Concept of smart buoys gathering ocean data. Ocean and Great Lakes data and information are essential for weather forecasting, ocean commerce, recreation, and more — things that affect the entire nation. These accelerators will seek new, innovative ways to gather that data and deliver it to users. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced today that it is recommending awards totaling $54.3 million to four organizations to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Organizations will use these funds to bring to market solutions that will benefit coastal resilience and a sustainable Blue Economy. The selection demonstrates NOAA’s commitment to advance maritime commerce and inspire the next generation of Blue Economy leaders. This investment is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

Recommended awardees and funding amounts include:

• StartBlue Ocean Enterprise Accelerator. UC San Diego-Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Rady School of Management: $13.5 million.
• gener8tor Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator. gener8tor Management, LLC: $13.4 million.
• VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator. National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance, Inc. (dba VentureWell): $13.5 million.
• The Continuum. Tampa Bay Wave, Seaworthy Collective, St. Petersburg Innovation District, Braid Theory, University of South Florida, Ocean Exchange, World Ocean Council: $13.9 million.

Read the full press release here!