Blue Climate Initiative
Blue Climate Initiative is a US nonprofit program of the Tetiaroa Society that convenes scientists, communities, policymakers, and philanthropists to accelerate ocean-based climate solutions through prize programs, summits, advocacy campaigns, and research publications.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- Headquarters—
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Blue Climate Initiative does
Blue Climate Initiative (BCI) is a US-registered nonprofit program established in 2020 and fiscally sponsored by the Tetiaroa Society, a US 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. It operates as a multi-year convening and acceleration platform focused on ocean-based climate solutions, organizing its work around six working groups covering marine energy and transport, food and nutrition, health and well-being, biodiversity and nature-based solutions, mineral and genetic resources, and sustainable tourism. The organization does not develop proprietary commercial technology products; its core deliverables are programmatic — the US$1 million Ocean Innovation Prize (first awarded February 2022 to three seaweed-based innovators), Community Awards (six communities in February 2021), the biennial Blue Climate Summit (last held May 14-20, 2022 in French Polynesia with 200-250 participants), and the ongoing Deep Sea Mining Moratorium advocacy campaign, which has assembled 1,500+ Indigenous signatories from 51 countries and 72 Indigenous groups. Additional project concepts include Blue Carbon Exchange, Blue Carbon Lab, and the Reef OS AI-powered reef monitoring platform. BCI was designated a flagship program of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in June 2021 and operates with a small core team of approximately five people.
BCI generates revenue exclusively through donations and philanthropic contributions, processed through its fiscal sponsor Tetiaroa Society and supplemented by sponsorships from foundations (Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, Minderoo Foundation, Forsythia Foundation), corporate philanthropy (Salesforce/Marc Benioff), and individual philanthropists (Andrew Forrest, Richard Bailey). It does not sell products or services and has no published pricing tiers. Its go-to-market is event- and convening-driven: the Blue Climate Summit, prize cycles, advocacy campaigns, and the June 2025 UNOC3 side event in Nice serve as the primary demand-generation and stakeholder-engagement mechanisms, supported by a bilingual website, the 'Blue Notes' newsletter, social media channels, and earned media coverage. Target stakeholder segments include the global ocean innovation ecosystem (scientists, innovators, investors), community leaders and Indigenous voices, and high-level policymakers and influencers, with the latter cohort anchored by endorsements from John Kerry, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sylvia Earle, and Marc Benioff.
Blue Climate Initiative firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blue Climate Initiative
- Legal name
- Blue Climate Initiative
- Website
- https://blueclimateinitiative.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Blue Climate Initiative is a US nonprofit program of the Tetiaroa Society that convenes scientists, communities, policymakers, and philanthropists to accelerate ocean-based climate solutions through prize programs, summits, advocacy campaigns, and research publications.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Blue Climate Initiative industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Advocacy & Ocean Conservation
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Avoided Conversion & Ecosystem Protection (REDD+, Blue Carbon Conservation) (EUABABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Blue Carbon Removal (Mangroves, Seagrass, Salt Marsh) (EUABAFAI), Offsets & Carbon Removal Procurement Strategy (portfolio design, quality screening) (EUABAKAL), Climate Finance Strategy (CapEx planning, green finance, incentives & grants) (EUABAKAG)
Keywords
Blue Climate Initiative business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Philanthropic Contributions: As a program of the US 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tetiaroa Society, BCI raises funds through donations. Donors contribute to advance ocean protection, scientific understanding, and ocean innovation projects. Donations in excess of in-kind benefits are tax-deductible for US taxpayers.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels9 records
Blue Climate Initiative product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blue Climate Initiative (BCI) is a non-profit program that drives ocean-based climate solutions through prize programs (Ocean Innovation Prize), advocacy campaigns (Deep Sea Mining Moratorium), research and convening programs (Blue Climate Summit), and publications such as Transformational Opportunities. It also operates the Blue Carbon Exchange (BCX) and Blue Carbon Lab to support blue carbon market development.
