HATCH Blue, the world’s first accelerator focused on sustainable aquaculture and alternative seafood technologies, announced today the opening of applications for its “Women in Ocean Food” program, with a significant expansion that now covers two continents: Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa. This initiative, designed to catalyze female leadership and innovation in the blue economy sector, seeks to empower women entrepreneurs to develop and scale sustainable solutions that address our oceans’ most pressing challenges.
The “Women in Ocean Food” program is an intensive, equity-free support platform created for female founders and leadership teams who are at the forefront of change. The initiative focuses on critical areas such as sustainable aquaculture, improving seafood value chains, marine biotechnology, ocean conservation and regeneration, and blue carbon. Through a comprehensive approach that combines training, mentorship, and access to investment networks, HATCH Blue aims to close the gender gap in a sector vital for food security and the health of the planet.
One program, two regions: A global vision for female empowerment
The expansion of the program to Latin America and the Caribbean, and to Africa, reflects HATCH Blue’s commitment to creating global impact and promoting diversity in aquaculture innovation. While both programs share the same mission, each is tailored to the specific needs and opportunities of its region.
The program for Latin America and the Caribbean will run for 12 months, beginning with an intensive 10-day in-person workshop in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, starting January 26, 2026. This bilingual (English and Spanish) program will offer participants a deep dive into business development, market strategies, and fundraising. Participants will benefit from the region’s rich marine biodiversity and its growing aquaculture innovation network.
Meanwhile, the program for Africa will also run for 12 months, kicking off with an intensive, two-week, full-time workshop at a location to be confirmed. Delivered entirely in English, this program will focus on the African continent’s potential to develop a sustainable blue economy, addressing local challenges and promoting solutions that benefit coastal communities.
Benefits and opportunities for participants
Entrepreneurs selected to participate in the “Women in Ocean Food” program will receive comprehensive and personalized support, including:
- Strategic and business support: Assistance with company formation, development of business strategies, product commercialization, and effective fundraising strategies.
- Individualized mentorship: Access to a network of world-class mentors, including industry leaders, investors, and technical experts from HATCH Blue and its partners, such as Conservation International Ventures.
- Global network: Opportunities to connect with a global network of women-led companies in the blue economy, as well as with venture philanthropists and impact investors.
- Travel funding: All travel, accommodation, and food expenses for the in-person program will be covered for two participants per team.
- Investment potential: Although the program does not involve direct capital investment, participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to a network of investors, with the potential for follow-on investment from HATCH Blue and its partners.
- Visibility and platform: The program culminates in a “Community Day,” where selected finalists can present their projects to key stakeholders, investors, and the wider community.
Eligibility and application process
The program is aimed at early-stage projects or companies that meet the following criteria:
- Female leadership: Projects led by women, founded or co-founded by women, or where women hold decision-making positions.
- Geographic focus: Applicants for the Latin America and Caribbean program must have a focus on this region. Applicants for the Africa program must be from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Project stage: It is not necessary to have a legally registered entity at the time of application, but teams are expected to be ready to do so by the end of the program.
- Commitment: Active and committed participation is expected throughout the 12-month program.
Key dates for proposal submission:
Entrepreneurs interested in transforming the future of ocean food and making their mark on the blue economy should take note of the following application deadlines:
- Africa Program: The application deadline is Friday, October 17, 2025. You can apply here: https://www.hatch.blue/programs/women-in-ocean-food-africa
- Latin America and the Caribbean Program: The application deadline is Friday, October 31, 2025. You can apply here: https://www.hatch.blue/es/programs/women-in-ocean-food-latin-america-caribbean
About HATCH Blue
HATCH Blue is a global venture capital firm with a mission to catalyze innovation in aquaculture and alternative seafood. Through its accelerator programs, venture capital investments, and consulting services, HATCH Blue supports entrepreneurs and companies that are developing technological solutions for a more sustainable and resilient seafood industry. With a global network of experts, mentors, and partners, HATCH Blue is committed to creating a positive impact on our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
