Women in Ocean Food 2027: seeks female founders across Latin America to scale Blue Economy Ventures
Organized by Hatch Blue in collaboration with Conservation International Ventures, the program aims to support women founders developing innovative solutions in sustainable aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and ocean conservation. The initiative will take place in Mexico, followed by 12 months of business support. Applications are open until November 7, 2026.
OCTOBER 2026.- The blue economy is creating new opportunities for innovative solutions that can drive a more sustainable and resilient ocean industry. Against this backdrop, Hatch Blue, in collaboration with Conservation International Ventures, has opened applications for Women in Ocean Food 2027, an international business support program designed for women entrepreneurs across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The initiative aims to strengthen women-led businesses and projects working in sustainable and regenerative aquaculture, marine biotechnology, aquatech, seafood value chains, waste valorization, and blue carbon.
The program will take place in person from January 25 to February 3, 2027, in La Paz, Mexico, followed by 12 months of tailored business support to help selected ventures grow and scale.
One of the program's key advantages is that participation is completely free and equity-free, allowing entrepreneurs to access business development resources without giving up ownership in their companies.
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Mentorship, Investor Connections, and Access to Global Networks
Women in Ocean Food 2027 is designed to provide practical tools and strategic guidance to help participants strengthen their business models, expand market opportunities, and prepare for future fundraising.
Throughout the program, entrepreneurs will benefit from one-on-one mentorship with industry leaders, support in developing go-to-market and fundraising strategies, and introductions to potential investors.
Participants will also gain access to Hatch Blue's global aquaculture and blue economy network, along with discovery visits to aquaculture facilities, offering firsthand exposure to industry operations, emerging technologies, and business opportunities.
The program will also cover travel expenses for up to two participants per selected organization, helping make the opportunity accessible to women entrepreneurs from across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Who Can Apply?
The call for applications welcomes ventures at different stages of development, from research projects with a proof of concept to established companies looking to expand their operations.
Eligible applicants include startups, scale-ready businesses, research teams, established entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and associations preparing for growth.
The main requirement is that applicants must be founders or decision-makers within their organizations.
The program focuses on three key areas:
- Sustainable aquaculture and seafood: Businesses developing responsible, efficient, and regenerative production systems.
- Ocean conservation and regeneration: Projects focused on protecting marine ecosystems, restoring ocean resources, and advancing blue carbon solutions.
- Enabling technologies for the industry: Digital tools, marine biotechnology, aquatech, and other innovations helping transform ocean-related industries.
The broad scope of the initiative presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Chile and across the region to connect innovation, sustainability, and business development within the growing blue economy.
Applications Open Until November 7
Women entrepreneurs interested in joining Women in Ocean Food 2027 can submit their applications until November 7, 2026.
The program will begin on January 25, 2027, with an in-person experience in La Paz, Mexico, running through February 3. Participants will then continue receiving tailored business support for an additional 12 months.
Full eligibility criteria, program details, and the application form are available on Hatch Blue's official website.
Through this initiative, Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures aim to strengthen women-led entrepreneurship in an industry facing growing challenges related to sustainability, technological innovation, and marine ecosystem conservation.