Focus on ‘sea-tech’ in Fish 2.0 finalists

FORTY companies have been named as finalists in this year’s Fish 2.0 competition, which aims to connect seafood businesses with investors.

The finalists, selected from 184 entries, have been chosen for their market traction, global character and high potential for impact on the seafood sector, said the competition organisers.

They will now have the opportunity to pitch to investors during the Fish 2.0 Innovation Forum at Stanford University from November 7-8, after which winners will be announced.

‘This is the strongest group ever,’ said Monica Jain, Fish 2.0 founder and executive director. ‘The level of innovation is potentially both system changing and very profitable.

‘We’re seeing the rise of ‘seatech’—new monitoring, visibility, production and processing tools for the seafood industry—as well as other advances that remove barriers to growth and sustainability for fishers, farmers and buyers throughout the value chain.’

She said that 70 companies rose to the challenge in the semi-finals, making for tight scoring in the end.

‘The companies that earned places as finalists are committed to growth and have products and market strategies that resonate with the varied group of investors who serve as online judges.’

At the Innovation Forum, the 24 highest scorers will give three-minute pitches to panels of expert judges.

They will present in four groups: ventures taking pressure off wild fisheries; aquaculture production and related technologies; transparency, traceability and fisheries technology; and supply chain innovations.

The remaining 16 finalists will give 90-second pitches directly to the audience of 300 seafood experts and investors who come to Fish 2.0 to share knowledge and find opportunities.

The audience will vote on the companies they most want to follow up with.