Port of Seattle Teams with WeWork to Launch Maritime Startup Accelerator

Photo: SounderBruce via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Port of Seattle has teamed up coworking firm WeWork to launch Washington State’s first maritime startup accelerator to help budding maritime companies innovate and grow. 

The accelerator aims to advance three key strategies, including helping maritime companies innovate and grow, establishing Washington as a global leader in maritime innovation, and increasing the sustainability of maritime businesses in both Seattle and beyond.

Funded by the Port of Seattle and a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the maritime accelerator, officially named Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator, will be housed and supported by WeWork Labs in Seattle.

The accelerator is being launched in partnership with Washington Maritime Blue, Washington State’s strategic plan to accelerate innovation and create the United States’ most sustainable maritime industry by 2050. 

“The Port of Seattle is committed to investing in maritime innovation, drawing from the diversity of our region’s expertise, to create jobs of the future that fuel a thriving economy which advances our understanding and protection of the marine environment and all those dependent on it,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. “I look forward to being inspired by the first round of applicants for the accelerator that I’ll be reviewing in my capacity as Vice President of the Port of Seattle Commission and Board Member of Maritime Blue.”

Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator is currently taking application from now through November 18. Ten promising startups are expected to be admitted to the first accelerator cohort, which will formally begin in January 2020.

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