As 2024 draws to a close, the need for scalable ocean-based climate solutions has never been more urgent. The blue economy sector is still growing, and the need for cross-sector financing remains critical. Just this month, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $54.3 million in funding for the Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerators program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative aims to empower small businesses to develop groundbreaking technologies that address coastal resilience, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem forecasting. Such investments underscore the increasing recognition of the ocean's essential role in tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development. The Blue Climate Collective has been working to advance these efforts, connecting innovative startups and stakeholders working to elevate the ocean as a climate solution. 

As we close the year, we asked four Collective members to reflect on their achievements in 2024, the challenges they faced, and their goals for 2025. 

Zerocircle, based in Mumbai, India, has pioneered ocean-safe materials made from seaweed, creating bio-alternatives for daily-use products and enabling a circular and sustainable lifestyle. Desolenator, operating across the Netherlands, UK, and UAE, has developed the world’s first solar thermal desalination solution, providing clean water while protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. Arrecife Energy Systems, based in Spain, is leading innovation in ocean-based renewable energy, harnessing waves, currents, and wind with its patented technology. And Sinkco Labs, based in New York City, is capturing and sequestering carbon by storing biomass from agricultural waste into marine sediments on the ocean floor.

What key milestones or achievements from the past year are you most proud of, and why?

Arrecife Energy Systems: Over the past two years, we have participated in the Turbowave program, which specializes in oscillating water column (OWC) applications. During this time, we have designed our own system, which is entirely based on our own designs. Thanks to the project's second phase, we successfully tested it in the laboratory at the University of Mondragón. The results have been promising, and we believe this design could significantly change OWC applications, which are now in a position to implement our system.

Sinkco Labs: We successfully deployed our novel technology, horizontally injecting organic carbon into coastal sediment layers where it can be permanently stored. I’d like to think this milestone helped us earn a fellowship with Breakthrough Energy and Activate and secure Shopify as a client. It’s a major step toward storing organic carbon at scale for millions of years. 

What challenges did your team face this year, and how did you overcome them?

Arrecife Energy Systems: One of the main challenges we faced was the slow pace of the marine energy sector, which is progressing at a slower rate than expected. This requires us to work on small projects to continue advancing our designs and technologies. We adapted by focusing on these smaller, manageable projects to keep moving forward while also navigating the challenge of securing sufficient funding to avoid setbacks.

Sinkco Labs: We’re still in the process of relocating the team to North America. Adjusting to new cultural norms and ways of working is something we’re being mindful of as we settle in, and we’ve come to appreciate the rhythm and scope of possibilities here.

What are your top goals or priorities in the coming year?

Arrecife Energy Systems: In the upcoming year, our top priority is to continue developing and refining our technologies while seeking new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. 

Sinkco Labs: Our priorities include publishing our novel MRV protocol, conducting research deployments in multiple locations, and collecting scientific in-situ data to scale our approach. This year we aim to deliver a fully operational pilot and fundraise again to achieve key milestones and drive our growth.

“For the first time, we’re not just imagining a future where harmful materials are replaced—we’re building it. What makes this even more powerful is the collaborative spirit driving these breakthroughs. Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, brands, and businesses are coming together to align efforts, share knowledge, and accelerate change.” — Zerocircle

How do you envision your sector evolving in 2025, and what role does your company hope to play in shaping that future?

Arrecife Energy Systems: By 2025, we see the marine energy sector evolving towards more efficient and simpler systems for wave energy generation, both for onshore and offshore applications. Our company aims to play a key role in shaping this future by providing a straightforward and cost-effective solution for harnessing the power of ocean waves. We envision our company successfully closing an OWC project at a port, such as the Mutriku plant or another national port, contributing to the growth and development of the sector.

Sinkco Labs: Scaling biology holds immense promise, but it must respect the pace of science, especially in open earth systems where the stakes are high. For us, knowing that organic carbon could be safely stored in marine sediments under rigorous lab conditions was a starting point, but the lack of in-situ data held us back. Now, with high-quality field data in hand, we’re excited to accelerate field deployments, addressing the urgent need for carbon removal where the cost of inaction is too great. This year is shaping up to be transformative—for our mission and the planet.

What is an interesting fact about your sector you wish more people knew?

Zerocircle: An exciting fact about the bioplastics sector is the sheer pace of global innovation. From advanced materials to scalable systems, innovators worldwide are proving that sustainable alternatives can match the scale of harmful petroleum-based plastics. For the first time, we’re not just imagining a future where harmful materials are replaced—we’re building it. What makes this even more powerful is the collaborative spirit driving these breakthroughs. Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, brands, and businesses are coming together to align efforts, share knowledge, and accelerate change. This collective movement signals a realistic, planet-friendly shift toward preserving ecosystems while meeting the efficiency and scalability that industries demand.

What advice would you offer to other startups or entrepreneurs working toward ocean and climate solutions?

Zerocircle: Focus on scalability and impact from day one. Solutions that work in a lab or a small pilot won't make a dent unless they can be adapted for real-world use at scale. Build partnerships early with policymakers, manufacturers, or investors to accelerate adoption and create a ripple effect. Finally, stay rooted in science, but don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. People need to not only understand your solution but believe in its ability to drive meaningful change.

Desolenator: Our advice would be to cultivate a clear vision that resonates with your mission. Entrepreneurship is demanding, and moments of adversity will arise, so it is also important to nourish yourself mentally and physically to stay the course. Furthermore, surround yourself with people who share your vision and develop selective hearing to filter out distractions or skepticism that might derail your progress. 

How do you measure success beyond financial metrics?

Zerocircle: For us, it's about leaving a legacy of cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems, and resilient coastal communities. We measure success by the positive impact we create for the planet and its ecosystems. This includes how much single-use plastic we prevent from polluting the environment, the carbon emissions we offset through seaweed-based alternatives, and the number of businesses we help transition to sustainable practices. Success also lies in influencing policy, inspiring industry-wide impact, and raising awareness about ocean-safe solutions. Ultimately, it’s about driving meaningful and impactful progress toward a regenerative future where environmental health is as valued as economic growth.

Desolenator: For us, success is defined by the meaningful environmental and social impact we create. We measure this through the amount of carbon emissions we eliminate from the desalination process and the prevention of toxic brine discharge into our oceans. These metrics lie at the heart of our mission to transform the water sector into a model of sustainability.

What more is needed to help ocean and climate entrepreneurs succeed?

Zerocircle: We need to shift the prevailing mindset around short-term gains. Unlike digital platforms or the SaaS industry, climate tech operates on an entirely different scale—one rooted in physical infrastructure and real-world impact. Scaling these solutions requires substantial capital investment in hardware and facilities, something early-stage startups often struggle to afford without predictable revenue streams. The pressure to commercialize rapidly, meet affordability expectations, and deliver fast investor returns often overlooks the fact that transformative climate solutions take time. Building an ecosystem that values long-term sustainability over quick exits is critical. If we prioritize patient capital, long-term partnerships, and policies that support infrastructure development, we can empower climate entrepreneurs to focus on creating lasting change. After all, solving the planet’s most pressing challenges demands resilience, not just rapid returns.

Desolenator: To help ocean and climate entrepreneurs succeed, we need greater access to early-stage, high-quality funding. This includes government-backed innovation funding and investments from development finance institutions (DFIs), which can de-risk new technologies and pave the way for broader adoption.

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