HATCH is the world´s first start-up accelerator focused on the aquaculture industry, beginning April 2018 in Bergen, Norway. HATCH is formed as a joint initiative with the Cluster’s local partner Bergen Teknologioverforing (BTO), which will host the program on Marineholmen campus.

-048c16-wml “WE LOOK FORWARD TO INVOLVE OUR GLOBAL AQUACULTURE PARTNERS WITH HATCH. TEAMING UP ENTREPRENEURS WITH OUR GLOBAL LEADING COMPANIES REPRESENTS A POWERFUL INNOVATION BOOST TO THE GLOBAL AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY”, TANJA HOEL, CEO OF SEAFOOD INNOVATION CLUSTER.

Hatch will select eight of the world´s highest-potential aquaculture start-ups to be accelerated. Each startup team will receive a cash investment of €25,000 but the real value of the program will entail mentoring, coaching and access to our networks. The selected teams will work with seasoned entrepreneurs, experienced industry professionals and get direct exposure to the industry’s biggest farmers and suppliers. HATCH further provides access to a unique aquaculture investor network, ready to invest in the best teams with the highest potential. In addition, HATCH supports start-ups to receive grant funding within Norway and test their products with HATCH’s R&D partners across Europe.

“We see a need for aquaculture start-ups, especially in the health, nutrition, technology and production sectors, to learn what it means to be “investment-ready” in order to raise the necessary funds to scale and realise their full potential. Additionally teams will also have completed significant technical proof-of-concept work either in the laboratory or with our technology/farming partners. Ultimately, the primary focus of our Accelerator will be on building capability in our participants and enabling them to scale their company to match their global ambitions” , says HATCH CEO Carsten Krome. “What we require in return from the founders is 100% commitment in terms of time and effort.“

“The Bergen environment is perfect for innovative aquaculture start-ups. The headquarters of major industry players like Marine Harvest, Grieg Seafood, Leroy, Salmon Group, Cargill Aqua Nutrition, and others, are all based within walking distance of the accelerator venue.  They are all important partners in the Seafood Innovation Cluster, which is also situated in our offices and we are working very close with. The HATCH program is a fantastic opportunity for us to further attract international and local innovation to the area“, says Anders Haugland, CEO of Bergen Teknologioverforing.

Start-ups from all over the world are invited to apply for HATCH´s first cohort by Feb 16th 2018. Teams are required to relocate to Norway for at least the duration of the 3-months program.

Read more about HATCH HERE