The Ocean MBA

Propeller's Ocean MBA program condenses startup strategy, knowledge, network and mentorship into just a few days, quickly putting climate entrepreneurs on a speedy course to success.

cambridge, ma

spring session

In our spring session, we bring together mission-driven founders to participate in a rigorous few days of work. The program is meant to push you as a founder, with a focus on startup case studies on strategy, fundraising, commercializing climate tech and more. Working sessions, and one on one mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and operators make for a robust learning environment.

The Ocean MBA is also your chance to get to know Propeller, and to pitch us. It’s our chance to get to know you and your business. And it’s on all of us, to inspire and be inspired by another cohort of stellar innovators.

read about spring '24

Ocean MBA Fall '25

Apply Now

Applications for our 2025 Ocean MBA cohort are live.

Join us from October 20–23 in Cambridge, MA for an intensive, hands-on experience with a tight-knit group of founders building bold, purpose-driven ventures. You don’t need to work on the water to join; the Ocean MBA is for early-stage teams driving systemic change across the planet’s most critical sectors.

Apply by July 15, 2025.

About the program

unlock your potential

The Ocean MBA is a focused, intensive program designed to accelerate early-stage founders and researchers developing bold climate and ocean solutions.

Over several immersive days, participants engage with real-world case studies, practical workshops, and personalized mentorship to sharpen their business strategy, fundraising approach, and go-to-market execution. The curriculum covers everything from customer discovery to sales and finance, ensuring founders build a well-rounded skill set for scaling impact.

The Ocean MBA also provides a unique opportunity to connect with Propeller Ventures—a chance for you to pitch your venture, receive direct feedback, and build lasting relationships with investors and industry experts.

This program is purpose-built for innovators from diverse backgrounds—whether you’re a scientist transitioning to entrepreneurship or a founder tackling systemic climate challenges on land or sea. If your work drives measurable impact for ocean and climate health, the Ocean MBA will equip you with the tools, network, and confidence to accelerate your journey.

Why Choose the Ocean MBA?

Rigorous, actionable learning experiences tailored to early-stage ventures
Access to a supportive community of mission-driven peers and mentors
Direct engagement with Propeller Ventures and leading industry experts
A proven platform to refine your pitch and business model under pressure

About the program

Unlock your Potential

The Ocean MBA is a focused, intensive program designed to accelerate early-stage founders and researchers developing bold climate and ocean solutions.

Over several immersive days, participants engage with real-world case studies, practical workshops, and personalized mentorship to sharpen their business strategy, fundraising approach, and go-to-market execution. The curriculum covers everything from customer discovery to sales and finance, ensuring founders build a well-rounded skill set for scaling impact.

The Ocean MBA also provides a unique opportunity to connect with Propeller Ventures—a chance for you to pitch your venture, receive direct feedback, and build lasting relationships with investors and industry experts.

This program is purpose-built for innovators from diverse backgrounds—whether you’re a scientist transitioning to entrepreneurship or a founder tackling systemic climate challenges on land or sea. If your work drives measurable impact for ocean and climate health, the Ocean MBA will equip you with the tools, network, and confidence to accelerate your journey.

Why Choose the Ocean MBA?

Rigorous, actionable learning experiences tailored to early-stage ventures
Access to a supportive community of mission-driven peers and mentors
Direct engagement with Propeller Ventures and leading industry experts
A proven platform to refine your pitch and business model under pressure

read about spring '24 Read about winter '24

Apply Now!

Applications for our Fall 2025 Ocean MBA cohort are now live!

Join us from October 21–24 in Cambridge, MA for an intensive, hands-on experience with a tight-knit group of founders building bold, purpose-driven ventures. You don’t need to work on the water to join; the Ocean MBA is for early-stage teams driving systemic change across the planet’s most critical sectors.

Apply by July 15, 2025.

Apply now!

Feedback from founders

“This was the most concentrated, useful time we have spent since starting up.”

“You all need to figure out how to make that accessible to more founders. We learned so, so much.”

“You all put together an incredible set of engaging speakers on topics that really matter for climate tech. I was especially struck by how deeply human all of the speakers were. They were open and vulnerable and willing to share the struggles they went through. They were not just pontificators. I think one of my biggest takeaways was the realization that there are so many individuals working in this space to approach the climate change problem, from so many different directions. It was inspiring!”

“The Ocean MBA has absolutely been a blast!! Lot's of amazing people, fantastic talks, I also really loved practical exercises and support from mentors was priceless! I don't know any other places where so many great mentors are involved -- you folks set a very high bar, please keep this up!”

“Learned a lot, made a lot of new friends, and am walking away with some tools to build the company even better. Can't ask for more.”

Pink Testimonial Instagram (Presentation)

Woods Hole, MA

winter session

With the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as the backdrop, our winter session is open to vetted WHOI researchers with outstanding innovations at the ocean-climate nexus. Here we run an action packed schedule of case studies, hackathons, networking, and guest lecturers focused on how to bring this early stage research and innovation to market. Built for the scientist turned entrepreneur, this program focuses on customer development, sales, marketing, product, and finance.

Between honing your pitch and meeting with Propeller partners, this session gives WHOI researchers a jumpstart on commercializing their innovation and scaling their impact.

read about winter '24

Our friends at Goodwin Procter LLP are some of the best in the business. We're proud to work with them at Propeller and to have them as our exclusive legal partner for the Ocean MBA. In addition to their support of the program, Goodwin generously shares their time and expertise with founders at the Ocean MBA.

The Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship is full of experienced founders and operators teaching the craft of entrepreneurship and it's the perfect location for our Ocean MBA. We're grateful for The Martin Trust Center to host and partner with Propeller again this year.

Our founding ocean science partner Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution provides amazing perspective and insights into the latest in ocean research.

HubSpot features prominently at the Ocean MBA because the startup lessons learned are so valuable to any founder. We appreciate all the HubSpot leadership who spend time with our Ocean MBA fellows.