SEAAHEAD Pilot

Pilot with the right partners.

The gap between a great technology and real-world deployment is where too many solutions stall. SeaAhead Pilot exists to close it – connecting founders ready to pilot with partners ready to act.

Our coasts are home to critical infrastructure, key ecosystems, and the communities and industries that depend on both. SeaAhead Pilot 2026 is focused on deploying technologies that safeguard coastal assets and build long-term resilience.

Become a 2026 Program Partner:

Program Overview

2026 Theme: Coastal Resilience & Coastal Asset Protection

FOR SPONSORS

STARTUPS

Who Should Apply?

Startups that can address challenges related to coastal resilience and asset protection and have at least a working prototype that they can pilot with a customer by June 2026.

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STARTUPS

What Do You Get Out of the Program?

SeaAhead Pilot includes access to SeaAhead’s broad and deep blue economy ecosystem and in-depth market knowledge. Work with our team and industry leaders to build a pilot plan.

BY THE END OF THE PROGRAM, PARTICIPANTS WILL:

01

Know how to construct a pilot project that includes full work plans, KPIs, and risk management frameworks

02

Understand common pilot pitfalls in permitting, risk management, procurement, and contracting

03

Have market entry insight through building connections with potential customers and channel partners

04

Have developed their skills in business development, sales, negotiation, and project management

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2026 Key Dates

FEBRUARY 23

Application Open

MARCH 19

Application Close

APRIL 16

Cohort Chosen

APRIL 21

Virtual Program Start

JUNE 23-26

SeaAhead Demo Week & Pilot Match Event

FAQ

  • Each cycle, the program revolves around a specific theme and set of problems. The theme for the inaugural 2026 cycle is Coastal Resilience & Coastal Asset Protection. Any startup whose technology applies to the theme is welcome to apply. SeaAhead will also host reverse pitches with program sponsors to provide examples of problems that are relevant to the theme. Future themes are selected annually based on the most pressing challenges facing the ocean economy.

  • We are looking for startups that have, at a minimum, a working prototype that will be ready to pilot in a real-world setting by the end of the program. Applicants should also have enough internal structure such that the company can meaningfully engage with paying customers.

    We are open to more established startups that are evaluating a product extension into the theme area (e.g. a construction technology company looking to enter offshore construction).

  • SeaAhead does not take equity through SeaAhead Pilot. In fact, participants are eligible to pitch directly to SeaAhead's Investment Committee – giving you a potential path to funding beyond the program itself.

  • Program sponsors come in with real problems and real budgets – startups that demonstrate a strong fit have the opportunity to secure funded pilot contracts directly through the program. Additionally, if your startup is based in Massachusetts or piloting with a Massachusetts-based customer, you may be eligible for up to $20,000 in non-dilutive support from MassCEC, with prototyping funds potentially available too.

  • Applicants do not have to be based in the U.S. to apply, but they must be able to visit the U.S. for the SeaAhead Demo Week in Boston, MA from June 23-26, 2026.

  • Please reach out to our team through this form.

SPONSORS

Find the technologies you need to stay ahead.

Startup innovations are bringing transformative change for ocean industries, coastal resilience, and ocean health. Rather than going it alone – partner with us as we evaluate, coach, and deploy technologies against a set of priority challenges within the year’s program theme.

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SPONSORS

Who can benefit from this program?

For the 2026 theme, Coastal Resilience & Coastal Asset Protection, we’re excited to collaborate with a broad array of organizations with coastal resilience interests, including:

  • Engineering and consulting firms

    ready to bring cutting-edge tools to their coastal and maritime projects.

  • Coastal asset owners

    seeking advanced solutions for monitoring, inspection, and long-term resilience.

  • Maritime infrastructure owners

    focused on operational efficiency and climate adaptation.

  • Foundations and NGOs

    committed to protecting critical habitats and vulnerable communities.

  • Coastal municipalities

    investing in long-term resilience for their coastlines, infrastructure, and communities.

As a sponsor, what can you expect?

  1. Learn Alongside Industry Leaders: As a program partner, you gain access to SeaAhead's deep bluetech network and join a cohort of forward-thinking organizations tackling the same coastal and ocean challenges – learning from each other as much as from the startups.

  2. Access to De-Risked Innovation: Through our selection process, we pre-vet startups for technical readiness, business viability, and alignment with your priorities – saving time and reducing pilot risk.

  3. Hands-On Support: We provide the introductions, context, and knowledge you need to meaningfully engage with startups and explore what external innovation can do for your organization.

  4. Strategic Visibility: Position your organization as a leader in sustainable ocean innovation while gaining early access to emerging technologies.

Don’t miss out.

Let’s discuss how SeaAhead Pilot can help you find and test technologies that can bring your work to the next level.

Reach out