Acceleration Programme

Photography by The Ocean Agency

The MAR+Invest Acceleration Programme

The MAR+Invest Acceleration Programme seeks to promote the growth of early-stage and established companies with a positive impact on the corals of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) and reef-dependent communities. These projects should contribute to solving one or more of the main threats to reefs in the MAR: lack of wastewater and solid waste treatment, overfishing, and climate change. Business solutions must generate a positive impact on coral reefs and neighboring communities and have operations in at least one of the MAR countries: Mexico (Quintana Roo), Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

The programme will support the selected projects through personalized training, development of impact indicators and measurement systems, strategic partnerships, and access to financial solutions.

2023 Acceleration Programme FIRST COHORT

Meet the inspirational entrepreneurs selected for the 2023 Cohort of the MAR+Invest Acceleration Programme.

Aquosmic (Mexico)

Specializes in the use of satellite imagery for water quality assessment, with a focus on monitoring the biological components of aquaculture runoffs. By assessing factors like nutrient levels, pollutant concentrations, and harmful algal blooms, Aquosmic identifies water quality issues and supports the development of warning systems for proactive measures in the reef.

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BioPlaster (Mexico)

A company that directly removes sargassum from the ocean and uses it as raw material to create advanced materials, including biofertilizers, solid foam, thermoplastics and other bio-components. By providing a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics, the company contributes to the reduction of waste materials that ultimately reach the reef.

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Natoure (Mexico)

A sustainable tourism platform that connects responsible travelers, local communities, directors of natural protected areas, and managers of sustainable destinations. This emphasis on sustainability and community engagement has the potential to raise awareness about responsible tourism, reducing anthropogenic pressures and positively impacting the reef.

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Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development SACD (Belize)

Is a non-governmental organization and co-manager partner for the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. It establishes and manages MPAs, promotes sustainable fishing practices, conducts coral reef monitoring, and operates eco-tourism expeditions. SACD plays a crucial role in protecting reefs and promoting local community well-being.

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Tela Marine (Honduras)

Is the co-manager of the Tela Marine Wildlife Refuge operating multiple income-generating activities, including an aquarium, a restaurant, and diving tours. They also conduct educational workshops aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and motivating local communities to embrace sustainable tourism alternatives, thereby promoting the conservation of the coastal marine resources.
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Thalasso (México)

A company that is developing autonomous and remotely operated drone boats for collecting sargassum. They will utilize micro-biorefineries to transform the seaweed into valuable products like alginate, fucoidans, and other compounds for industrial use. Thalasso’s efforts in sargassum removal contribute to reef health and help mitigate associated risks
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Tobacco Caye Marine Station (Belize)

Is a research and study abroad center located within Belize's Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers immersive programs for learning about Caribbean marine ecology at the Belize Barrier Reef. Through their active research and monitoring, they generate valuable scientific knowledge to inform conservation strategies and sustainable management practices for coral reef protection.
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Testimonials

I loved the Launching trip to Cozumel, we met excelent partners and all the activities that we did were really constructive, this is the first and only acceleration program in which I have participated in an activity like this. In conclusion I enjoyed each part of the launch trip.

I love that this program focuses on the responsibility of citizens through private companies, who are the ones who live in the community, know its real problems. That is a change in mentality, instead of waiting for NGOs to come to solve problems, citizens take responsibility for the impact within their environment through private companies, which benefit the most from the community. That is the true model that can work in the long term.

One of the best acceleration programs we have participated in, impact focus was outstanding, quality of mentors incredible and New Ventures team supportive, brilliant and inspiring.

The launch trip was fantastic! Excellent opportunity to get to know the New Ventures team, other participants and have lots of like minded people all in one space!

The coffee chat sessions were great! We had a Match with 3 of the startups and we already started with some collaborations. The launch trip was valuable. It was great to know other founders and also to meet the MAR+Invest team and allies.

I found it very enlightening working with my mentor, he was really helpful and always there when I had a question. I really enjoyed that I had the opportunity to meet everyone face to face, we also got to socialize and learn about the different projects.

Networking is crucial for small businesses looking for environmental impact, a lot of people are eager to work towards positive social and environmental impact, so taking advantage of it will be a game changer.