Pioneering the Blue Economy: 6 Startups Transitioning from Labs to the Ocean

Startups are increasingly leveraging data-driven technologies to conserve ocean ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources, playing a key role in the evolving Blue Economy. This movement not only focuses on protecting marine environments but also aims to generate economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods while preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. Venture capital and funds such as Ocean 14 Capital, Faber, Katapult Ocean, and Blue Ocean fund are actively investing in startups that deploy tech innovations for ocean conservation and sustainability.

One such startup is Stream Ocean, founded in 2022, which is developing an AI-powered solution for real-time maritime surveillance. Its system, featuring a high-definition autonomous underwater camera, allows continuous monitoring and analysis of marine ecosystems through an online dashboard. This technology has broad applications across industries like offshore wind, maritime construction, aquaculture, and conservation, offering real-time insights to enhance ocean conservation efforts.

Subdron is another notable startup, developing close-range navigation technology for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Subdron’s technology enables AUVs to autonomously inspect underwater infrastructure, such as port facilities and ship hulls, using advanced sensor systems and algorithms. This innovation reduces costs by up to 50% while decarbonizing the shipping industry and improving the safety of underwater asset maintenance. In July 2023, Subdron raised €1.3 million in Pre-Seed funding.

In Scotland, WellFish Tech is transforming fish healthcare in the aquaculture industry by offering rapid, non-lethal blood testing for fish. With a proactive healthcare model, WellFish monitors fish every 2-4 weeks, using AI to analyze data and alert farmers to potential health issues within 24 hours. This method reduces fish mortality by enabling early intervention and less reliance on lethal testing methods.

RiverRecycle, a Finnish startup, tackles plastic pollution by developing technology that cleans rivers of plastic waste. Their system captures and recycles floating plastic waste, preventing it from reaching the ocean. Through mechanical and chemical recycling methods, RiverRecycle repurposes plastic, supporting the local economy while improving environmental conditions in developing regions.

Slovenian startup  PlanetCare addresses the issue of microplastic pollution from washing machines. PlanetCare's filters capture 98% of microplastics released during laundry, preventing these pollutants from entering the ocean. With widespread use, PlanetCare aims to prevent over 500 tons of microplastic emissions in the next five years.

In the UK, Seawater Solutions is focused on rehabilitating degraded coastal land using seawater. Their Regenerative Seawater Agriculture (RSA) system introduces salt-tolerant species and restores ecosystems within three years. By creating wetlands that capture carbon, produce food, and stabilize coastlines, Seawater Solutions helps combat coastal erosion, supports biodiversity, and enables sustainable economic growth through carbon credits and environmental engineering services.

These startups exemplify the increasing synergy between technology and environmental sustainability, providing cutting-edge solutions to some of the most urgent challenges affecting ocean ecosystems. By harnessing advanced technologies like AI, autonomous systems, and innovative recycling methods, they are actively contributing to the preservation and restoration of marine environments. At the same time, they are driving growth in the Blue Economy, showing how sustainability and profitability can coexist. Their efforts not only protect biodiversity but also offer scalable solutions that can be applied across various industries, further accelerating the shift toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for ocean resources.