BlueSwell

Accelerating Innovation with the Northeast’s First Bluetech Incubator.

Bluetech is an emerging field that brings together innovators and investors to revitalize the ocean. We worked with SeaAhead and the New England Aquarium to launch BlueSwell – the first bluetech Incubator in Northeast America, and one of a few in the world.

Visit BlueSwell Website →

CHALLENGE

SeaAhead’s mission is to revitalize the ocean through business and tech innovation. The next step in defining an emerging bluetech field is to launch a dedicated startup incubator, making ocean-centered technologies more attractive to investors.

INSIGHTS

Startups in emerging fields are perceived to be riskier investments. To overcome this, SeaAhead partnered with New England Aquarium to develop a dedicated startup incubator to give potential investors confidence in the readiness of bluetech innovations.

OUTCOME

Leaders from 6 brilliant startups participated in the inaugural program – refining their businesses and raising over $2.5 million for future growth. Furthermore, we attracted an audience of over 200 innovators and investors to the demo day event, further establishing the bluetech industry.

“During COVID, people are burned out by virtual events – it’s difficult to make them stand out. Huge thanks to the Giant Shoulders and the team for making the BlueSwell Demo Day memorable.”

Alissa Peterson, Executive Director of SeaAhead

01 / Brand Strategy and Design

Laying the foundation with SeaAhead and New England Aquarium

SeaAhead and New England Aquarium’s shared focus on the ocean make them a natural fit for collaboration, but to develop the BlueSwell brand, understanding how the two fit together was key. To do this, we looked closely at what these two brands bring to the table – SeaAhead’s entrepreneurial spirit and connections, and the Aquarium’s leadership in conservation. Bluetech is where these two disciplines meet.

6

Startup in the Inaugural Cohort

< 10%

Program Acceptance Rate

$3M+

Raised by Cohorts to Date

4

Pilot Programs Launched in the First Half of 2021

Cohort 4

Launching in Fall 2023

One of Giant Shoulders’ Virtual Workshops

02 / Program Development

Equipping startups with brand & customer relationship strategies to grow their influence

As a partner of SeaAhead and branding experts, we helped craft the curriculum and taught in the program. Through hands-on experiences, we taught BlueSwell cohort members how to develop their brand strategies to better understand their customers and build relationships.

Though we envisioned a robust in-person experience, the pandemic challenged us to think outside the classroom. We took this opportunity to develop an engaging, impactful online program and find ways to build relationships in digital spaces.

“We love working with Giant Shoulders, they just get what we need – seeming to know what we need before we know it is. They are a key part of our implementation team, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and always on time.”

Alissa Peterson, Executive Director of SeaAhead

03 / Demo Day & Celebration

Creating a memorable online event to celebrate the end of BlueSwell’s first cohort

As the first run of the program drew to a close, we knew we needed a fun and personal experience to help end the program on a high note and celebrate everyone’s hard work. We worked with SeaAhead to organize BlueSwell Demo Day, an engaging online celebration to mark the end of the cohort.

We developed and designed this event with a full but fast-paced schedule and plenty of interactive elements. Professional cave diver Jill Heinerth delivered a thrilling keynote after the cohort members’ presentations.

Finally, all participants had a chance to freely attend breakout sessions with the cohort members, the SeaAhead founders, program partner New England Aquarium, and the keynote speaker. Best of all, this free event was open to anyone interested in learning more about the future of bluetech. Over 200 participants came to learn and network, all in less than two hours.