Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) - Oceans Stream

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 13:43

Dedicated oceans stream within the Creative Destruction Lab accelerator program based in Halifax, Canada. Supports ocean-focused startups through objective-based mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and scientists.

Source: https://creativedestructionlab.com/streams/oceans/

Funding Details

Funder

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL-Atlantic)

Funding Goal

Support early-stage ocean economy startups through objective-based mentorship, access to expert networks, and capital-raising support. Focus on digital technologies and sustainable solutions for the ocean economy.

Funding Amount

No direct funding; no fees, no equity taken. Program provides mentorship, network access, and investor introductions.

Deadline

Annual, applications open rolling with cohort starting September. Apply via creativedestructionlab.com/application-triage/ (periodic)

How to Apply

Apply online at creativedestructionlab.com/application-triage/. Program runs September to June with five objective-setting sessions. Contact Hope Scheller (hope@creativedestructionlab.com) for more information.

Target Region

Global (program based in Halifax, Canada)

Contact

Hope Scheller, Associate Director: hope@creativedestructionlab.com

Last Checked

2026-03-15 14:20

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Open to startups at all stages (pre-incorporation to growth-stage)
• International applicants welcome (not Canada-only)

Project Scope

• Must operate in the ocean economy or oceanographic research

Constraints

• No programme fees; CDL takes no equity
• Participation requires attending five sessions over nine months (September to June)
• No direct funding provided — value is mentorship and investor introductions

Summary

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Oceans Stream is a competitive accelerator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, dedicated to ocean economy startups. It is part of the broader CDL network spanning multiple streams and international locations. The programme targets early-stage companies and projects in the ocean economy, with emphasis on digital technologies and sustainable solutions. Priority innovation areas include: shipping and logistics, sustainable fishing and offshore aquaculture, marine resources and bio-products, marine and sustainable energy, and naval and defense applications. Technical focus areas include underwater acoustics, imaging, sensors, robotics, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), data analytics, and predictive analytics. Accepted startups attend five structured objective-setting sessions over nine months (September to June). There are no participation fees and CDL takes no equity. The model focuses on mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists who help founders sharpen objectives, prioritize resources, and raise capital. The programme supports startups at all maturity levels, from pre-incorporation projects to growth-stage companies. Partners include Canada's Ocean Supercluster, the Ocean Startup Project, Ocean Frontier Institute, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), DeepSense, Dalhousie University, and Memorial University. No direct funding is provided. The value proposition is access to a world-class mentorship network and investor introductions. Eligibility is global — international startups are welcome to apply.

Historical Context

CDL-Atlantic Oceans Stream is part of the broader CDL network. Partners include Canada's Ocean Supercluster, Ocean Startup Project, Ocean Frontier Institute, COVE, DeepSense, Dalhousie University, and Memorial University. Collaborates with The Economist and 1000 Ocean Startups coalition.

Why it was added

Prestigious accelerator with dedicated oceans innovation stream

Sources

• https://creativedestructionlab.com/streams/oceans/

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