New year, new accelerator programs. And to kick things off, three Portland area startups have been selected to participate in the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator, a nonprofit startup accelerator program focused on driving inclusive innovation in the “blue economy.”
The Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator is an intensive mentor-based four month program focused on helping maritime industry startups learn how to scale and grow. Startups receive access to Washington Maritime Blue industry and ocean leaders alongside a global network of mentors and advisors. This is a powerful opportunity for local companies to grow and secure funding in a sector where capital is often scarce.
So which three local companies made the cut…?
- Adhere Gear (Portland, OR)
- Photon Marine (Portland, OR)
- Steamchain (Beaverton, OR)
“I am excited to have some Oregon representation for the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator,” said Josh Carter, a Portland resident who serves as the Director of Blue Ventures. “We’ve maintained the importance of operating a program that broadened its reach beyond the boarders of Washington. This cohort represents what we hope will be a continued shift to focus on diversity within the maritime industry.”
For more information on the companies, the accelerator, and the organization, please visit Maritime Blue.
[Full disclosure: Adhere Gear is a PIE alum. I am the cofounder and general manager of PIE.]