Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio Applications Opened
Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures have launched the 2027 program for ocean-focused food entrepreneurs.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures have officially opened applications for the 2027 Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio. The equity-free initiative supports startups working in sectors ranging from marine biotechnology to regenerative aquaculture.
Why it matters
The program provides essential market intelligence, strategic guidance, and investment support to female founders building sustainable solutions for global food systems. It bridges a critical resource gap for entrepreneurs focused on blue carbon and seafood value chain innovation.
Selected participants receive 12 months of support following a nine-day session in La Paz. Previous alumni successes include Brazil-based Aqua Viridi, which secured $1.5 million in total funding, and MareaRosa.
The players
Hatch Blue
Hatch Blue is a specialized aquaculture innovation hub that provides funding and acceleration for sustainable marine technology ventures.
Conservation International Ventures
This investment arm of the global nonprofit organization provides financial support to businesses that promote nature-based solutions and ocean conservation.
Aqua Viridi
Aqua Viridi is a startup alumna of the innovation studio that focuses on regenerative aquaculture and marine biotechnology solutions.
MareaRosa
MareaRosa is an alumni company that specializes in sustainable seafood production and has obtained industry-standard environmental certification.
The details
The program targets founders specializing in aquatech, seafood waste revalorization, and sustainable aquaculture across Latin America and the Caribbean. MareaRosa, a notable alum, has already achieved Aquaculture Stewardship Council Shrimp Standard certification for its operations.
Timeline
Applications for the 2027 program close on Nov. 7, 2026.
The nine-day intensive session in La Paz begins on Jan. 25, 2027.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the broader move toward regenerative marine economies where startups prioritize environmental certification to meet international sustainability standards. It reflects a growing industry emphasis on blue carbon and circular seafood value chains over traditional extraction.
Founders in Latin America and the Caribbean can leverage this program to secure institutional funding and market intelligence without sacrificing equity. The 12-month support window provides entrepreneurs with a significant operational runway to scale their sustainable seafood innovations.
The takeaway
The program demonstrates the increasing viability of blue-economy startups in attracting both grant-based and venture-backed capital. Entrepreneurs should prioritize developing clear metrics regarding seafood waste revalorization to improve their competitive standing in future cohorts.
Further reading
Find more information on emerging trends in the Healthy Food sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Undercurrent News.
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