The oceans take up more than 70% of Earth’s surface area, but they are still relatively unexplored or underused while the negative impact of mankind’s endeavours still threatens the very centrals of Earth. With the increasing recognition of the need to protect oceans and their biosphere, new technologies appear in this relatively new and rather challenging field of economic activity.
Why Are So Many Startups Focusing on The Ocean?
Many startups nowadays are focusing on the ocean because of the fear of climate change, concerns about food security and quality, the advancements of renewable energy, the devastating plastic waste, and the need to support biodiversity. All of these reasons are why we have seen a surge in innovative ideas and technology relating to our oceans.
Top 10 Ocean-Related Startups
These 10 startups show the diversity of approaches which allow the possibility of utilising our oceans while protecting their future:
1. Blue Ocean Seismic Services
Established in 2020, Blue Ocean Seismic Services focuses on changing how marine seismic data is collected and managed. Its headquarters is in two countries: Australia and the UK, the company is working on AUVs which can carry out underwater collections of seismic data. These investigations are very important in the search for resources like petroleum, gas, and later renewable energy alternatives. One of the most unique aspects of the company’s methods is how they minimise environmental impact and provide safer, cheaper ways to operate.
2. Pesky Fish
Pesky Fish is a startup company based in the UK with a mission of changing the way fresh fish is delivered to consumers. Using technology in real-time, the startup sells fish caught by local fishermen directly to customers, including restaurants, without any intermediaries. This guarantees a quicker, more environmentally friendly supply chain while empowering small fishers. They believe in a seafood marketplace that will eliminate this practice of catching fish from all over the globe and instead be able to catch and consume locally.
3. Origin By Ocean
To help with the current environmental problems, a Finnish startup, Origin By Ocean, was created to remove marine pollution by converting harmful algae biomass into raw materials. Founded in 2019 by Pasi Roininen and Mikael Westerlund, the company promotes a circular economy by recovering biochemicals from plant species invasive to marine ecosystems. It gives end-products for beauty, food and fibre businesses which transforms an environmental issue into a business opportunity.
4. CleanHub
Based in Berlin, Germany, CleanHub is looking to help reduce ocean plastic waste. This young company works with waste collection companies operating in coastal areas of Asia and Africa in order to make sure that plastic waste does not make it into the sea. Through blockchain technology, CleanHub makes it possible for companies to trace every piece of plastic waste from its source to its final recycled state in a bid to help companies manage their plastic usage.
5. The Great Bubble Barrier
The Great Bubble Barrier offers a passive system that deploys an undersea ‘net’ of continuous bubbles which helps direct the debris to the top layer of the ocean, causing it to float and be collected. Founded by a trio of women, Francis Zoet, Saskia Studer and Anne Marieke Eveleens, their method manages to catch the floating rubbish without getting in the way of boats or animals.
6. Coral Vita
Coral Vita, a start-up in the Bahamas, was established by two passionate individuals Sam Teicher and Gator Halpern with a mission of fixing and recovery of coral reefs, one the most endangered wonders of nature. Coral Vita applies a ‘microfragmentation’ technique which makes corals grow 50 times their normal rate. They grow the hardy corals on land before they are transplanted into the sea for the purpose of restoring the degraded reefs.
7. SafetyNet Technologies
SafetyNet Technologies is a UK company that utilises technology, creating precise fishing implementing devices that promote sustainable practices in the fishing industry. Founded by Dan Watson, the company has developed devices like the “Pisces,” an underwater LED light that attracts specific species of fish while allowing non-target species to escape, reducing bycatch.
8. Evolve
Evove, a start-up in the UK water sanitation industry is using 3D printing technology to manufacture membranes that will entirely change the future of water filtration. These high-performance membranes enable more effective desalination, and purifying water, even at an industrial filtration level. The developed membrane technology has the ability to efficiently separate specific components enhancing both efficiency and environmental sustainability.
9. Open Ocean Robotics
Open Ocean Robotics is a Canadian startup that focuses on creating autonomous boats that are powered by solar energy for the purpose of ocean data collection. These unmanned surface vehicles are capable of providing useful information such as the level of pollutant contamination, the state of turbidites, and even the levels of illegal fishing. They also operate with no emissions. In the domains of scientific, environmental and military applications, Open Ocean Robotics provides a green substitute for seagoing research vessels.
10. True Ocean
True Ocean was founded in Kiel, Germany, and provides a digital solution that allows companies to manage and analyse marine geospatial data. This is done by creating software that incorporates information from sonar, underwater drones, and satellites enabling good visualisation and planning of underwater activities. From the construction of offshore wind farms to the inspection of pipelines, True Ocean’s platform makes it easier and smarter to make decisions. The company aims at assisting industries in bettering their marine performance by making abstract underwater information straightforward which in turn leads to lower costs and better preservation of the environment.
