In October, Maritime Blue, the Port of Seattle and WeWork Labs announced their plan to launch Washington’s first maritime accelerator to help spur the innovation necessary to build a thriving maritime economy for generations to come. MER Equipment is pleased to announce that we have been accepted to the program.The selected startups will benefit from intensive programming provided by WeWork Labs over
an accelerated 4-month period. In addition to being housed at WeWork Labs, the startups will
receive access to the WeWork Labs global network of mentors and advisors, be a part of unique
programming and have the opportunity to connect with the larger WeWork community. In
addition, the cohort will have additional mentorship opportunities, drawing on Maritime Blue’s
coalition of industry experts, as well as “pilots with enterprises” demonstration and sales
opportunities and vast connections to the global maritime industry.
Innovation across Washington’s maritime sector is critical for a thriving economy and in the fight
to protect our planet and ocean life. These challenges loom large and demand more intentional
efforts to ensure solutions are sought by a broader cross-section of companies and individuals,
utilizing innovative approaches, such as a maritime accelerator.
In addition to MER, the following companies are participating in the Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator program:
MER Equipment
Building a new engine exhaust gas after-treatment system which reduces fuel
consumption while also decreasing nitrogen oxides particulate matter. This technology is
a lighter, smaller, less costly alternative to diesel engines.
Beam Reach
Beam Reach catalyzes marine research and education about the oceans, bioacoustics,
and sustainability across the critical habitat of the endangered orcas — from northern
California to British Columbia — with focus on Puget Sound and the Salish Sea to
empower future generations to protect our orca population.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health MD offers a suite of services to improve health at every stage of a
mariner’s career, reduce an employer’s risk exposure and alleviate the fear and anxiety
of providing medical care at sea.
ecoSpears
ecoSPEARS is a cleantech solutions company utilizing green, NASA-developed
environmental technology for the cost-effective, sustainable, and permanent extraction
and destruction of persistent environmental toxins.
eOceans
eOceans is building data and analytical software to make sure Ocean science can keep
pace with business, society and ocean change.
Equll
Equll’s digital platform helps eliminate waste and inefficiencies through technological
solutions that directly connect Truck Owner Operators and Shippers by automating the
entire process with no hassle.
Net Your Problem
Net Your Problem provides fishing gear recycling services to fishermen and fishing
companies. The collected gear is upcycled into raw plastic that’s transformed into a
variety of products such as kayaks, bathing suits, carpets and office furniture.
oneTank
oneTank markets, sells, assembles, tests, and delivers oneTank: the simplest, smallest,
lowest consumption, and least-cost ballast water treatment system.
OneForNeptune
OneForNeptune is changing the food industry with healthy, high-protein snack foods
made from sustainable seafood products.
Pure Watercraft
Pure Watercraft develops high-performance electric outboard motors & battery packs to
enable a new era of enjoyable, accessible, environmentally-friendly boating.
SPBES
SPBES provides high power lithium ion energy storage to hybridize or electrify heavy
industrial equipment. Purpose engineered for the rigors of the commercial maritime
industry, SPBES is safer and longer-lasting than any other product on the market.
Applicants were reviewed and selected by the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Advisory
Committee who considered, among others, three core areas of focus for the Port and Maritime
Blue: help maritime companies innovate and grow, establish Washington as a global leader in
maritime innovation, and increase the sustainability and conservation impact of maritime
businesses in both Seattle and beyond.
Across the companies, this cohort will focus on advancing decarbonization, environmental
remediation, maritime workforce protections, sustainability, electrification, digitization, and
conservation education. These founders come from a variety of stages in their startup journey,
from pre-launch to launched to high growth. Over 30 percent of the companies are female
founded, and 70 percent are headquartered here in WA state.
