Applications open for Hawaii bound Hatch batch
HATCH, the world’s first accelerator programme for sustainable aquaculture start-ups, is searching for industry pioneers to take part in its third cohort – in Hawaii.
The company, which won an award for International Impact in last month’s Aquaculture Awards, held in Edinburgh, is expanding by offering more investment, more locations and more industry and investor connections.
Bergen based Hatch set up its first aquaculture accelerator programme last year and, in the process, built up a network of mentors and supporters.
So far, 16 investments have been made, involving 14 global aquaculture start-up companies, after the first two accelerator cohorts – in Bergen and Dublin.
These young companies have already raised more than six million euros in follow-on funding, less than a year after the first programme began.
One of the companies, Bergen based Manolin, also won an Aquaculture Award, in the Most Promising New Entrant category.
Carsten Krome, CEO of Hatch, said: ‘It’s been an incredible year of growth for us and we are extremely proud of our team, and indeed our portfolio companies which have shown so much dedication and commitment.
‘The programme this year is the biggest and most sophisticated we have done to date and unique in its set-up, not only within the aquaculture sector, but beyond.’
The third cohort will start in Hawaii, at the Hawaiian Ocean Science and Technology Park (HOST), an aquaculture innovation hub associated with the University of Hawaii.
Each successful applicant will be offered 100,000 euros per team (half in cash, half in kind), as well as access to a global aquaculture network, testing facilities, personal, technical and business mentoring sessions and global exposure to all relevant key players in aquaculture.
Over a 15-week period, from August 26 to December 5, the participants will be taken from Hawaii to Bergen and Singapore.
The Singapore visit will connect participants with the world’s largest seafood market and shine a light on tropical aquaculture.
Hatch co-founder and COO Wayne Murphy said: ‘These incredible locations are a key part of our strategy to provide our start-ups with a truly global perspective of the aquaculture industry and offer an unforgettable experience. ‘
Hatch is aiming at accelerating 10 to 14 aquaculture technology start-ups per cohort. Applications are now open under www.hatch. blue/apply and will close on June 28.