Product overview
Blue Climate Initiative is a multi-year program that operates through several interconnected initiatives rather than a unified software product. Its core programs include: the Ocean Innovation Prize (a US$1 million competitive award for ocean-based climate innovations), Community Awards (grants for community-led ocean climate solutions), and Transformational Opportunities (a publication with 40+ expert-identified ocean solutions). The organization convenes the Blue Climate Summit (biennial global conference), runs a Deep Sea Mining Moratorium Campaign (advocacy initiative), and maintains a Reference Library of ocean-related research. Summit-related projects include Blue Carbon Exchange/Lab (carbon sequestration initiatives), Reef OS (AI-powered coral reef monitoring), and various blue climate mission projects. The organization is a program of Tetiaroa Society and serves as a flagship program of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ocean Innovation Prize
- Community Awards An awards program recognizing community-driven ocean and climate action. Targeted at grassroots organizations, indigenous groups, and community leaders engaged in marine conservation.
- Blue Climate Summit A convening program (summit) that brings together scientists, policymakers, philanthropists, and innovators to advance ocean-based climate solutions. Targeted at stakeholders in the ocean-climate community.
- Deep Sea Mining Moratorium Campaign An advocacy campaign promoting a moratorium on deep sea mining to protect deep-sea ecosystems. Targeted at policymakers, regulators, and the broader public.
- Transformational Opportunities A research publication identifying and analyzing transformational opportunities in ocean-based climate action. Targeted at funders, researchers, and policy stakeholders.
- Blue Carbon Exchange (BCX) A program/exchange to advance the development of blue carbon markets, connecting blue carbon project developers with buyers and funders. Targeted at coastal project developers, carbon market participants, and corporate buyers.
- Blue Carbon Lab A research and capacity-building program supporting blue carbon measurement, verification, and project development. Targeted at scientists, project developers, and coastal communities.
- Reef OS A technology-oriented initiative associated with coral reef monitoring, restoration, or reef ecosystem data management. Targeted at reef researchers, conservation practitioners, and marine park managers.
- UNOC3 Deep-Sea Ecosystems Side Event An official side event at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) focused on protecting deep-sea ecosystems. Targeted at UN delegations, policymakers, scientists, and civil society.
- Reference Library A curated online reference library of resources related to ocean-based climate solutions, blue carbon, and marine conservation. Targeted at researchers, students, and practitioners.
Quantifiable outcome
- Ocean Innovation Prize distributed US$1 million to three seaweed-based innovators (bioplastic, carbon capture, methane reduction feed additive)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Blue Climate Initiative
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Blue Climate Initiative technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Blue Climate Initiative partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- France (Government)coreFrance co-organizes the UNOC3 side event on deep-sea ecosystems of French Polynesia alongside Tetiaroa Society and French Polynesia. France supports the deep-sea mining moratorium and sustainable ocean governance efforts.
- IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement)minorIRD, represented by Chairwoman and CEO Valérie Verdier, co-organizes the UNOC3 side event and contributes scientific expertise on deep-sea ecosystems and multidisciplinary approaches.
- IFREMERminorIFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), represented by Chairman and CEO François Houllier, co-organizes the UNOC3 side event on deep-sea ecosystems and contributes expertise on deep-sea science and governance.
- UPF (University of French Polynesia)minorUPF, represented by Academic Director Franck Lucas, co-organizes the UNOC3 side event and contributes research on innovative energy solutions from deep-sea waters (SWAC/OTEC technology).
- PalauminorPalau co-organizes the UNOC3 side event and has been an active advocate for the deep sea mining moratorium, calling for a precautionary approach to deep-sea resource governance.
- New CaledoniaminorNew Caledonia co-organizes the UNOC3 side event, contributing to discussions on sustainable governance of deep-sea resources in the Pacific.
- Te Mana Hiva (French Polynesia)minorTe Mana Hiva co-organizes the UNOC3 side event as a French Polynesian partner, contributing to the Pacific perspective on deep-sea ecosystem protection.
