Ocean Observing Prize Sponsors & Partners

Braid Theory is a vertically integrated venture advisory firm that provides end-to-end hybrid accelerator and incubator services to support science and engineering-led companies. The firm assists startups and scaleups, based on proven methodology and rigor in evidence-based entrepreneurship. Expertise is focused on three key aspects of commercialization: capability, capacity, and intellectual capital (the three Cs). Braid Theory has created an extensive pipeline of companies in key industry sectors: ocean/maritime; transportation and goods movement; energy/water/cleantech; smart cities, construction and infrastructure; aerospace and advanced manufacturing; digital tech; agriculture/food tech; and biotech/life sciences.

DNV GL is the independent expert in risk management and assurance, operating in more than 100 countries. It is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. DNV GL enhances safety, quality, energy efficiency, and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. Expertise spans energy markets and regulations; onshore and offshore wind and solar power generation; power transmission and distribution grids; and energy storage and sustainable energy use. Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV GL helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

Ocean Exchange is a privately funded 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in the United States, but international in scope. Its sole mission is to help advance the adoption of innovative solutions for ocean health, resilient coastal systems, and sustainable ocean shipping. Its mission is accomplished by the awarding of two $100,000 and one $10,000 non-dilutive grants to innovative startups via a competitive process. Ocean Exchange also serves as business accelerator as a way to enhance business, financial, and technical ecosystems and help startups realize commercial readiness.

Washington Maritime Blue is a nonprofit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. With a mission to implement Washington State’s Strategy for the blue economy delivered by Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council, we are a partnership between industry, public sector, research & training institutions, and community organizations. Maritime Blue works to create a world-class, thriving, equitable and sustainable maritime and ocean industry through knowledge sharing, joint innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and business and workforce development.

DSA Ocean is an engineering company driven to solve problems and provide assurance to the marine industries. Their diverse ocean engineering experience has taught them to be agile and collaborative in providing clients with practical and sustainable solutions. Their expertise in how marine structures are affected by wind, waves and currents have informed the development of the dynamic analysis software – ProteusDS.

They provide practical engineering services that enable ocean engineers, naval architects, oceanographers – or anybody with business in the water – to assess the effect of currents, winds and waves on their vessels, technologies, and projects. They specialize in marine hydrodynamics and mooring design for a range of applications in oceanography, marine energy, industrial marine systems, and aquaculture.

New England Ocean Cluster’s mission is to connect ocean-minded people and companies to ensure development is pursued economically, inclusively, and sustainably. Since its founding in 2015, the NEOC has leveraged its global network to launch startups, help entrepreneurs grow, while supporting the creation of university programs across the North Atlantic. In June of 2020, it officially opened its first collaborative workspace on Portland, Maine’s working waterfront, featuring 20 glass-front offices, a 14-seat incubator, premium meeting spaces, and robust tele-connectivity. The Hús, (Icelandic for House), now serves as a community platform and home to blue economy leadership as they pursue their purpose and passion.

SeaAhead is a bluetech startup platform, founded in Boston. They help build companies, run an incubator, facilitate investments and are catalyzing a bluetech cluster in the Northeast. Their ecosystem includes technologists, scientists, startups, corporations, governments and other ocean stakeholders that are coming together to create impact in areas including greener shipping and ports, aquaculture and fishery processes, offshore alternative energy, plastics and smart, resilient cities.