Blue Economy Competition Name Winners
Ignite Bermuda and the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme [BOPP] hosted a Blue Economy Grant Pitch competition on March 4, awarding grants to Alexandra Amat, Angela Fubler, and Noelle Young.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme and Ignite Bermuda partnered to host the BOPP Blue Economy Grant Pitch competition at Ignite’s Hamilton headquarters on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
“The competition was open to the current cohort of Blue Economy entrepreneurs participating in the Ignite Core Programme through the Blue Economy partnership supported by BOPP.
“Alexandra Amat of Blue Backyard, Angela Fubler of the Chatmore Foundation’s Bermuda Legacy Institute, and Noelle Young of the Aquaculture Research Centre competed for prize grants ranging from $1,000–$10,000.
“All participants have been sponsored by BOPP to take part in Ignite’s entrepreneur accelerator, an award-winning programme designed to develop and scale businesses.
“Two special ‘People’s Choice’ prizes, worth $1,000 each, were awarded for the Most Investable Idea and the Fan Favourite, allowing audience members to participate directly in recognizing the ventures with the greatest potential and impact.”
Laura Lyons, Deputy Director at Ignite Bermuda, said, “Ignite is proud to continue our partnership with BOPP in supporting Blue Economy entrepreneurs in Bermuda.
“Through Ignite’s accelerator programme, these founders are turning innovative ideas into ventures that support ocean health, sustainable aquaculture, education, and stewardship. It’s incredibly rewarding to see entrepreneurs secure funding that will help them take the next steps in developing and growing their businesses.”
The Government spokesperson said, “Alexandra Amat took home the grand prize of $9,000 for her venture Blue Backyard, bringing her total funding from the competition to $10,000, including the People’s Choice Fan Favourite award.
“Noelle Young, representing the Aquaculture Research Centre [ARC], received the second-place prize of $5,000 and also won the People’s Choice award for Most Investable Idea, bringing her total funding from the competition to $6,000.
“Angela Fubler, representing the Chatmore Foundation’s Bermuda Legacy Institute, was awarded third place and $4,000 in grant funding to support the continued development of her initiative.
“Winners were determined by a panel of judges including Simon Van de Weg, Chief Banking Officer at Clarien Bank, Roger Brown, Head of Commercial Banking at Clarien Bank, Sam Bennett, winner of the 2025 Blue Economy Pitch Competition and Founder of EcoDive, and Cheryl-Ann Mapp, BOPP Blue Economy Specialist.”
BOPP’s Blue Economy Specialist, Cheryl-Ann Mapp said, “Partnership with Ignite aligns perfectly with the overarching values of Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan.
“Supporting blue entrepreneurs is part of the wider goal of strengthening Bermuda’s Blue Economy, which cannot be done without ensuring our ocean remains healthy for future generations. Our oceans are the underlying natural asset that enables us to derive socio-economic benefits for our communities.”
The Government spokesperson said, “BOPP has partnered with Ignite Bermuda across three cohorts, supporting Blue Economy entrepreneurs through Ignite’s accelerator programme.
“To date, eight founders have participated through this partnership, helping build Bermuda’s pipeline of ocean-positive ventures. Blue economy entrepreneurs contribute to sustainable ocean and marine resource management, reduce environmental impacts, and create economic opportunities within their communities.
“Blue entrepreneurs include those individuals seeking to start or grow businesses that:
- Tackle challenges facing the ocean, including those resulting from climate change.
- Promote the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs.
- Support ocean health and protection.
“BOPP continues to support the development of Blue Economy entrepreneurs through Ignite’s accelerator programme.
“Applications for Ignite Bermuda’s next Accelerator Programme will open next month. Entrepreneurs interested in learning more are invited to attend an Open House on Wednesday, April 15 at 5:00 PM at Ignite’s Hamilton headquarters.”
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