Meet the 6 Newest Startups to Join SOA's Ecopreneur Network, Class of 2024

Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is proud to announce the first six ocean startups to join the Ecopreneur Network, Class of 2024.

From sustainable leather alternatives made from invasive marine species to algae-based wellness products, we are thrilled to invite this first wave of startups into the Ecopreneur Network—providing them with lifetime support, mentorship, funding and networking opportunities, and more. 

With these latest additions, SOA is proud to now support and represent 62 diverse ocean startups from around the world as we collectively work together to solve the greatest threats facing our planet today, for a better tomorrow. 

Read more about these six startups below, and explore our full portfolio of ocean-changing startups here. 

INVERSA Leathers | Florida, U.S.

INVERSA builds supply chains for invasive species to produce 'Invasive leather' for the fashion industry. The company currently manages three invasive species—lionfish, carp, and python—to tackle the harm caused by two problems: biodiversity loss and fashion.  

With one supply chain, INVERSA offers two solutions to tackle invasive species and prevent the harm they cause in global ecosystems: 1. invasive species management services for state governments and 2. sustainable luxury leathers for fashion brands.

To date, the company has removed over 50,000 invasive animals, restoring ecosystems throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. 

"INVERSA is excited to join SOA's Ecopreneur Network due to the organization's reputation for cultivating a mutually supportive environment that encourages innovators to work together to accelerate our shared mission of protecting our oceans. Our team is keen to collaborate with SOA and our fellow network members to highlight the crucial role managing invasive species plays in maintaining ocean health." — Aarav Chavda, Co-Founder & CEO at INVERSA Leathers

Oneka Technologies | Quebec, Canada

Oneka Technologies is a Canadian company that engineers, finances, installs, maintains, and operates 100% mechanical desalination buoys to deliver fresh water to its clients, using only the energy of the ocean swells.

Oneka Technologies offers a variety of solutions to meet a wide range of water needs: resorts to small communities (Iceberg-class) and water-intensive industries to larger coastal municipalities (Glacier-class).

The company envisions a future where fresh water will be accessible to a greater number of individuals without negatively impacting the health of our planet.

Koraï Africa | France & Madagascar

Koraï Africa helps European companies improve their carbon and biodiversity footprint by regenerating Africa's coastal marine ecosystems.

Through their three core offerings, Koraï aims to become the leader in the contribution to African marine biodiversity:

1. Biodiversity Auditing & Strategic Consulting

2. Ecosystem Regeneration Projects

3. Biodiversity Reports & Credits

"I'm thrilled to join the SOA Ecopreneur Network as part of the Class of 2024. Having been involved with SOA through the Ocean Leadership Program and as a Hub Leader, I’ve seen firsthand how SOA supports the growth of a smart, nature-respecting blue economy, which aligns perfectly with Koraï’s mission.

At this stage in our development, we need a powerful platform to accelerate our impact, and the Ecopreneur Network provides exactly that. I’m excited to collaborate, learn, and scale Koraï’s efforts to protect and restore marine biodiversity. Let's make waves!" –  Jeimila Donty, Founder & CEO of Koraï

Phycolabs | Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Phycolabs produces high-quality biofibers made entirely from seaweed to replace traditional fabrics and offer a more sustainable alternative for ethical and fair business relationships.

In an industry dominated by polluting materials like rayon, plastic-derived, and water-intensive cotton reliant on harsh chemicals, Phycolabs' innovative seaweed-based solution emerges as a beacon of hope without mixing with other materials. 

"I am excited to join the Ecopreneur Network to collaborate with a community dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in ocean-related sectors. I look forward to learning from industry experts, sharing insights, and tackling challenges that will drive Phycolabs' growth and innovation. My commitment is to make a meaningful difference, and I believe that diving deep into the program will amplify our positive impact on the environment." —Thamires Pontes, Founder & CEO of Phycolabs

PierSight Space | U.S. & India

PierSight Space is building a 'constellation' of all-weather imaging satellites for persistent ocean surveillance. 

With their groundbreaking Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) satellites, Piersight creates dynamic maps of all human activity at sea—such as all shipping, fishing, and offshore oil—with a refresh rate of every 30 minutes.

This technology helps to improve regulations on Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, detect oil spills and support cleanup efforts, as well as reduce emissions by helping ships navigate through complex waterways.     

SeaVoir Wellness | Los Angeles, U.S.

Founded by Ashlan and Philippe Cousteau, SeaVoir is a restorative wellness brand that creates high-quality, ocean-derived products that support human health and ocean restoration.

The company's first product is an algae-based Omega 3 supplement designed to replace ecologically destructive fish and krill oil supplements.

SeaVoir's patented algae formula is vegan, toxin-free, and clinically proven to absorb 1.7x more than krill or fish-derived Omega 3 supplements. 

Additionally, SeaVoir's algae farms in New Mexico and Texas not only help to reduce carbon emissions but also provide sustainable blue jobs on non-arable land, restoring economic opportunity in these rural communities.

"I am excited to be a part of this incredible group of ocean entrepreneurs.  For too long our ocean has gotten pushed aside.  It's groups like SOA and the Ecopreneurs that are not only highlighting solutions but doubling down on our biggest climate mitigation asset: our precious ocean." — Ashlan Cousteau, Co-Founder of SeaVoir Wellness

Hoping for your chance to make a difference and become a part of the Network? Don't hesitate—applications to join the Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024 are closing soon!

Apply by October 4, 2024 11:59pm PDT.* 

*Applications received after October 4, 2024, will be considered for the Class of 2025.