Marine biotech innovators offered free coaching to move into the market

Hatch Blue and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have announced the launch of the Maine Blue Biotech Studio, a fully-funded programme designed to move blue biotechnology innovations from the lab to the market.

The studio is aimed at creating commercial opportunities by accelerating scalable ocean-derived biotech products. The programme, which organisers say is the first of its kind in the United States, will run from March 9 – 20, 2026 at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine, and will culminate in a Blue Biotech Investor Summit in Portland, Maine.

The studio is funded by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and organised with Ireland-based Hatch Blue, which has long experience in running accelerator programmes.

Over two weeks, participants will connect and learn from advisors and stakeholders with expertise in business strategy, finance, intellectual property development and more. Teams will also receive nine months of virtual mentorship and commercialisation guidance following the in-person programme.

A launch pad for innovators

“All of these efforts are coalescing to build a launching pad for both home-grown companies and those we’re trying to recruit to the state,” said Bigelow Laboratory’s vice-president for research, Beth Orcutt. “Our proposition is that Maine is the place in the nation to grow blue biotech, and together this innovation ecosystem is making that happen. The future of biotech is blue and will launch in Maine.”

The state has 384 blue-biotech organisations, combining abundant marine resources with translational science, pilot facilities and a collaborative coastal innovation ecosystem.

“Maine holds an exceptional competitive advantage to claim a global role in blue biotechnology – an emerging cornerstone of the state’s life sciences and economic development strategy,” said Hatch Blue managing director Tanja Hoel in a press release.

“From my very first encounter with Maine’s innovation community, the opportunity was evident. Hatch Blue is proud to contribute to this growing initiative.”

No fees or equity taken

The studio is fully funded, with no fees or equity taken. Travel, accommodation, and living expenses are covered. The in-kind programme value exceeds US $20,000 and includes:

• Sessions with Hatch Blue’s team on investment readiness, fundraising and commercialisation.
• Tailored one-to-one mentorship from global biotech, aquaculture and blue economy leaders.
• Exposure to investors and industry stakeholders at the Blue Biotech Investor Summit
• Access to Bigelow Laboratory’s R&D expertise, including the world’s most diverse collection of algae and biotechnology R&D assets.
• Introductions to key ecosystem access players for valorising Maine’s fishery, aquaculture and seaweed materials, scaling production, and building businesses in Maine.
• Ongoing guidance and check-ins over the nine-month programme period.
• Expert-led sessions and one-to-one time with dedicated industry experts.

Marine biomaterials

The studio is open to research teams, startups, established companies and experienced entrepreneurs developing innovations with marine biomaterials. These materials include algae and seaweed, shellfish, finfish, marine byproducts, nanocellulose, and novel genetic material.

The goal is to create high-value products across a range of sectors, including food and feed, health and wellness, agriculture, sustainable materials, energy and industry, consumer products, and creative industries.

Dylan Terry, innovation studios director at Hatch Blue, said: “We’re building an environment where blue biotech entrepreneurs can thrive. Whether you’re a researcher with a new discovery or a company ready to scale, the studio provides a launchpad to turn innovation into investment-ready ventures. By combining Maine’s world-class marine resources with Bigelow Laboratory’s scientific excellence and Hatch Blue’s venture-building experience, we’re creating the conditions for new biotech businesses to grow.”

Applications to take part in the studio can be made here.