startBlue
Closing the Gap from Idea to Industry for San Diego’s Blue Economy
StartBlue is an accelerator from Scripps Institution of Oceanography & Rady School of Management that supports the formation of advanced science and engineering startups tackling ocean-focused challenges and solutions integrated into science, industry, investment, and government networks.
22
Startups
50%
Female Founders
$10.1 million
Raised collectively throughout the program
The startBlue Method
Training
Teams receive a crash course in ocean entrepreneurship — 8 classes over the winter and spring featuring experts from Scripps, Rady, and startBlue Program Partners. Interactive classes include training on customer discovery, value proposition, product market fit, market sizing, competitive analysis, and time to develop and hone your pitch as you learn the fundamentals in forming your blue business, covering topics from aquaculture to marine robotics and more.
Industry Mentors
Each team is matched with a dedicated, experienced mentor to facilitate introductions and provide guidance unique to your goals. Teams work with mentors through the duration of the 6-month program and have access to a broader community of advisors through the startBlue Program Partners.
Fundraising
Integrating startBlue into the San Diego Blue Economy provides teams the opportunity to grow relationships with potential customers, investors, and strategic partners. Teams additionally have opportunities to exhibit at Blue Tech Week, pitch for cash prizes, and tap into the diverse innovation community around UC San Diego and the San Diego Region.