- French Polynesia Maritime ClusterminorThe Maritime Cluster of French Polynesia, represented by President Stéphanie Failloux, co-organizes the UNOC3 side event and contributes expertise on SWAC and OTEC innovations and maritime innovation ecosystems.
- Government of French PolynesiacoreCo-host of the Blue Climate Summit 2022 alongside other public and private institutions. French Polynesia, with the largest managed marine area in the world and its 19,000 km² Biosphere Reserve, served as the Summit venue. President Edouard Fritch and Minister Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu were key conveners.
- The Brando ResortminorThe Brando (an exclusive resort on Tetiaroa island owned by Richard Bailey) hosted Blue Climate Summit participants and provided venue access for Summit programs and discussions on Tetiaroa. Richard Bailey, Founder of The Brando and Tetiaroa Society, served as a Summit Co-Convener.
- Pacific BeachcomberminorPacific Beachcomber, led by Richard Bailey, is a co-convening partner of the Blue Climate Summit and linked to Tetiaroa Society. Richard Bailey serves as Chairman of Pacific Beachcomber and President of Pacific Beachcomber.
- Mission Blue / Sylvia EarlecoreSylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue and DOER Marine, is a Co-Convener of the Blue Climate Summit. She co-authored a TIME Magazine article with Dan Kammen on the case against deep-sea mining and is a keynote speaker at the UNOC3 side event.
- Polynesian Voyaging Society / Nainoa ThompsoncoreNainoa Thompson, President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, is a Co-Convener of the Blue Climate Summit. The Society's canoe Hokule'a participated in the Summit, sharing its vision of ocean protection.
- CNRS / CRIOBE (Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement)minorCNRS-CRIOBE, led by researcher Joachim Claudet (Summit Program Committee Co-Chair), is a Summit sponsor and research partner, providing scientific expertise and hosting the UC Berkeley Gump South Pacific Research Station in Moorea.
- UC Berkeley Gump South Pacific Research Station (Moorea)minorLed by Neil Davies (Executive Director and Summit Program Committee member), this research station in Moorea served as a partner for the Blue Climate Summit and co-develops ocean research initiatives with BCI.
- Air Tahiti NuiminorListed as a Summit sponsor and partner. Air Tahiti Nui is the international airline of French Polynesia, likely providing travel support for Summit participants.
- PonantminorFrench luxury cruise company Ponant served as a Summit sponsor, providing the vessel Paul Gauguin as the primary Summit venue for participants traveling between islands during the event.
- Ocean EldersminorOcean Elders, co-founded by Gigi Brisson (Summit Program Committee member), is a Summit sponsor and partner. Ocean Elders brings together influential ocean leaders including Gerry Lopez and Nainoa Thompson.
- Captain Planet Foundation / Laura Turner SeydelminorLaura Turner Seydel, Chair of Captain Planet Foundation, is a Co-Convener of the Blue Climate Summit. Captain Planet Foundation promotes environmental education and action among youth.
- Ocean VisionsminorOcean Visions, led by Emanuele Di Lorenzo (Summit Program Committee member and Chairman), co-developed the 'Advancing Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Roadmaps & Community Building' Summit project, catalyzing research on ocean carbon dioxide removal methods.
- Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)coreSOA collaborated with BCI on the US$1 million Ocean Innovation Prize, presented as part of an endorsed program of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. SOA also partners on the Indigenous Voices for a Ban on Deep Sea Mining petition campaign. SOA's founder Daniela Fernandez serves as a High-Level Judge for the Ocean Innovation Prize.
- UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable DevelopmentcoreThe Ocean Innovation Prize and Blue Climate Summit are endorsed actions/programs of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development ('Ocean Decade'), designed to advance Ocean Decade goals and Sustainable Development Goals.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Blue Climate Initiative competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Rare: Global conservation nonprofit that partners with communities and policymakers on ocean and climate solutions, including managing coastal fisheries and protected areas. Comparable in combining community-led grants, behavioral change campaigns, and high-level convening for ocean-climate outcomes.
