Washington Maritime Blue, the Port of Seattle and WeWork Labs have collaborated to launch Washington’s first maritime accelerator to help maritime companies innovate and grow. The accelerator, which is currently accepting applications through November 18, aims to help maritime companies innovate and grow, establish Washington as a leader in maritime innovation, and increase the sustainability of maritime businesses in both Seattle and beyond.
Funded by the Port of Seattle and a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the maritime accelerator will be accommodated and supported by WeWork Labs in Seattle. WeWork’s innovation platform for early-stage startups will run the accelerator.
Maritime Blue will now choose 10 promising startups to be admitted to the first accelerator cohort, which will officially begin in January 2020.
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These startups will benefit from intensive programming provided by WeWork Labs over an accelerated 4-month period. In addition to being housed at WeWork Labs, startups will receive access to the WeWork Labs global network of mentors and advisors, and be a part of programming.
The accelerator will conclude in April with a formal demo day where the selected startups will pitch their ideas to investors, mentors, corporate partners, government officials, and the general public.
“Innovation across Washington’s maritime sector is critical for a thriving economy and in the fight to protect our planet, precious natural resources, and ocean life. Finding a way to extract economic growth while simultaneously returning evermore vitality and life to our oceans and waterways is a challenging task, but one Washington must take on if the industry is to thrive for the next generation of maritime workers.”
the Port of Seattle said.
