Innovation studio helps women make waves in blue economy
A Chilean company that develops floating, low-energy microbial biodevices to treat aquaculture wastewater, and a Colombian company that produces and sells fresh red tilapia in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), are among 10 women-led ocean food ventures taking part in a programme to boost the businesses.
The Women in Ocean Food Latin America & Caribbean Innovation Studio is being held in La Paz, Mexico, and aims to help overcome barriers faced by female founders in the blue economy.
After a 10-day in-person programme, the women taking part will benefit from a 12-month, equity-free support initiative.
Ongoing support
"This Innovation Studio goes beyond the two weeks we spend together in the workroom. Since 2024, Women in Ocean Food has grown into a community where graduates continue to support one another; serving as mentors, meeting online or in person, and staying connected even when they live in different countries,” said Mariana Flores, community manager at sustainable aquaculture investor Hatch Blue, which is organising the initiative alongside the investment arm of US headquartered non-profit organisation Conservation International.
“Throughout the year, we organise a range of activities so participants get the most value from being part of this select group of leaders. It’s such a rewarding experience to see them grow.”
Over the past four Innovation Studios, 43 companies have graduated from more than 24 countries across South America and the Caribbean.
Women are building some of the most compelling solutions in the ocean food system, yet they continue to face disproportionate barriers to capital and support
Closing the gap
Gracie White, director at Conservation International Ventures, said: “Women are building some of the most compelling solutions in the ocean food system, yet they continue to face disproportionate barriers to capital and support.
“The Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio is about closing that gap by providing practical, equity-free support to women-led ventures that are advancing climate-positive solutions across aquaculture, seafood value chains, and ocean conservation in the region.”
The two-week innovation studio, which began on Monday, will culminate in a Community Day held in La Paz which offers interested parties and potential investors an opportunity to meet the founders and hear their pitches.
The initiative is sponsored by Innovaciones Alumbra, Builders Initiative, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, the Beyster Foundation for Enterprise Development and Sea Forward Fund.
The 10 participants:
ACUAPEZ, Yapacani, Bolivia: Born from a cooperative of fish farmers, ACUAPEZ produces locally made extruded aquafeed to meet regional shortages and fuel the growth of pacú (Colossoma macroponum), tambaqui (Piaractus brachypomus), pangasius and tilapia aquaculture.
Acústica Marina, Valdivia, Chile: Builds AI-powered smart buoy networks that monitor underwater noise, marine life, and ocean conditions in real time, supporting ports, aquaculture, and clean maritime projects across Latin America.
Bioproc, Concepcion, Chile: Develops modular, floating, low-energy microbial biodevices to treat agro-industrial and aquaculture wastewater, enabling water reuse while protecting rivers and coastal ecosystems.
EriSea / Promarine Antioxidants, Puerto Madryn, Argentina: Creates marine antioxidant supplements from unfertilized sea urchin roe using sustainable aquaculture and circular-economy approaches.
Hecho por Mujeres, Santa Fe de Yapacaní, Bolivia: Collective of four associations of women fish farmers transforming small fish into value-added products like SabroPez, a dehydrated and milled fish powder.
Nereuz, Lima, Peru: Develops AI-powered monitoring tools for aquaculture, automating stock assessment and biomass estimation to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Piscicola La Zunilda, Puerto Lleras, Colombia: Produces and sells fresh red tilapia using bio-RAS, raising fish without chemicals and optimising water use.
Regenerative Enterprise, La Paz, Mexico: Co-grows game-changing aquaculture inputs and eliminates nitrogen pollution from aquaculture farms through proprietary mangrove agroforestry systems.
Rum and Sargassum, St James, Barbados: Converts invasive sargassum seaweed into renewable transportation fuel and offers car retrofits to run on this fast-fueled clean energy.
TIDE, Isla de Margarita, Venezuela: Cultivates Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed and produces Green Tide, a 100% organic seaweed-based bio-stimulant for agriculture.