- Ocean Conservancy: One of the largest US-based ocean advocacy nonprofits, focused on policy, science, and grassroots campaigns (including International Coastal Cleanup). Comparable as a high-spend ocean conservation nonprofit that engages policymakers, scientists, and community volunteers — but operates at a much larger scale across broader ocean issues.
- Oceana: Major international ocean advocacy organization running science-based policy campaigns on overfishing, marine pollution, and deep sea mining. Comparable as a high-profile nonprofit pursuing policy outcomes for ocean protection, though with a larger campaign budget and broader portfolio.
- Greenpeace International (Oceans Campaign): Large global environmental nonprofit with a long-running oceans campaign covering overfishing, plastic, and deep sea mining opposition. Comparable as a high-profile, donor-funded ocean advocacy organization engaged in deep sea mining moratorium work, though far larger and broader in scope.
Emerging players
- Carbon180: Climate nonprofit focused specifically on natural and technological carbon removal solutions, including a dedicated ocean CDR workstream. Comparable as a non-profit advocacy and convening player in the carbon removal space that overlaps with BCI's Blue Carbon Exchange and ocean CDR ambitions.
- The Ocean Cleanup: Nonprofit that develops and deploys technologies to clean up ocean plastic pollution. Comparable as a high-profile, donor-supported ocean solutions organization with technology-driven projects and global convening presence, though focused narrowly on plastic.
Direct peers
- Sustainable Ocean Alliance: Youth-led ocean advocacy and venture nonprofit that co-developed BCI's Ocean Innovation Prize and the Indigenous Voices for a Ban on Deep Sea Mining petition. Directly comparable mission around ocean-climate innovation and entrepreneurship, with a similar convening-plus-grantmaking model.
- Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance: Founded by Sylvia Earle (a BCI Co-Convener), Mission Blue operates the global Hope Spots network and is one of the most recognized ocean conservation brands. Directly comparable as a high-profile nonprofit convening scientists, policymakers, and influencers around marine protected areas and ocean advocacy.
- Ocean Elders: Nonprofit that mobilizes global ocean leaders (including Gerry Lopez and Nainoa Thompson) for ocean protection. A BCI Summit sponsor and partner. Comparable convening model focused on influential individuals driving ocean conservation outcomes.
Others
- Schmidt Ocean Institute: Private operating foundation supporting ocean research through ship-based expeditions and technology development. A BCI Summit partner and Ocean Innovation Prize judge-supplier. Comparable as a well-funded ocean nonprofit ecosystem player, though primarily a research funder rather than an advocacy body.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Blue Climate Initiative social profiles
Digital presenceBlue Climate Initiative financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blue Climate Initiative leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Blue Climate Initiative funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blue Climate Initiative 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 Blue Climate Initiative
What does Blue Climate Initiative do?
Blue Climate Initiative (BCI) is a non-profit program that drives ocean-based climate solutions through prize programs (Ocean Innovation Prize), advocacy campaigns (Deep Sea Mining Moratorium), research and convening programs (Blue Climate Summit), and publications such as Transformational Opportunities. It also operates the Blue Carbon Exchange (BCX) and Blue Carbon Lab to support blue carbon market development.
Is Blue Climate Initiative a public or private company?
Blue Climate Initiative is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Blue Climate Initiative founded?
Blue Climate Initiative was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
How does Blue Climate Initiative make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Philanthropic Contributions.
Who are Blue Climate Initiative's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Rare, Ocean Conservancy, Oceana and Greenpeace International (Oceans Campaign). Emerging players are Carbon180 and The Ocean Cleanup. Direct peers are Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance and Ocean Elders. Schmidt Ocean Institute is listed as an others.
Does Blue Climate Initiative have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blue Climate Initiative.
What industry is Blue Climate Initiative in?
Blue Climate Initiative's product category is Environmental Advocacy & Ocean Conservation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABABAC, Avoided Conversion & Ecosystem Protection (REDD+, Blue Carbon Conservation), with a secondary code of EUABAFAI, Blue Carbon Removal (Mangroves, Seagrass, Salt Marsh). Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8731.