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Startup Alley

Apply to Pitch

Ready to apply? Applications are due January 17, 2025
Submit Application

Questions?

Have questions about your application? Contact the SeaAhead team.
Contact SeaAhead

How does it work?

  • SeaAhead, a bluetech open innovation platform that helps to build and catalyze startups in ocean industries and ocean sustainability, will select 10-12 start-up businesses to deliver five-minute pitches to IPF attendees.
  • Any startup working on solutions to challenges across the offshore wind and ocean renewables industries is welcome to apply. You must be able to attend 2025 IPF (April 28-May 1) in Virginia Beach to deliver your pitch in-person. Participants have two opportunities to “speed-pitch” their innovations in the Exhibit Hall. Note that if your application is accepted, there is a participation fee to be included in Startup Alley.
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If your submission is accepted, you will receive an email with details about your contract and how to register for 2025 IPF. All businesses will receive coaching from SeaAhead to prepare you for your pitch presentations.

How does my business benefit?

If your application is accepted, there is a participation fee ($950) to be included in Startup Alley. This fee includes:

  • Coaching and guidance from SeaAhead staff
  • Shared networking booth + lounge
  • Dedicated presentation times on the Power ON stage during the event
  • Promotion in IPF marketing emails and on IPF website
  • Marketing kit to promote your participation in Startup Alley
  • Access to all workshops, programming, and events at 2025 IPF ($2,195 value)
  • (1) Discounted additional 2025 IPF conference registration for just $950

Timeline

  • November 21, 2024: Applications open 
  • January 17, 2025: Applications close 
  • February 2025: Winners are notified and SeaAhead works with accepted companies to help perfect pitches 
  • March 2025: Participation fee due
  • April 28-May 1: Companies present pitches at 2025 IPF in Virginia Beach

Innovation Areas

  • Technologies to Advance Permitting Process

    Offshore wind projects have an average 10+ year development time cycle, from the permitting process to the construction phase. Technologies using AI, IoT applications, acoustical and other environmental mitigation techniques can reduce development time frames and risks innovations in this area are industry game changers. This could include technology to increase communication and community adoption of offshore projects.  

  • Efficient Ports & Vessels

    Smart, safe, efficient, and sustainable ports and vessels are critical to the success of offshore wind. New technology solutions that improve transportation efficiency could include electrification of forklifts, better rope design for cranes and lifts, etc.   

  • Workforce of the Future

    From worker training to community awareness, technology innovation is enabling the offshore wind industry to prepare workers and overcome NIMBY objections. Worker training tools are prime for the use of visual technology innovation, platforms for remote collaboration, and digital twins. The possibilities are endless for start-ups and entrepreneurs to deliver the future without ever having to go offshore. Other areas of innovation are technology for offshore worker safety and training for construction of projects.  

  • Grid and Transmission

    “Smart from the start” should not just be applied to offshore wind permitting it should also be the mantra used for the development of the offshore wind grid and transmission. A smart grid powered by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Utility Internet of Things (UIofT), and Internet of Things Services and People ( IoTSP) applications allows for integrating more renewable energy, maintaining grid stability, increasing resiliency, and improving security. Battery storage and capacity can also fall in this category.  

  • Maintenance & Repair

    Operations and Maintenance account for 18.9% of the total cost of an offshore wind project. Innovations from deep sea mining and deep space exploration such as drones, remote diagnostics, weather forecasting, and self-healing technologies can reduce these costs while increasing worker safety and enabling offshore wind projects to be developed further and further offshore. 

  • Circularity, Sourcing, and Upstream improvements

    There is vast potential for new technologies that target manufacturing, recycling and repurposing of critical components (i.e. blades, towers, etc.). Innovations are also happening with products and processes that maximize the use of rare earth metals while minimizing environmental impacts, and general raw material/subcomponent sourcing improvements. 

  • Other Ocean Renewables: Wave, Tidal, Offshore Solar

    Beyond offshore wind, how else can we efficiently harness the power of the ocean?  

    Compatible technologies such as wave, marine, tidal, hydrogen and offshore solar can supplement offshore wind farms and increase energy diversification. Other innovations could include co-locations of mariculture or aquaculture projects to enhance biodiversity and resilience to storms, carbon-capture technology and platforms to provide real-time data.  

Virginia Beach Convention Center

1000 19th StreetVirginia Beach, VA 23451

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