The Hatch aquaculture accelerator program launched its fourth program with eight new startups.
The companies are:
- Blue Lion Labs is developing machine learning and AI software to detect harmful algal species and sea lice larvae in the ocean.
- ANB Sensors produces calibration-free pH sensors.
- CFEED produces high-quality copepod eggs and live copepods as starter feed for marine hatcheries.
- Sea Warden provides remote auditing and data analytics solutions to reduce the complexity of farm certification.
- The Plant-Based Seafood Company produces plant-based shrimp.
- Exciplex developed innovative technology for mycotoxin detection.
- Smart Oysters developed a farm management software system for oyster farms.
- Susewi developed a natural production system to grow microalgae in the desert to be used in aquafeeds.
Each of the eight startups will be given $75,000 in cash and $55,000 in in-kind services, the bulk of the latter taking place in an intensive 16-week accelerator program. While this normally takes place in Hatch’s offices in Bergen, Singapore and Hawaii, this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will take place via webinars and remote mentoring sessions from some of the leading figures in aquaculture and business, including Einar Wathne, former CEO of EWOS, Øyvind Fylling-Jensen, CEO of Nofima, and US-based sustainable aquaculture champion, Jennifer Bushman.
After almost three years in operation, Hatch has invested in 38 companies, run three successful cohorts and raised its first $8 million in funds.