We’re diving into the blue economy with a fascinating conversation about ocean innovation and entrepreneurship. The discussion focuses on the practical reality of building ocean-focused companies, including the scientific complexity, regulatory hurdles, funding constraints, and long development timelines that make this sector very different from more familiar startup environments.

Our guest is Tamara Kahn Zissman, Director of Founder Success at Seaworthy Collective, a Miami-based nonprofit accelerator supporting BlueTech startups focused on ocean impact. Before working with founders, Tamara spent more than a decade at sea using advanced geophysical sensors in demanding environments. Her work took her from the Arctic to the waters off Borneo, giving her a firsthand view of how ocean systems, climate pressures, and human activity intersect.

Tamara holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. At Seaworthy Collective, she designs and leads programs built around human-centered design, helping “Sea Change Makers” grow ocean data technologies into viable, planet-positive businesses. We also discuss the Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator launching in February 2026, with applications open through January 28, 2026.

In This Episode:

[00:04] The blue economy and why ocean innovation is becoming a critical focus within research commercialization.

[02:44] Tamara Kahn Zissman explains what blue tech means and how the definition of the blue economy has shifted toward sustainability and regeneration.

[04:15] She describes the ocean as one of the planet’s most important climate regulators and explains why data gaps remain such a major challenge.

[06:21] We explore the founding vision behind Seaworthy Collective and how the organization evolved to better support ocean entrepreneurs.

[07:18] Tamara discusses Seaworthy’s emphasis on human-centered design and why supporting founders as people is essential for long-term success.

[10:20] Unique barriers ocean startups face, including capital intensity, long validation cycles, and regulatory complexity.

[12:30] How collaboration across accelerators can create stronger commercialization pathways than competition alone.

[13:36] What Seaworthy looks for in applicants and why alignment between founders and program support matters.

[14:42] Tamara outlines the structure of the Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator and the level of commitment expected from participants.

[16:28] The benefits of mixed cohorts that include both aspiring founders and early-stage startups.

[18:45] How community support within cohorts accelerates learning and confidence for first-time founders.

[21:30] We talk about the role of ocean data technologies and why they are central to the future of the blue economy.

[24:10] How Seaworthy helps founders translate strong science into viable business models without losing impact.

[27:05] Non-dilutive funding and why it plays a critical role in ocean innovation.

[30:15] How the Continuum network connects ocean enterprise accelerators across the country.

[33:20] We discuss how researchers and tech transfer professionals can better engage with ocean-focused startups.

[36:56] Details on Seaworthy’s Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator launching in February 2026 with a January 28, 2026 application deadline.

[38:21] What gives her hope about the future of ocean innovation and growing awareness of the blue economy.

[39:52] A call for researchers and entrepreneurs to turn ocean research into real-world solutions.

Resources:

AUTM

Seaworthy Collective

Seaworthy Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator

NOAA Ocean Enterprise Network

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Tamara Kahn Zissman - LinkedIn