A Gouldsboro firm that’s developing integrated aquaculture technology and seaweed product systems is among 12 companies selected for a blue technology accelerator program that supports ventures working in ocean innovation, climate resilience, maritime systems and water security.
Springtide Seaweed LLC was accepted into Blue Institute’s Blue Excelerator as part of its climate resilience section. Blue Institute is a nonprofit based in Chelsea, Mass.
Seaweed seed
Founded in 2017 by Sarah Redmond, a former Maine Sea Grant seaweed agent, Springtide claims the position of being the largest integrated U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic seaweed company in the nation, producing seed for multiple species.
Springtide has trained hundreds of seaweed farmers in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia.
The company supplies seaweed seed to industry and research institutions throughout the U.S. and operates the nation’s only commercial green urchin hatchery, according to its website.
In 2025, Springtide received an Island Institute grant to pilot a solar-powered nursery for kelp cultivation.
The company has received federal funding to develop new cultivation systems for types of high-value seaweed called nori and dulse, with a goal of commercializing the systems for aquaculture businesses globally.
Ropeless fishing, offshore robotics
The Blue Institute is a Chelsea, Mass., nonprofit whose selective, no-cost Blue Excelerator aims to support ventures building practical solutions to ocean health, climate resilience, maritime systems and water security. The organization was founded in 2016.
The cohort was dubbed the “Blue Dozen” and includes companies from the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Denmark working on technologies such as AI marine mammal monitoring, offshore sargassum forecasting, ropeless fishing, oil spill response, offshore robotics, aquaculture systems, and zero-emission sail freight.
The institute said the program is designed to help emerging blue economy ventures strengthen commercialization strategies, advance pilot opportunities and connect with partners across a North Atlantic innovation network. Participants gain access to more than 100 mentors and speakers with expertise spanning engineering, venture development, manufacturing, communications and finance.
Across the accelerator’s first five cohorts, the institute said it has supported 49 alumni companies, including 42 in climate tech-related sectors. The alumni report an 84% survival rate and have raised more than $24 million in follow-on funding.
