Start-Up Pitch Competition

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Calling all African Ocean-Impact Startups!

Are you looking for strategic partners or investors?

For the 6th consecutive year, Ocean Innovation Africa will offer the most innovative ocean-impact startups the exposure they deserve. This annual summit has become the premier gathering of investors, industry players, and public authorities working towards ocean sustainability in Africa, and a benchmark for ocean innovation on the continent.

This year, OIA 2025 is part of Regenerative Ocean Week (ROW)—a transformative initiative organized in partnership with IUCN and OCP, focused on driving sustainable ocean innovation through collaboration, science, and entrepreneurship.

This is your moment to connect with angel investors, VCs, corporates, and grant providers by becoming a finalist in the OIA 2025 Start-Up Pitch Competition.

If you are an entrepreneur or innovator operating in Africa, with a science-based solution to tackle the ocean’s biggest challenges—overexploitation, pollution, and climate change—now is the time to apply. Let us help you scale your impact. We welcome startups at all stages of development, from early ideas to those scaling up, operating in one or more African countries.

Apply now

1st Prize

$ 2,000
  • Plus more exciting rewards! See below for full details

2nd Prize

$ 1,000
  • Plus more exciting rewards! See below for full details
  • Pitch on Stage: Present your innovation to a top-level audience, including investors, authorities, and leading corporations.
  • Delegate Pass to Ocean Innovation Africa 2025: Gain access to the full summit, including the opportunity to network, learn, and connect with industry leaders.
  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with key players in the blue economy ecosystem across Africa and globally, facilitated by a B2B matchmaking platform to ensure you connect with the most relevant partners.
  • Mentoring Session: Benefit from a mentoring session designed to refine your pitch and business model.
  • Media Coverage: Gain exposure through Ocean Innovation Africa’s social media communications and post-event show report, positioning you as one of the most promising ocean innovators.
  • Travel Subsidy: Receive up to $500 toward travel expenses if you are coming from outside Dar es Salaam.
  • Accommodation: Finalists from outside Dar es Salaam will receive 4 nights of accommodation, with breakfast included.
  • Your startup or idea must have a direct impact on the ocean (addressing climate change, pollution, or over-exploitation).
  • You operate or plan to operate within Africa, with a science-based, impact-driven business model.
  • Your startup or idea must be a science-based scalable product or service.
  • Startups* at any stage – from idea to established businesses – are welcome to apply.

*up to series A stage of funding – startup company having shown progress in building its business model, generating revenues and demonstrating the potential to grow.

  • Impact & Vision: Demonstrated social, environmental, and economic impacts, with a focus on ocean conservation.
  • Business Model: Clear market strategy, traction, and commercial value, with the potential for growth and scalability.
  • Team: Expertise, ambition, and passion in the field.
  • Science-to-Business Alignment: Incorporation of scientific research or data-driven innovation in your technology and/or business model.
  • October 1, 2024: Call for Ocean Impact Startups.
  • December 15, 2024: Registration Deadline.
  • January 6, 2025: Announcement of Finalists.
  • Early February 2025: Mentoring Sessions.
  • February 24-28, 2025: Ocean Innovation Africa 2025 and the Pitch Competition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
  • Mentoring: Finalists will receive a personalized mentoring session to prepare their pitches for the live competition.
  • Networking: Attend the B2B matchmaking events and science-to-business workshops to forge valuable partnerships across industries. As part of Regenerative Ocean Week (ROW), these sessions will connect you with leading experts and stakeholders focused on advancing sustainable ocean solutions.
  • Travel and Accommodation: Receive support for travel and accommodation during the event in Dar es Salaam, with an option to extend your stay at your own expense for additional networking activities.

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