is where ocean innovation gets deployed.
is where ocean innovation gets deployed.
Upwell is a venture program designed to support ocean innovation startups in Latin America and the Caribbean as they cross the hardest step in commercialization: real-world deployment with industry partners.
Through structured industry collaboration and catalytic funding, Upwell connects founders with the corporate partners and capital needed to pilot and scale ocean solutions.
What Is Upwell?
Hibrid format
Upwell is not a traditional
accelerator or demo-day showcase.
It is a milestones-based commercialization program that supports ocean startups already working on real technologies — helping them design, fund, and deploy pilots with industry partners across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Hibrid format
Upwell is not a traditional
accelerator or demo-day showcase.
It is a milestones-based commercialization program that supports ocean startups already working on real technologies — helping them design, fund, and deploy pilots with industry partners across Latin America and the Caribbean.
What makes Upwell different
Purpose-built for ocean innovation
Focus on prototype → pilot as the core objective
Industry-defined challenges and deployment pathways
Catalytic funding to unlock real deployments
Deep, hands-on engagement from operators, not just mentors
Upwelling is the ocean process that brings what’s below the surface into motion.
Upwell exists to do the same for pilot-ready ocean innovation.
Is Upwell Right for You?
Upwell is for founders who
If you’re looking to validate a real use case, secure your first pilot, and
prepare for commercial scale — Upwell is designed for you.
What You Get
Access to corporate champions and decision-makers
Pilot design support and up to US$20,000 in catalytic funding for select start-ups
Technical and commercial readiness support
Pathways to follow-on capital and global markets
A vetted pipeline of problem-aligned ocean solutions
Structured collaboration with startups, from scoping to pilot execution
Alignment with internal KPIs, sustainability goals, and procurement realities
Reduced risk in testing emerging technologies
Visibility as leaders shaping the future of the blue economy in LAC
Latin America and the Caribbean won’t just catch up in the blue economy — it has the ingredients to lead it.
Program Timeline — Upwell 2026
Challenge Definition & Startup Sourcing
From now
till March 16
Industry consultations, challenge definition, startup selection
Aplication, Evaluation & Selection
March 16
till May 29
Application deadline, startup review and official acceptance.
Open: March 16
Close: May 15
Selection: May 20
Onboarding
June 12
Startup diagnostics, corporate alignment, mentor matching
Acceleration & Pilot Design
June 15 till
September 4
Prototype validation, use-case refinement, pilot co-design
Industry Showcase & Pilot Mobilization
September 7
Industry showcase, pilot agreements, funding kickoff
Action Lines
The Ocean Is Entering a New Era
Innovation rooted in science and technology is essential to rehinking how we use, protect and regenerate ocean systems.
Why Latin America
& the Caribbean
Ocean-based industries generate
over US$400B annually in the Caribbean alone, accounting for ~17% of GDP
30% of the region’s population lives in coastal areas, creating concentrated markets for deployment
5–10× cost advantages in early-stage R&D compared to the US and Europe
LAC holds 26% of mangroves and 25% of reefs, key to blue carbon and coastal resilience.
Why Upwell Exists
Ocean innovation in LAC faces persistent, structural barriers:
Early-stage climate capital is scarce, and founders are expected to prove traction early
Over 90% of ocean startups in the region are B2B, yet lack access to the right corporate partners
Over 80% of ocean accelerators and support programs are based in the Global North
Pilots are costly, complex, and risky — for both startups and industry
Upwell was designed to address these constraints head-on, by aligning startups with real industry demand, providing catalytic funding, and embedding collaboration from day one
Built with
Pioneers in Ocean Innovation
We work alongside organizations who are taking a pioneering role in ocean innovation — moving beyond commitments to real collaboration and deployment. Their leadership makes it possible for startups to move from prototype to pilot in real operational environments:
Questions (FAQ)
What does “technical validation” mean for Upwell eligibility?
Technical validation means that your solution has moved beyond a concept or theoretical design and has demonstrated early technical feasibility.
This may include, for example:
- Bench-scale or lab testing
- Functional hardware, software, or biological systems
- Demonstrated performance against defined technical parameters
Upwell does not require a fully de-risked or commercial-ready product. The program is specifically designed to help founders validate and adapt their technology through pilots with industry partners.
Do I need to have a pilot partner before applying?
No. You do not need an existing pilot partner.
Upwell works with industry partners to co-define challenges and identify pilot opportunities during the program. Founders are supported in refining use cases
and matching with relevant partners as part of the process.
Can we apply if we’ve already joined an accelerator or raised capital?
No. You do not need an existing pilot partner.
Yes. You may apply as long as your startup still aligns with Upwell’s focus on early-stage pilot readiness, technical and commercial validation and can benefit from industry validation and deployment support.
Do I need to have revenue or customers to apply?
No. You do not need an existing pilot partner.
No. Revenue is not required. Upwell is designed for startups that are still validating their technology and use case, including those that have not yet generated sales.
Do I need to have a legally incorporated company to apply?
No. Individuals or pre-incorporation teams can apply, but incorporation may be required before funding or pilot launch.
Is there a cost to participate in Upwell?
There is no participation fee for selected startups and travel costs for program activities will be covered by Upwell.
Does Upwell provide funding?
Upwell provides catalytic funding to selected startups to design and deploy pilots with industry partners, depending on the scope and level of engagement.
Who should represent the startup in the program?
You have to designate one or two key leaders as primary decision-makers to represent your company, lead the pilot, and measure its results.
Still have questions?
Reach out to us at upwell@reciprocal.studio