Blue Carbon Plus Challenge

Accelerating Emergent Blue Carbon Business Models
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Geographical focus

Global

Application deadline

1 April, 2025
$50K

USD grant awarded to 1 Community-Led Enterprise

$50K

USD grant awarded to 1 Scaling Stage Innovation

$50K

USD grant awarded to 1 Pilot Stage Project

What program offering is

What is the BC+ Challenge

Together with Blue Carbon Plus (BC+), Hatch Blue is introducing the BC+ Challenge. A first-of-its-kind program for early-stage projects and businesses that rely on and seek to conserve & restore blue carbon coastal ecosystems.

This challenge is split into three mini-competitions, each offering $50,000 in grant funding for one team in each category:

  1. Pilot Stage: early-stage startups or projects in their initial development phase.
  2. Scaling Stage: Fully launched businesses working to scale their operations.
  3. Community-Led Enterprise: Enterprises owned and/or managed by community members.

The BC+ Challenge will take place 5-9 May, 2025 on-site in Singapore, culminating in a finale demo day and pitch competition where the grants will be decided for one company within each category.

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What is BC+

Launched in 2024 by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy, Blue Carbon Plus (BC+) accelerates business models that incentivize blue carbon ecosystem conservation, improve local economies with technical assistance and grant funding, and attract additional finance for scaling impact.

Join the program to receive

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Our core offering

[BC+] $50K Grant Funding Chance

Chance for $50,000 in grant funding. Air travel, accommodation and a per diem for Singapore is covered by the program

[BC+] Exposure to Blue Carbon ecosystem/network

Exposure to a large network of Blue Carbon-focused investors and partners through TNC, Conservation International, and Hatch Blue

[BC+] Hands-on coaching

Hands-on pitch coaching in preparation for finale demo day

[BC+] Subject Matter Expertise CI, TNC, Hatch

Gain knowledge from subject matter experts at Conservation International, TNC and Hatch Blue

[BC+] Technical Assistance

Potential for further technical assistance from the BC+ team

Mentorship sessions

Mentor sessions with industry leaders and personalized discussion opportunities

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Name Surname
Position, Company name

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Name Surname
Position, Company name
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Investment

We invest across the following sectors

Contact Us

For questions about the current program please contact our team

Dylan Terry
Dylan Terry
Innovation Studios Director

FAQs

When is the application deadline?

Tuesday, 1st April 2025

When does the program start?

5th May, 2025

How long does this program last?

The program will take place Monday - Friday, 9:00-17:00

5-9 May, 2025

Where is the program located?

On-site in Singapore

How much investment does my company receive?

$50K USD in grant funding will be awarded for a business or project in the following categories (1 prize per category):

  • Pilot Stage: Early-stage startups or projects in their initial development phase.
  • Scaling Stage: Fully launched businesses working to scale their operations.
  • Community-Led Enterprises: Enterprises owned and/or managed by community members
Is there any funding support to travel to the program location?

Funding for air travel, accommodation and a per diem is covered by the program.

1500 USD/person for flights

150 USD/night for accommodation

50 USD/day per diem

Do I need to be a registered company to apply?

No, you do not need to be a registered company in order to be considered for this program.

The Blue Carbon Plus Challenge will consider applications from early-stage concept or pilot projects, community-led initiatives as well as registered companies.

Our team has already been through an accelerator program. Are we still eligible to participate?

Yes.

What is the minimum number of participants per team?

One, ideally two participants per team are required to attend the challenge.

CEO, Founder, or Co-Founder required.

Do I need to be on-site during the entire program?

Yes.

Will there be a finale event or demo day?

Yes. Friday May 9th will be a finale event hosting blue carbon investors, stakeholders, and industry professionals.

What happens after the program ends?

Your business or project will receive increased visibility and socials coverage by Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and ORCA.

The three winners chosen for the $50K in grant funding will have some reporting requirements.

Potential for follow-on funding.

Who is behind Hatch Blue?

Hatch Blue was conceived in late 2017 by co-founders Carsten Krome, Georg Baunach and Wayne Murphy, with the goal to revolutionise the way we produce seafood through investing in its technological development.

How will my proprietary trade secrets and IP be dealt with?

There is no specific requirement for you to disclose your confidential information (including any trade secrets) or IP during your attendance. However, if you do wish to share any information with us, Hatch Blue, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and all founding or organizing teams will ensure that all information is kept totally confidential and will not be shared without your written permission.

What is the difference between the innovation studios, blue venture builders, ocean foundry and CREST Accelerator?

Program specific questions

How will the team define the 3 categories eligible for consideration - Pilot Stage, Scaling Stage, Community-Led Enterprises?

Pilot Stage: Really early-stage startups and pilot projects that are developing innovative solutions. These businesses should be in the initial phases of their development, offering out-of-the-box ideas.

Scaling Stage: Already fully launched and operational but still relatively young. These businesses should be working on scaling their solutions.

Community-Led Enterprises: Cooperative or community-led initiatives. Could include local cooperatives, community-based organizations, or social enterprises that prioritize community involvement and benefit.

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How should I prepare for this program?

The selected participants will take part in pre-program sessions which will be held prior to the launch of the program.

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How many participants will be accepted into the program?

9 teams, 2 people per team; CEO or Co-Founder required to attend.