Their techniques span multiple disciplines, including agricultural hardware, nutrition, new farming systems, animal health and regenerative aquaculture, and the Crest program kicked off Monday with a week-long on-site workshop at NELHA in Hawaii.
“The strong interest and competitive applications from aquaculture startups around the world validated our redesign of the accelerator model. The first phase of the program in Hawaii is crucial as it is where we will co-develop strategic outcomes with startups. Hawaii is one of the few places on earth where aquaculture entrepreneurs can be exposed to a wide range of species and aquaculture operations and meet world-class aquaculture mentors,” reflects Crest Program Director Benedict Tan.
One of the key changes to the program is flexibility: Whereas previously Accelerator participants visited four different aquaculture locations over a four-month period, there will now be various options for them to join visits to Norway, Singapore and Vietnam over the next 18 months.
“We are pleased to spend time with the team leveraging Hatch Blue’s expertise to accelerate business development. The goal of the Crest program overall is to validate our investment rationale and identify opportunities for follow-on investment in line with our accelerator-led investment model,” said Caitriona Kelleher, managing director of early stage investing at Hatch Blue.