Government investment supports Nelson Tasman as the centre of New Zealand's blue economy startup ecosystem
Friday 24 July, 2026
Nelson Tasman's growing reputation as the centre of New Zealand's blue economy has received another significant vote of confidence, with the recent Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announcement to co-fund a new national programme, supporting the country's next generation of ocean innovators, based from Nelson Tasman’s Blue House.
Ocean Impact Organisation Aotearoa's programme, BlueStart Aotearoa, is a dedicated blue economy incubator and accelerator designed to help New Zealand startups turn innovative ideas into globally competitive businesses.
The investment builds on the momentum already underway across the region, following the opening of the Blue House at Port Nelson, earlier this year. The innovation hub was established to bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, industry, iwi and investors to accelerate the commercialisation of ocean-based innovation.
With more than 300 blue economy businesses contributing $332 million annually to regional GDP, Nelson Tasman has developed one of New Zealand's most concentrated marine innovation ecosystems. BlueStart Aotearoa is expected to strengthen that ecosystem by attracting founders from around the country to collaborate with local businesses, researchers and industry experts.
NRDA chief executive Fiona Wilson said the programme builds on Nelson Tasman's long-term investment in building a collaborative blue economy.
"This investment recognises what we've been building in Nelson Tasman over many years. We have world-class marine businesses, researchers and innovators; this programme is about creating pathways to help the next generation of blue economy companies grow from ideas into globally competitive businesses.”
“Supporting founders in this sector, from the centre of New Zealand's blue economy that understands their industry, their region, and their ambitions, will boost our regional and national ecosystem to support growth of the pipeline of blue economy start-ups. BlueStart Aotearoa delivers exactly that, and we're proud to see it anchored right here," she says.
The programme supports one of New Zealand's fastest-growing sectors. The country's blue economy currently contributes around $10 billion annually and is forecast to grow to $14 billion by 2035, spanning aquaculture, marine technology, ocean monitoring, sustainable fisheries, marine biotechnology and offshore renewable energy.
Ocean Impact Organisation Aotearoa will deliver two specialist nationwide programmes designed specifically for blue economy founders, based from Blue House in Nelson Tasman. Applications for both programmes open late July.
- BlueStart Foundations is a six-month incubator supporting ten early-stage founders from across New Zealand with market validation, business development and industry connections.
- BlueStart Velocity is a twelve-week accelerator for six high-growth companies preparing to scale. The programme begins with a two-day immersion in Nelson Tasman, where founders will work alongside local businesses, researchers and industry leaders, creating opportunities for partnerships, pilot projects and investment.
Head of Global Programs and Partners at Ocean Impact Organisation Aotearoa, Elisa-Marie Dumas, said New Zealand's blue economy has enormous potential, but founders need specialist support.
"New Zealand has world-class blue economy talent in its universities, research institutes and increasingly in its startups. What has been missing is a pathway that meets founders where they are and takes them somewhere real. BlueStart Aotearoa is that pathway, and with this MBIE investment behind it, we can now deliver it at the scale this sector deserves."
Moananui cluster manager Sarah Cooper said the programme would strengthen connections across New Zealand's blue economy while recognising the importance of sustainable innovation.
"Moananui exists to connect the people, organisations and ideas that will grow New Zealand's blue economy. BlueStart Aotearoa puts a dedicated commercialisation pathway at the heart of that network. For Māori and Pasifika founders especially, having a programme that understands kaitiakitanga as a genuine driver of innovation changes what's possible."
Kernohan Engineering Chief Executive Paul Miller said the programme builds on the vision behind Blue House.
"Kernohan Engineering has been part of Nelson Tasman’s blue economy since 1972 and is actively investing in its future. We backed Blue House because we believe the next generation of blue economy innovators and engineers need opportunities to connect early. BlueStart Aotearoa creates exactly that pathway."
Manager Founder and Startup at MBIE Jenny Douché said the programme fills an important gap within New Zealand's innovation ecosystem.
"BlueStart Aotearoa brings genuine sector depth to a part of our innovation ecosystem with significant growth potential. We're pleased to be supporting this programme and look forward to seeing what the founders who come through it go on to achieve."
BlueStart Aotearoa is delivered by Ocean Impact Organisation Aotearoa in partnership with the Nelson Regional Development Agency, Moananui and Blue House, with co-funding support from MBIE's Founder and Startup Support Programme, Whakatupu Foundation Aotearoa and Builders Vision Foundation.
More information on the programmes available can be found here: https://www.ocean-impact.org/bluestart-aotearoa
Image above, pictured L-R: Paul Miller (CE Kernohan Engineering), Elisa-Marie Dumas (Head of Global Programs & Partners, OIO) Sarah Cooper (Moananui Cluster Manager), Tony Pratt (Corporate Area Manager, Westpac), Fiona Wilson (CE Nelson Regional Development Agency).
ENDS