Miami, FL — May 2024—Seaworthy Collective, a Miami-based nonprofit entrepreneur support organization and community empowering founders driving innovation for ocean and climate impact (aka BlueTech), is excited to announce the return of its biannual Spring Startup Showcase, which will take place May 23, 2024, at Ampersand Studios. This flagship event, now in its fourth year, will highlight the latest innovations from BlueTech startup founders who have been part of Seaworthy’s Spring 2024 Startup Studio and Incubator.

Event Highlights:
Keynote Speaker, Linda Olson: We are thrilled to announce Linda Olson, CEO & founder of Tampa Bay Wave, as our keynote speaker. With a rich history of supporting tech startups and extensive experience in securing federal grants to foster innovation, Linda brings invaluable insights into entrepreneurship and tech development.

Innovative Solutions Unveiled: Attendees will witness live pitch presentations from startups tackling some of the most pressing ocean and climate impact challenges. These include AI integrations, advancements in pollution control, greenhouse gas reduction and removal, and coastal resilience and adaptation.
Networking and Learning: The event will provide ample opportunities for attendees to network with industry leaders, innovators, and community members passionate about marine and environmental conservation.
Leadership Insights: Seaworthy’s Founder & CEO, Daniel Kleinman, will share industry insights, and key updates and announce new offerings to enhance community support for BlueTech innovation.

This year, seven pioneering startups with founders across diverse backgrounds and disciplines will present at the showcase. Each embodies innovation in technology, data, and science to tackle critical environmental challenges, including coastal resilience and adaptation, upstream and downstream pollution, and greenhouse gas reduction and removal.

“We can’t wait to celebrate the hard work of Seaworthy’s latest and greatest wave of founders, aka Sea Change Makers. They’ve demonstrated incredible dedication to the challenges and opportunities of the past 12 weeks in Seaworthy’s Startup Studio and Incubator, and we couldn’t be prouder of their progress and achievements. They are firmly on their paths to leading on local and global levels, growing scalable solutions and businesses addressing the biggest challenges facing our blue planet. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, investment opportunities, networking, or just a passionate community to connect with, the startup showcase is our best opportunity to catalyze your path to impact,” said Daniel Kleinman, Seaworthy Collective’s Founder & CEO.


The seven Spring 2024 cohort startups are:

CASTUS Technologies (San Francisco, CA) - Coounders Mohamed Said and Mohamed Gad use AI and ocean meteorological data to find and track floating objects like plastic debris and oil spills in oceans, seas, and rivers. It combines this with satellite imagery to confirm accuracy, providing reliable results.

Coastal Protection Solutions (Boston, MA) - Led by Alex Berkowitz, Coastal Protection Solutions, Inc. provides innovative coastal protection systems, specializing in patent-pending technologies designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change-induced coastal flooding.

Green Thumb Strategies & Phytoflora (Miami, FL) - A dual initiative by Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez and Ivan Rodriguez, employing floating farms for water remediation and sustainable agriculture.

Igugu Global (Miami, FL) - Founded by Anele Bloch, this climate fintech startup aims to bridge Africa's $1.5 trillion sustainable infrastructure funding gap.

Sargassum EcoLumber (Homestead, FL) - Raquel de Antonio Crespo and Andres de Antonio Simancas's venture turns Sargassum seaweed and recycled plastics into eco-friendly lumber.

Strawfish (Boca Raton, FL) - Aaron Kleinert and Kyle Lansing's answer to single-use plastic, offering biodegradable alternatives.

The Upwelling Institute (Oakland, CA) - Shanee Stopnitzky's initiative leverages artificial upwellings to cool and regenerate vulnerable ecosystems.

“Our Seaworthy Showcase celebrates the dedication and progress of each founder participating in our program. Each pitch is a milestone for them and showcasing their impactful solutions not only fosters connection within the community but also ignites inspiration and admiration for those driving positive change,” said Tamara Kahn, Seaworthy Collective’s Programs Director.

These startups were part of the three-month Startup Studio and Incubator program, which propels startups focused on ocean-based climate solutions. The program connects founders to Seaworthy's extensive global network, which includes over 2,400 members, 250 mentors, and a worldwide coalition of investors with over $1 billion in combined assets. This showcase marks the end of the program and spotlights the cohort's innovative endeavors.

Tickets for the event are available at: http://bit.ly/SCSpring24Showcase
Use the code “MiamiTime” to get your ticket at early bird prices.

Gratitude to Community and Global Partners:
Seaworthy Collective extends heartfelt thanks to its community and global partners, Florida For Good, Salesforce, America’s Seed Fund, and Accountable Impact, whose ongoing support makes these events possible.

Exclusive Partnership and Engagement Opportunities:
Seaworthy Collective is offering limited partnership opportunities for this event, with special incentives for combined partnerships for both the spring and fall showcases. Interested parties are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more details.

About Seaworthy Collective:
Seaworthy Collective is a Miami-based 501c3 non-profit BlueTech (ocean and climate impact innovation) entrepreneur support organization and community. Our mission is to make BlueTech accessible and inclusive, bringing all hands on deck via programs for startups as well as community building and education. From addressing coastal resilience and adaptation, greenhouse gas reduction and removal, and pollution, our local and global community is driving innovation for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet. Learn more at www.SeaworthyCollective.com.