Organization · Grant Maker

Ocean Exchange

Ocean Exchange is a non-profit organization based in Savannah, Georgia, focused on promoting innovative solutions for healthy oceans and a sustainable Blue Economy. It connects pre-revenue startups with funding and expertise.

Grant MakerGrantorEvent host

Official website Official grant application

Overview

What Ocean Exchange does

What Ocean Exchange is

How it participates in the startup ecosystem

The current public profile supports grantor and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.

Operational profile

Organization status and context

Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.

Operational status: Active
Organization type: Grant Maker
Founded: Founded in 2009
Approximate age: About 17 years
Structured capabilities: Grantor · Event host
Last reviewed: April 10, 2026

Official channels

Find Ocean Exchange elsewhere

Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.

WebsiteOfficial channel

Capability profile

Ocean Exchange as a grantor

Official grant application

Grant thesis

Ocean Exchange accelerates the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy through a competitive awards program.

Focus narrative

Ocean Exchange invests in solutions that promote ocean health and the sustainable blue economy. The organization emphasizes connecting innovators with resources in business, government, and finance to facilitate commercialization. Its awards program includes global and collegiate awards, supporting startups at various stages.

Value and support

Beyond funding, Ocean Exchange connects innovators with essential resources and networks in business, government, and finance, enhancing their ability to commercialize their solutions effectively.

Grant economics

Grant range: $10,000–$100,000
Typical grant: $100,000
Dilutive: No
Nonprofit only: Yes

Availability

Application state: Accepting
Application cycle: annual

Eligibility and fit

Stages: Pre-seed · Seed
Audience: Founders · Students
Sectors: Climate & Sustainability Healthcare Ocean Tech
Regions: Global

Process and recipient context

Application process

The application process for Ocean Exchange's awards involves submitting a proposal that outlines the innovative solution aimed at enhancing ocean health. Selected finalists are invited to present their solutions at the annual event, where winners are chosen based on their potential impact and feasibility.

Recipient context

Notable winners of the Ocean Exchange awards include NeuralX, which uses AI to monitor fish behavior; Cecilia, which upcycles plastic waste; Orpheus Ocean, known for its autonomous underwater vehicle; Helix Power, producing kinetic batteries; and AnchorGuardian by Swiss Ocean Tech, which minimizes anchoring risks.

Capability profile

Ocean Exchange as an event host

Official registration route

Event focus

Ocean Exchange invests in solutions that promote the health of oceans and the sustainable blue economy. Its awards program includes three global awards, each offering $100,000 in prize money, as well as collegiate awards for earlier-stage startups. The organization emphasizes connecting innovators with resources in business, government, and finance to facilitate commercialization.

Format narrative

Ocean Exchange runs an annual awards program that includes the Neptune Awards and Collegiate Awards, providing significant prize money to innovative solutions and early-stage startups.

Participant value

Ocean Exchange connects innovators with resources to facilitate commercialization, providing significant funding opportunities through its awards program.