean Exchange technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability8 records
The Ocean Exchange partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.
- EarthXsupportingOcean Exchange supported EarthX 2024 by providing a showcase of past finalists with solutions impacting Oceans and the Blue Economy. Startups competed for the $20,000 Blue Impact Startup Prize.
- Marine Research Hub of South FloridacoreMarine Research Hub of South Florida is a 501(c)(3) that collaborates with Ocean Exchange to solidify collaboration among four university oceanographic research centers, three economic development organizations, and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. They co-sponsor the Neptune Award.
- Wallenius WilhelmsencoreWallenius Wilhelmsen sponsors the Orcelle Award, a $100,000 award for sustainable shipping and maritime innovations. The award focuses on solutions for zero emissions shipping and maritime activities.
- Marine Technology Society (MTS)coreOcean Exchange and Marine Technology Society co-host a quarterly webcast series on blue economy topics including shipping decarbonization, offshore wind, carbon sequestration, and other marine technology themes.
- Guy Harvey FoundationcoreGuy Harvey Foundation sponsors the Guy Harvey Collegiate Award ($10,000) for student innovations in marine conservation and ocean health. They have provided awards for both collegiate and high school categories.
- MEOPARcoreOcean Exchange and MEOPAR (Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network) partner to offer the MEOPAR-Ocean Exchange Neptune Award (CAD $100,000) for Canadian ocean innovators.
- Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF)supportingOcean Exchange collaborates with MIASF as part of the South Florida marine innovation ecosystem. MIASF owns the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).
- Founding BluesupportingFounding Blue helps blue economy founders across South Florida build scalable businesses with education, mentorship, and access to capital, complementing Ocean Exchange's programs.
- Israeli National Center of Blue EconomysupportingOcean Exchange collaborates with the Israeli National Center of Blue Economy on blue tech innovation, international partnerships, and the Blue Tech Summit.
- Reciprocal StudiosupportingReciprocal Studio identifies and energizes ocean-based innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean, expanding Ocean Exchange's network in the region.
- Economist World Ocean InitiativesupportingOcean Exchange collaborated with The Economist on the World Ocean Summit & Expo in Lisbon, Portugal, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution challenges.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Ocean Exchange competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Katapult Ocean: Direct peer: a dedicated ocean-impact accelerator and impact investment platform that selects cohorts of blue-economy startups and connects them to capital and partners — competing with Ocean Exchange for the same pool of mission-driven ocean founders.
- Hatch Blue: Direct peer: a specialized blue-economy/aquatech venture builder and fund that backs ocean startups with capital, mentorship, and an accelerator cohort — competing directly for early-stage ocean startups and corporate partners exploring blue-economy deals.
- XPRIZE Foundation: Direct peer: both operate prize-based, non-dilutive award programs that screen, select, and fund breakthrough-innovation teams through multi-stage competitions with public events. XPRIZE has run ocean-focused competitions (Shell Ocean Discovery, Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health) addressing the same blue-economy solutions pipeline.
- Sustainable Ocean Alliance: Direct peer: a global nonprofit that builds, funds, and accelerates ocean solutions through grants, an accelerator, and an annual summit — structurally similar to Ocean Exchange's awards-plus-event model with overlapping founder/investor audiences in the blue economy.
- Earthshot Prize: Direct peer: high-profile global prize competition that awards multi-year funding (~$1.2M+ per winner) to ocean-and-climate solutions, competing for both top-tier blue-economy applicants and corporate sponsors in the same audience and recognition currency as the Neptune Awards.
- EarthX: Direct peer: runs a major annual environmental conference and a startup competition (Blue Impact Startup Prize) that has showcased Ocean Exchange alumni — competing for sustainability-focused founder attention and sponsor dollars within overlapping environmental-impact ecosystems.
Emerging players
- Sea Ahead: Emerging peer: an ocean sustainability startup-enablement program that supports and showcases blue-economy ventures with a narrower scope than Ocean Exchange but a similar "discover, support, showcase" value chain for ocean founders.
Others
- World Ocean Initiative (The Economist): Adjacent / thematically related: a thought-leadership platform that convenes the World Ocean Summit & Expo and has collaborated with Ocean Exchange — overlapping in audience of policymakers, investors, and ocean innovators but operating primarily as a content/events brand rather than a grantmaker.
- Schmidt Marine Technology Partners: Adjacent funder: a sponsor of Ocean Exchange, but operates its own venture-philanthropy grant portfolio for marine innovation and is therefore both a partner and a parallel funding channel for the same set of blue-economy startups.
Broad incumbents
- Marine Technology Society: Broad incumbent / active partner: Ocean Exchange co-hosts webcasts with MTS, but MTS is the larger professional society for ocean engineering and marine technology, providing industry content, conferences, and networks that frame the addressable audience for Ocean Exchange's programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Ocean Exchange social profiles
Digital presenceThe Ocean Exchange financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Ocean Exchange leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Ocean Exchange funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Ocean Exchange M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Ocean Exchange
What does The Ocean Exchange do?
The Ocean Exchange operates a global Blue Economy innovation accelerator that awards non-dilutive grants to ocean technology startups and university students through annual programs including the Neptune Awards, Collegiate Awards, MEOPAR-Ocean Exchange Neptune Award, Orcelle Award, and Guy Harvey Collegiate Award. It complements these awards with a Fort Lauderdale-based annual event, a mobile networking app for delegates, a monthly newsletter, and a quarterly webcast series, all funded by corporate sponsorships and donations.
Is The Ocean Exchange a public or private company?
The Ocean Exchange is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Ocean Exchange founded?
The Ocean Exchange was founded in 2011. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Ocean Exchange based?
The Ocean Exchange is headquartered in Savannah, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Ocean Exchange make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Sponsorships and Donations are the primary driver. The others are event and Program Participation.
Who are The Ocean Exchange's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Katapult Ocean, Hatch Blue, XPRIZE Foundation, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Earthshot Prize and EarthX. Sea Ahead is listed as an emerging player. Others are World Ocean Initiative (The Economist) and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners. Marine Technology Society is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does The Ocean Exchange have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Ocean Exchange.
What industry is The Ocean Exchange in?
The Ocean Exchange's product category is Ocean Innovation and Blue Economy Acceleration. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADAFAC, Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas), with a secondary code of EDAIAOAK, Mobility Grants & Short-Term Study/Travel Awards. Its NAICS code is 8132.