Ocean Impact Organisation

Ocean Impact Organisation is an Australian-based accelerator and the nation's first ocean impact innovation ecosystem, dedicated to fostering an abundant and sustainable ocean through inspiration, innovation, leadership, and good business. Established with a purpose to transform ocean health, the organisation supports individuals and entities in starting, growing, and investing in businesses that deliver positive impacts for the marine environment.

The organisation serves a diverse range of stakeholders, including startups, founders, ocean scientists, and investors, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region while maintaining a global reach. Their approach is distinctly founder-first, solutions-focused, and impact-driven, underpinned by a philosophy of "conscious capitalism" where profit and purpose are intrinsically linked to achieve a sustainable future.

Ocean Impact Organisation was co-founded by Nick Chiarelli and Tim Silverwood, who began their collaboration in 2018, leading to the public launch of the organisation in March 2020. Nick Chiarelli, currently the CEO, brings extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategy across various startups, while Tim Silverwood, an award-winning environmentalist and co-founder of "Take 3 for the Sea," serves as the Head of Marketing & Community. From humble beginnings in a Manly coworking space, the organisation has grown to encompass a geographically diverse team and a global network of supporters.

A key differentiator for Ocean Impact Organisation is its commitment to directing capital into the ocean health innovation sector, with an ambitious vision to unlock $100 million of funding for ocean health solutions, particularly within the Asia Pacific. The organisation aims to accelerate 100 ocean startups within five years and 1,000 in ten years, showcasing a significant dedication to scaling impactful solutions.

Among its key achievements, Ocean Impact Organisation has supported 99 startups and entrepreneurs since its inception in 2020 through to December 2023. It launched its flagship Ocean Impact Accelerator Program in April 2022, alongside other initiatives such as the Ocean Impact Pitchfest, Ocean Impact Ideation Program, and INNOVOCEAN. These programs are designed to provide startups with essential knowledge, skills, partners, and resources to dramatically accelerate their businesses and their positive ocean impact. The organisation's leadership includes Nick Chiarelli as CEO and Tim Silverwood as Head of Marketing & Community, supported by a dedicated team and advisory group.