Programs

Jess holds a PhD in blue growth and marine innovation from the University College Cork, she is a blue economy specialist with a diverse skillset applicable to regional marine economic development of existing and emerging marine sectors, and internationalization. Jess is using her passion for sustainable development of marine development to support aquatech ecosystem development in Ireland. Jess is the community manager for Ireland, she works closely with the aquatech development team at Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), and her primary role is to nurture and support the development of the Irish aquatech ecosystem. This role includes the delivery of the annual innovation studio and the annual community day, and activities associated with that including community outreach, media engagement, continuous support for the companies that have gone through the innovation studio previously, etc.

Leah Davis is a Program Associate with a diverse background in project management, investments, and event coordination. She previously worked as a Project Manager at M&G Investments in London and holds a BSc in Psychology from Queen Mary University of London, where she focused on neuroscience, genomics, evolution, and behaviour. Her dissertation explored the anxiolytic effects of CBD oil on zebrafish larvae. Most recently, Leah travelled through South America, volunteering with marine conservation organisations and pursuing her passion for the ocean through environmental storytelling. Now based in London, she supports the delivery of Hatch Blue’s global innovation programs and is driven by a commitment to connect purpose-led founders with the resources they need to thrive in the blue economy.

Shamim Wasii Nyanda is a Tanzanian ocean-climate advocate and entrepreneur passionate about advancing women-led innovation and building resilient blue food systems in Africa. She is the founder of the Tanzania Ocean Climate Innovation Hub, endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, which supports locally led adaptation and ocean-climate solutions. Shamim is also the co-founder of SUNWAVE Limited, a blue-tech startup providing solar-powered cold storage for small-scale fishers to reduce post-harvest loss and strengthen livelihoods. She previously served as CEO of AfriCraft NGO, where she led sustainability initiatives with GIZ and the German Embassy. An alumna of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on Climate Crisis, Shamim brings a strong background in community engagement, climate advocacy, and project management. Her expertise lies in bridging grassroots innovation with global policy, empowering women and youth to lead in Africa’s ocean and blue food systems.

Wayne Murphy is a business leader and entrepreneur with expertise in startup development, aquaculture innovation, and strategic program delivery. Holding an HDip in Business Management & Strategy from IT Carlow, he is also a certified coach and trainer with 15 years of experience in financial services and investment. As Co-founder and Managing Partner of Hatch, Wayne developed the world’s first aquaculture accelerator, delivering programs across Asia, Africa, the US, and Europe.