Maine Blue Biotech Studio

Anchoring Blue Biotechnology Innovation in Maine
Register InterestInfo Deck

Geographical focus

Global

Application deadline

To be announced
10

teams selected for 2026 program

200

registrants at the sold-out 2026 Summit

1st

blue biotech-focused program in the US

What program offering is

The Maine Blue Biotech Studio is a program designed to accelerate the next generation of marine biotechnology ventures.

The Maine Blue Biotech Studio builds the next generation of marine biotechnology ventures in Maine. Delivered by Hatch Blue with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, it first ran in 2026 as the first studio of its kind in the US. It helps scientists and entrepreneurs upcycle marine resources into high-value foods, ingredients, materials and medicines.

In March 2026, ten teams spent two weeks at Bigelow’s East Boothbay campus, followed by eight months of support from Hatch Blue. The studio ended at the sold-out North Atlantic Blue BioTech Summit in Portland. Read more about our work in Maine.

The Summit returns to Portland on Thursday, March 11, 2027, co-hosted by Bigelow Laboratory, the Roux Institute at Northeastern University and Hatch Blue. We’re also working with partners on the next phase of programming, to grow blue biotech as an engine for coastal economies. Register your interest in the Summit, and check back here for the next application cycle.

Join the program to receive

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Our core offering

[Blue Biotech] Potential investment

Potential investment opportunities through introductions to relevant venture capital firms

[Blue Biotech] Pitch support

Pitch and investor readiness support to create a strong and investable value proposition

[Blue Biotech] Support - company form., bus. strat., commercialization, fund. strat.

Support with company formation, business strategy, product commercialization, and fundraising strategy

[Blue Biotech] Global network

Access to a global network of blue biotechnology companies, mentors, and investors

[Blue Biotech] 1-to-1 mentorship

Individualized mentorship; teams are paired with relevant industry leaders and also participate in 1-to-1 sessions with Hatch Blue

[Blue Biotech] Blue Biotech Investor Summit

Opportunity to pitch at the Blue Biotech Investor Summit, the program’s showcase finale

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Name Surname
Position, Company name

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Name Surname
Position, Company name
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Investment

We invest across the following sectors

Contact Us

For questions about the current programme please contact our team

Dylan Terry
Dylan Terry
Innovation Studios Director

Partners

The 2026 studio was funded by the Maine Technology Institute and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. The 2027 Summit is co-hosted by Bigelow Laboratory, the Roux Institute at Northeastern University and Hatch Blue.
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FAQs

When is the application deadline?

To be announced.

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When does the program start?

To be announced.

How long does this program last?

The in-person studio is two weeks, and teams receive 9-months ongoing hybrid support.

Where is the program located?

The in-person studio will be hosted at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, Maine, USA.

The Blue Biotech Investor Summit will be held in Portland, Maine

How much investment does my company receive?

Whilst there is no equity investment during the program, there is opportunity to meet investors within our network who may seek to invest in your company, including Hatch Blue and others.

Is there any funding support to travel to the program location?

All travel, accommodation, and food costs will be covered by the program for those successful applications (2 participants per team).

Do I need to be a registered company to apply?

You do not need to have a registered entity upon application but we expect that you are ready to do so by the end of the program.

Our team has already been through an accelerator program. Are we still eligible to participate?

Yes, you are still eligible.

What is the minimum number of participants per team?

One but ideally two co-founders.

Do I need to be on-site during the entire program?

Yes, on-site presence is required as we will run all activities in one location. In our experience, physically connecting with the cohort, Hatch Blue team and its mentors is far more rewarding and productive.

Will there be a finale event or demo day?

The two-week program will culminate in a Blue Biotech Investor Summit in Portland, Maine; an opportunity to pitch to key industry stakeholders looking to support the latest in biotechnology innovation.

What happens after the programme ends?
Who is behind Hatch Blue?

Hatch Blue was conceived in late 2017 by co-founders Carsten Krome, Georg Baunach and Wayne Murphy, with the goal to revolutionise the way we produce seafood through investing in its technological development.

How will my proprietary trade secrets and IP be dealt with?

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, Hatch Blue, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and all founding or organizing teams will ensure that all information is kept totally confidential and will not be shared without your written permission.

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Program specific questions