About the opportunity
The Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio is an equity-free business support initiative designed for women founders and leadership teams transforming the blue economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. The program equips participants to scale solutions in sustainable aquaculture, marine biotech, aquatech, seafood value chains, waste revalorization, and blue carbon. It begins with an intensive 9-day in-person studio in La Paz, Mexico, followed by 12 months of mentorship, access to investor networks, and commercial growth support.
Funding and benefits
- Fully funded participation including travel, accommodation, and meals for up to 2 participants per team
- 100% equity-free strategic business support and mentorship
- Direct guidance on market intelligence, go-to-market, business strategy, and fundraising
- 12 months of post-studio support, including quarterly follow-ups and assistance at key industry events
- Access to a global network of aquaculture leaders, venture philanthropists, and impact investors
- Potential follow-on investment opportunities with Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures
Who can apply?
- Startups and projects must be led by women, founded/co-founded by women, or have women as key decision makers
- Geographic focus must be in Latin America or the Caribbean
- Operating within blue economy sectors such as sustainable aquaculture, marine biotech, aquatech, seafood value chains, seafood waste revalorization, or blue carbon
- Companies do not need to be registered at application, but must be ready to register by program end
- Open to early-stage teams as well as startups that have previously completed other accelerator programs
Required documents
- Completed online application form via Cognito Forms
- Company pitch deck or project information deck
When to apply
- Applications close on Saturday, November 7, 2026
- In-person studio program begins on Monday, January 25, 2027
How to apply
- Submit the online application form and deck through the Hatch Blue portal before November 7, 2026
- Participate in the evaluation and selection process conducted by Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures
- Selected teams attend the 9-day in-person studio in La Paz, Mexico starting January 25, 2027
- Present company pitches during the Community Day finale to partners and impact investors
Additional information
- The 9-day studio takes place in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, and requires mandatory full-time on-site attendance
- Program delivery is bilingual in English and Spanish with live interpretation services provided
- Participants requiring a Mexican visa are responsible for obtaining it at their own expense; an official invitation letter will be provided to support visa applications
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for women founders and co-founders in Latin America and the Caribbean building scalable solutions in aquaculture, aquatech, and blue carbon
- Strong match for early-stage blue economy startups seeking high-level mentorship, global network access, and investor visibility without giving up equity
- Well suited for leadership teams ready to participate in an intensive 9-day in-person immersion followed by a year of structured advisory support
What should you think carefully about?
- Mandatory 9-day in-person attendance in La Paz, Mexico, requiring time away from home and day-to-day business operations
- Participants must handle visa logistics and expenses independently if traveling from countries requiring a Mexican entry visa
- The program itself provides business support rather than direct equity capital, though investor networking and follow-on funding pathways are provided
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program offers an effective launchpad for women entrepreneurs aiming to commercialize blue economy innovations, refine go-to-market strategies, and connect with global impact investors across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Our take
Women founders in the Latin American and Caribbean aquaculture or marine sector should strongly consider applying. It provides fully funded travel, world-class mentorship, and valuable investor exposure without demanding company equity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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