Ocean
Innovation
Network
MassCEC / Offshore Energy / Ocean Innovation Network
Build your ocean tech startup faster.
The Ocean Innovation Network connects you to the funding, testing resources, and ecosystem support you need to move your innovation from concept to commercialization across Massachusetts.
Welcome to Massachusetts’ digital gateway for ocean‐based climatetech
The Ocean Innovation Network (OIN) brings together the people, programs, and places that move blue economy innovations from concept to commercialization. A collaboration between MassCEC’s Offshore Energy and Emerging Climate Tech teams, this virtual hub centralizes funding opportunities, testing resources, and ecosystem connections so innovators can build faster and scale further across the Commonwealth.
What is the Ocean Innovation Network?
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| Funding opportunities for early-stage firms: Learn about funding opportunities available to ocean tech ventures through MassCEC programs and partner organizations. | A network of helpful partners: Submit your details through our interest form and get matched with mentors, facilities, and investors that fit your needs. | Investments in ecosystem and test sites: MassCEC has committed $11.3 million to expand testing facilities and strengthen programs that accelerate ocean technology development. Projects are launching throughout 2025. |
Why Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to world-class ports and testing facilities, with a deep talent pool, strong universities and research institutions, and a strategic and inclusive approach to economic growth. With a commitment to deploying 5.6 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and a clear focus on building a resilient, future-ready supply chain, the Commonwealth is positioned as the go-to hub for next-generation ocean technology.
To support this momentum, Massachusetts provides a robust suite of funding programs, business incentives, and research partnerships tailored for startups, established companies, and academic collaborators. Backed by the nation’s most educated workforce and a dense network of innovators, investors, and technical expertise, Massachusetts offers the ideal environment to launch, scale, and lead in the blue economy.
Who Should Engage?
- Ocean-tech startups and founders
- Incubators, accelerators, and research labs
- Port operators and test-site managers
- Investors and corporate partners
- Coastal communities and workforce providers
If your work touches the ocean or advances climate solutions, the OIN is built for you.
Current Resources
The Ocean Innovation Network Virtual Hub currently offers two resources designed to support ocean-tech innovators.
Funding & Grant Listings
Curated, regularly updated funding opportunities specifically targeted for ocean-tech ventures. Find the financial support you need to accelerate your innovation.
Ocean Tech Partner Database
Find expertise, partners, and deployment resources within Massachusetts' extensive ecosystem of ocean technology innovators and experts.
OIN-Funded Projects
MassCEC is investing $11.3 Million to expand the Commonwealth’s network of test sites for OceanTech solutions, strengthen the programs and services that accelerate tech development, and make the OIN more accessible. Here are the first seven award recipients driving ocean innovation across Massachusetts:
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Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
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- Gloucester, MA
- Awarded $1,383,460 to build an eDNA lab equipped for sequencing and analysis, with space for startups and partners to train, plan, and experiment.
- GMGI is pioneering marine genomics research in historic Gloucester to unlock ocean discoveries that advance human health, protect the environment, and fuel a sustainable future.
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Innoventure Labs
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- Beverly, MA
- Awarded $1,237,100 to launch the OceanTide initiative with expanded entrepreneurial services, a Mobile OceanTech Workshop, mentoring, and test site access to help startups reach open-water deployment.
- Innoveture Labs is a nonprofit incubator that supports early-stage science and cleantech companies with shared lab space, business resources, and a collaborative community to help them grow and succeed.
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Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative
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- Bourne, MA
- Awarded $1,885,870 to expand shallow-water and nearshore test facilities with upgraded data systems, grid access for tidal turbines, and enhanced infrastructure for tidal and wave energy device testing.
- MRECo is nonprofit organization that promotes the sustainable growth of marine renewable energy (offshore wind, wave, and tidal) through education, collaboration, and real-world demonstrations in New England.
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Massachusetts Housing and Climate Innovation Center
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- South Yarmouth, MA
- Awarded $50,000 to create an Innovation Opportunity Atlas for Cape Cod, cataloging municipal assets and potential field-test sites for oceantech and climatetech.
- MassHCIC is a non-profit organization committed to promoting affordable, climate-resilient, net-zero housing by fostering innovation in building materials, systems, and techniques.
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New Bedford Ocean Cluster
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- New Bedford, MA
- Awarded $2,130,040 to expand facilities with a renovated 4,000 SF event space, assist startups with supply chain and testing asset navigator services, and new prototyping equipment to accelerate oceantech startups.
- NBOC is building partnerships across offshore wind, aquaculture, commercial fishing, and blue tech to grow New Bedford’s ocean economy and strengthen coastal resilience.
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SeaAhead
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- Cambridge, MA
- Awarded $1,467,500, in partnership with The Engine and NREL, to support oceantech startups from early development through pilot demonstrations by expanding BlueSwell, adding specialized workshops, and launching the new PILOTS program.
- SeaAhead is a B-Corp blue-tech platform that accelerates ocean-focused ventures through programs like BlueSwell and Blue Angels, while bringing together entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and industry leaders across the Northeast.
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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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- Falmouth, MA
- Awarded $3,200,160 to expand ocean test sites with mobile dockside access, a nearshore buoy area in New Bedford, and enhanced offshore facilities at the Air-Sea Interaction Tower to support marine technology development.
- WHOI, founded in 1930, is the world’s leading independent non-profit dedicated to ocean science, exploration, education, and communication. With nearly 1,000 staff, WHOI advances understanding of Earth’s oceans through cutting-edge research, technology development, and training of future leaders.
Get Involved Today
- Fill out the interest form to receive tailored connections, early funding alerts, and invitations to pilot opportunities.
- Share your story - Have a project, facility, or program to share? Email us at offshorewind@masscec.com to discuss how you fit into the network.
Stay Connected
Follow MassCEC on LinkedIn and sign up for our newsletter to see how ocean innovation is powering a clean-energy future for Massachusetts and beyond.
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MassCEC / Offshore Wind / Ocean Innovation Network