Applications are now open for the StartBlue, an accelerator from Scripps Institution of Oceanography & Rady School of Management that supports the formation of advanced science and engineering startups tackling ocean-focused challenges and solutions integrated into science, industry, investment, and government networks.
Donor Name: UC San Diego
State: California
City: San Diego
Type of Grant: Accelerator
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 07/08/2022
Details:
StartBlue is an 8-month blue-tech-focused accelerator program that is part of UC San Diego’s StartR accelerator program and offered in partnership by Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Rady School of Management. Since 2012, StartR has graduated 198 companies, and Scripps and Rady have worked together to support over 80 new environmental startups out of UC San Diego through entrepreneurship education and pitch competitions.
StartBlue focuses on company formation bringing Scripps science and Rady entrepreneurship curriculum to teams that are in the midst of developing a new business around a science and engineering solution to an ocean challenge. October to December will feature 8, weekly classes with expert guest speakers. Teams will get to know the San Diego Blue Economy through 11 biweekly site visits and workshops January through May. Workshops will focus on skill development core to garnering funds such as grant writing and pitching. Conferences, pitch competitions, and industry association memberships available to participants offer teams valuable visibility and connections. One-on-one industry mentorship provides custom guidance through the duration of the program. And, access to scientific expertise and technical resources help teams refine their minimum viable product.
StartBlue is offered at no cost to participants. Each team’s time and active participation are its most valuable assets and required.
Benefits
- Turn your concept into a reality through customer discovery, technical advising, access to technical resources, and connection to potential partners to take your new business to the next step.
- You will graduate from startBlue competitive for later-stage incubator or accelerator programs, to apply for SBIR/STTR funding, and to secure first funding.
Participants will receive
- Access to a unique entrepreneurship and ocean science and technology curriculum taught by experts in these fields from the San Diego Region, including Rady School of Management, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the startBlue Program Partners
- Access to selected makerspace and technical facilities at UC San Diego and in the Region
- A dedicated industry mentor
- Guided site visits to Program Partner facilities and local blue tech industry
- Access to workshops, networking opportunities, and conferences like Blue Tech Week and the Ocean Visions Summit
- Access to resources offered to members of TMA BlueTech and the National Defense Industry Association (NDIA)
- Opportunity to pitch at the Triton Innovation Challenge (UC San Diego-based teams only) and the startR Demo Day (all teams)
Graduates will leave with
- A preliminary pitch and deck including a business concept vetted through customer interviews and advising by scientific, engineering, and industry experts
- A unique network of domain experts, entrepreneurs, funding partners, and fellow entrepreneurs
- Real-world experience in ocean innovation that could include development of a prototype, new IP, and/or a newly incorporated business
- Visibility to potential investors and partners through conference and pitch competitions
Eligibility Criteria
- Teams must address an ocean-related challenge with a science– and engineering-based solution. No affiliation with UC San Diego is required to participate. Teams (2+ people) must commit to having at least one team member at each of the core startBlue events (e.g. 8 weekly classes, 11 biweekly site-visits and workshops, showcase events) and meet the minimum 8 hours of mentoring time. Teams must have a San Diego presence – at this time startBlue intends to be offered in-person.
- This program is best suited to newly forming startups — incorporation, fundraising experience, and prototypes are not required.
- Competitive teams can demonstrate market potential, environmental need, sustainable approach, and scientific or engineering merit. Female, veteran, and minority Founders are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit UC San Diego.
