Apply for the Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio 2027 - an equity-free business support program by Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures for women founders and leadership teams reshaping the blue economy across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Selected teams join a full-time 9-day in-person studio in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico (starting 25 January 2027), then receive 12 months of follow-on support to accelerate commercial growth, fundraising readiness, and impact.
Applications close on 7 November 2026. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Hatch Blue / Conservation International Ventures program materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio - Latin America & the Caribbean (4th LAC edition) |
| Host Landmark | La Paz / Sea of Cortez coastline, Baja California Sur, Mexico 🇲🇽 |
| Organisers | Hatch Blue + Conservation International Ventures |
| Studio dates | Starts 25 January 2027 - 9 full days on site (through ~3 February) |
| Duration | 12 months total (9-day studio + quarterly follow-ups) |
| Funding model | Equity-free; travel, accommodation & meals covered for up to 2 participants per team |
| Languages | English and Spanish (live interpretation) |
| Deadline | 7 November 2026 |
| Official Gateway | CognitoForms application · Hatch Blue program page |
Benefits
- Strategic business support: market intelligence, go-to-market, fundraising strategy, pitch and investor guidance
- Individualized mentorship from global industry leaders plus 1-to-1 sessions with Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures
- Access to global aquaculture / blue economy and alumni networks
- Quarterly follow-ups for 12 months after the studio, plus support at key industry events
- Introductions to venture philanthropists and impact investors (independent of any investment decision)
- Possible follow-on investment from Hatch Blue and Conservation International Ventures when ready and aligned
- Travel, accommodation, and food covered for successful teams (2 participants per team)
- Community Day / demo-style finale for selected finalists to pitch partners and investors
Eligibility
- Women who are founders, co-founders, or true decision-makers at their company/project
- Based in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Working in sustainable/regenerative aquaculture, marine biotech, aquatech, seafood value chains, seafood-waste revalorization, blue carbon, or related blue-economy solutions
- Open to startups, scaling companies, research teams with proof of concept + route to market, and cooperatives/associations structuring growth
- Registered company not required at application - readiness to register by program end expected
- On-site attendance required for the full 9-day studio (ideally 1 - 2 co-founders; minimum one)
How to Apply
- Review criteria on the official Hatch Blue program page.
- Prepare your company/project story, team details, and blue-economy impact focus.
- Submit via the CognitoForms application by 7 November 2026.
- If selected, arrange any Mexico visa at your own expense (invitation letter provided); travel/accommodation/meals for up to two team members are covered by the program.
Questions: Mariana Flores Vargas (Community Manager - Latin America) via Hatch Blue contacts on the program page.
Official Links
Women In Ocean Food Latin America & Caribbean (Hatch Blue)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
7 November 2026 (Saturday).
When does the program start?
25 January 2027, with a full-time 9-day studio in La Paz, Mexico, then 12 months of support.
Is travel funded?
Yes - travel, accommodation, and food are covered for successful applications (up to 2 participants per team). Visas are at the participant’s expense.
Does Hatch take equity?
No - the studio is equity-free. Follow-on investment may be considered separately if a company is ready and fits criteria.
Who can apply?
Women founders/decision-makers based in Latin America & the Caribbean building blue-economy solutions (aquaculture, marine biotech, seafood value chains, blue carbon, and related).
Where do I apply?
Through the official form: CognitoForms - Women In Ocean Food LAC.
