in 2019, HATCH set up a strategic hub on the big island of hawai’i to foster aquaculture innovation within Hawaii and the wider americas.

operating within the industrial hawai’i ocean & science technology (HOST) park, and in partnership with the natural energy laboratory of hawai’i authority (NELHA), the HATCH office now forms as the Ocean Foundry campus (incubator) for the development of world class aquaculture innovation & technologies

the incubator campus hosts, stimulates, guides, develops and supports the world’s best aquaculture and innovation talent in their drive to solve key aquaculture sustainability challenges.

uniquely positioned where R&D intersects with the world’s largest multi-species subtropical aquaculture location, the HATCH Ocean Foundry platform will facilitate entrepreneurs from all around the world who are seeking to develop their technologies and build successful scalable businesses.

how to become a member of the Ocean Foundry

who should apply

an individual or team from any sector around the world who are seeking to develop technologies that have an application for the global aquaculture industry and who plan to build a scalable business with impact & purpose

candidates

  • university or institutional researchers

  • entrepreneurs, innovators or inventors

  • startups

  • SMEs

  • corporates*

when

you can apply to join as an Ocean Foundry member at anytime, we are accepting rolling applications now

where

on-site at the HATCH office in HOST park, hawaii

access & opportunities for members

networking

  • unmatched blue economy investor & industry network access

  • quarterly HOST park community events

  • collaborative & partnership opportunities with HOST park aquaculture tenants

  • global matchmaking

species currently grown by tenants of HOST park

  • finfish: longfin yellowtail kanpachi, sea chub and marine ornamentals

  • molluscs: abalone, oysters, clams

  • shellfish: vannamei shrimp, monodon prawns

  • algae: micro-algae and macro-algae

  • other species: octopus, sea horses

  • with room for other possibilities, for example sea urchins, sea cucumbers, algae

  • view all HOST park tenants here

physical facilities

  • collaborative co-working office space & meeting rooms

  • master-permitted multifunctional R&D space for facilities to enable product & protocol testing

  • space for marine & freshwater multi-species trial facilities

  • access to pristine SPF warm ocean surface water (200ft deep) & cold ocean water (2000ft deep)

  • wet labs

  • dry analytical labs

  • fabrication workshops/makerspace

support services

  • expert guidance & techical assistance from HATCH's global network

  • validate your technology & develop your mvp (minimal viable product)

  • ad-hoc support with:

    business, legal and design services
    aquaculture centric mentoring and coaching
    leading market & industry intelligence

FAQ

want to become a member of Ocean Foundry?

please fill out the application form and we will get back to you asap

  • the Ocean Foundry platform is located at the hatch office at NELHA’s HOST park in kailua-kona, hawaii.

  • progress will be continually assessed throughout attendance in Ocean Foundry which has a cap of 12 months in terms of program access given the nature of R&D and early stage development. continuous agreed milestones will need to be achieved in order to ensure continued participation in all incubator activities and access to resources and facilities.

  • find above under “physical facilities”. please mention any special requests your project might have in the application form.

  • the fees for using the office space, trial systems and facilities are waived for Ocean Foundry members* (individual applications will be assessed case-by-case)

    all participating members can utilize the hatch office & trial facilities for the duration of your research without cost.

    there may be costs associated with dry lab space and any consumable materials required.

    there will not be any funding for travel and accommodation for participants.

  • see under menu point “programs” -> “overview”

  • there is no specific requirement for you to disclose your confidential information (including any trade secrets) or IP during your attendance. however, if you do wish to share any information with us, the HATCH team will ensure that all information is kept totally confidential and will not be shared without your written permission.

    successful applicants will be required to adhere to a strict confidentiality agreement under contract.

  • no, you do not need to have a registered entity upon application but we hope that you intend to, and are ready to do so during your research & company development phase.

  • yes, you are still eligible. The HATCH Ocean Foundry is quite unique as it is the world's leading aquaculture-focused business incubator, and can offer both r&d and business support and/or sector expertise depending on the participants needs.

  • a minimum of one founder but essential to the success is the onsite attendance & participation of all founder/executive-level members.

  • yes, you or your team needs to be onsite to maintain & manage your own technology & business development. however, if your trials and research only require intermittent onsite presence, this can be discussed. it should be highlighted that there will be regular opportunities to meet visiting executive mentors & industry partners where your presence will be strongly encouraged.

faq