OceanHub Africa has opened applications for Cohort 8 of its Acceleration Program, targeting African startups developing commercially viable solutions that protect the ocean and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.

The 2027 programme will select up to 10 revenue-generating businesses for nine months of business coaching, technical assistance, growth planning and investor-readiness support. Participants will also have opportunities to connect with potential funders.

The programme is free and takes no equity from participating businesses. However, selected founders must cover their travel expenses for in-person activities. Applications close on December 6, 2026.

What the Programme Offers

Selected startups will receive support to strengthen their business models, expand into new markets and prepare for investment.

Key benefits include:

• Business coaching: Weekly one-on-one sessions with an Entrepreneur in Residence to develop and implement growth plans.
• Investor-readiness support: Guidance on financial analysis, fundraising strategies, investor relations and investment documentation.
• Business development: Assistance with customer acquisition, commercialisation, market expansion and scalable business models.
• Technical assistance: Support covering software, hardware design, digital systems, Internet of Things (IoT), operational procedures and financial management.
• Fundraising opportunities: Introductions to potential investors and consideration for OceanHub Africa’s follow-on capital facilities, subject to separate processes and eligibility.
• Bootcamp and networking: A one-week physical bootcamp featuring other entrepreneurs and Blue Economy stakeholders.
• Conference exposure: Graduating startups are guaranteed an opportunity to pitch at a Blue Economy-related conference in Africa.
• Peer networks: Access to other founders and OceanHub Africa’s wider startup and alumni communities.

The programme will run mainly online, with an in-person bootcamp scheduled for April 2027. Successful participants are expected to graduate in early 2028.

Who Can Apply?

The accelerator is open to registered African businesses operating in the Blue Economy and related sectors.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Established product or service: Businesses must have moved beyond the prototype stage, with evidence of customer use, deployments or commercial contracts.
• Revenue generation: Applicants must demonstrate that customers pay for their products or services through invoices, signed contracts, repeat sales or renewals. There is no minimum revenue requirement, and profitability is not compulsory.
• Committed founding team: OceanHub Africa generally prefers at least two co-founders with complementary skills and relevant industry knowledge. Solo founders may apply if supported by an executive or management team of more than four people.
• Measurable ocean impact: The startup’s core business must contribute to improved ocean health, supported by credible evidence or impact metrics.
• Availability: At least one team member must participate in weekly workshops and coaching, while a founder or executive representative must attend the physical bootcamp.

OceanHub Africa prioritises businesses with paying customers and clear growth potential. Pilot projects or letters of intent alone will not qualify as sufficient evidence of revenue.

Limited exception places are available for businesses without full commercial validation but with breakthrough innovations or exceptional ocean impact. These applicants must have registered or pending intellectual property and a written revenue-generation plan.

Eligible Business Sectors

Startups working in the following areas can apply:

• Waste management, recycling and circular economy.
• Climate technology and nature-based solutions.
• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Marine biotechnology and ocean data.
• Renewable marine energy.
• Ocean robotics and monitoring technologies.
• Maritime transport, logistics, boat building and repair.
• Coastal and ecotourism.
• Technologies and services that reduce ocean pollution or protect marine habitats.

For example, Nigerian startups converting plastic waste into reusable materials, developing sustainable fishing technologies or reducing pollution in waterways may qualify if they meet the programme’s commercial and impact requirements.

Operating in the environmental sector alone is not enough. Businesses must demonstrate a credible connection between their products or services and ocean health.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Company incorporation documents.
• Investor pitch deck.
• Financial statements and management accounts, where available.
• Evidence of commercial activity, including customer contracts, invoices or repeat sales.
• Impact metrics demonstrating contributions to ocean health.

Startups that pass the initial screening may be asked to submit a five-minute video pitch based on their investor presentation.

The selection process includes eligibility checks, interviews, application scoring and a final pitch before a selection committee. OceanHub Africa plans to shortlist 20 startups before selecting up to 10 for Cohort 8.

Application Deadline and Timeline

Applications close on December 6, 2026. The published selection and programme schedule is as follows:

• December 18–20, 2026: Top 20 applicants expected to receive emails about the next steps.
• January 18, 2027: Deadline for shortlisted startups to submit pitch decks and videos.
• February 2027: Final pitches and due diligence.
• February 15, 2027: Expected announcement of selected startups.
• March 2027: Programme commencement.
• April 2027: In-person bootcamp.
• Early 2028: Expected graduation.

How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the VC4A application portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the OceanHub Africa Cohort 8 application page.
2. Review the eligibility criteria and programme commitments.
3. Prepare the required company documents, pitch deck, financial records and evidence of commercial activity and ocean impact.
4. Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.
5. Monitor your email for updates on the selection process.

Application deadline: December 6, 2026.

Application fee: Free.

Equity: No equity is taken from participating businesses.

Additional costs: Founders must cover their travel expenses for the in-person bootcamp and showcase.

Apply here: OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program Cohort 8

Source: OceanHub Africa