With the U.S. aiming to reduce its $20 billion seafood trade deficit and meet the rising demand for sustainable protein, aquaculture innovation has never been more essential—or more investable. Yet, funding for innovation in this space has historically been difficult due to high capital costs, long development cycles, and investor hesitation toward biological and ocean-related risks. However, with rising seafood demand, climate change pressures, and the need for sustainable protein sources, the industry is at a turning point where innovation is critical for scaling sustainable solutions. With growing federal and state support, increasing private sector interest, and breakthroughs in technology, the funding landscape is shifting rapidly.
In this talk, we will provide a high-impact overview of how aquaculture funding has evolved, where the biggest opportunities lie today, and how scientists and entrepreneurs can secure the capital needed to bring their innovations to market. With increasing public investment from U.S. agencies, alongside a surge in impact-focused venture capital, now is the time to scale solutions in aquaculture. HATCH Blue is the world’s leading supporter and investor in early-stage aquaculture entrepreneurs. We play a critical role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and commercial success.
Over the past 7 years in supporting 500+ entrepreneurs, investing in 70+ startups and scaling their businesses, during this talk we will provide insider knowledge on how to secure funding, leverage public and private capital, and utilize our global network to accelerate innovative science, ideas and ventures.