Theme: Youth and Ocean Innovation
SOA Tanzania is thrilled to announce the 5th Cohort of Our Ocean Bootcamp 2025 – a groundbreaking program designed to create a new generation of ocean innovators and entrepreneurs.
This year’s Bootcamp will empower 50 passionate young Tanzanians to transform their innovative ideas into investment-ready ocean solutions that tackle pressing climate and conservation challenges while unlocking opportunities in the sustainable blue economy.
Since 2021, SOA Tanzania has been hosting Ocean Bootcamps aimed at empowering Tanzanian youth to become ocean leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Across 4 successful cohorts, we have trained and empowered more than 184 young individuals.
Our Ocean Bootcamp 2025 program, themed “Youth and Ocean Innovation,” seeks to build on this legacy by creating a generation of ocean entrepreneurs and innovators who are ready to transform ideas into impactful solutions. This year’s Bootcamp will focus on preparing youth to design and develop their innovations, build strong pitch decks, and learn how to attract investments, making their ideas investment-ready.
Climate change and ocean health are pressing global issues with profound impacts on ecosystems, economies, and communities. In Tanzania, rising sea levels, seagrass and mangrove loss, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events continue to threaten coastal areas and livelihoods. Engaging youth in ocean innovation and entrepreneurship is vital to foster a generation equipped with the tools and creativity to tackle these challenges.
The Our Ocean Bootcamp 2025 will provide fellows with hands-on experience in innovation through initiatives like the Mangrove Honey Project in Bagamoyo, while also giving them the opportunity to pitch their ideas to an expert jury of judges. With mentorship, training, and networking, the Bootcamp will prepare Tanzanian youth to become solution-creators for a sustainable blue economy and a healthier ocean future.
🚀 What Makes This Bootcamp Unique?
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Training: Learn from leading entrepreneurs and innovators on how to develop your idea into a viable solution.
- Pitch Deck Development: Gain step-by-step guidance on preparing professional pitch decks and how to attract investors.
- Pitch to an Expert Jury: Fellows will pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges and receive valuable feedback to sharpen and scale their innovations.
- Hands-On Innovation Experience: Get practical exposure through our Mangrove Honey Project in Bagamoyo – a unique blue economy initiative that links conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
- Mentorship & Networking: Connect with global and national leaders in ocean innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
💡 Why You Should Apply?
This Bootcamp is not just about ocean leadership – it’s about turning ideas into action. By joining, you will:
- Develop entrepreneurship and innovation skills and become Tanzania’s next ocean innovator
- Create and refine a pitch deck to showcase your idea to potential funders.
- Pitch your idea to an expert jury and receive real-world feedback.
- Gain mentorship and access to national and global innovation networks.
- Join Generation Restoration – young leaders driving solutions for Tanzania’s ocean and coastal communities.
📌 Eligibility
We are looking for youth who are:
- Between 18–35 years old and a citizen of Tanzania.
- Passionate about the ocean, innovation, and sustainability.
- Have an idea or solution that addresses ocean or climate challenges.
- Ready to bring their idea to life and make it investment-ready.
- Committed to attending all Bootcamp sessions and activities.
🗓️ Timeline
- 22 August – 21 September 2025: Call for Applications
- 10 – 16 November 2025: Our Ocean Bootcamp Week
- Virtual sessions with global experts
- In-person innovation workshop in Dar es Salaam
- Ocean Action field event in Bagamoyo (Mangrove Honey Project)
📝 How to Apply
Applications are now open! If you’re ready to transform your idea into an ocean solution:
👉 Apply Now by filling this form here: https://forms.gle/HNCQFHm9WWoH5Aih9
📅 Application Deadline: 21 September 2025
📣 Selected Fellows Announced: 1 October 2025
💙 Be Part of the Next Wave of Ocean Innovators
At SOA Tanzania, we believe that the future of the ocean depends on empowering youth to innovate, lead, and build sustainable solutions. The Our Ocean Bootcamp 2025 is your opportunity to learn, connect, and pitch your ideas to experts who can help you scale them into real impact.
Let’s empower Tanzania’s next generation of ocean entrepreneurs and innovators under the theme: Youth and Ocean Innovation. 🌊✨
✉️ Questions? Contact us: info@soatanzania.or.tz
💙 Support Our Ocean Bootcamp 2025
In 2025, we aim to empower 50 more young Tanzanians under the theme “Youth and Ocean Innovation.” This year’s program will help fellows turn their ideas into investment-ready solutions, develop pitch decks, and gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience through initiatives like the Mangrove Honey Project in Bagamoyo.
To make this possible, we are raising funds to cover training materials, mentorship, and innovation support. With just USD 200, you can sponsor one youth’s full Bootcamp journey – giving them the tools and opportunities to become the next wave of ocean innovators.
👉 Donate Today and be part of shaping Tanzania’s Generation Restoration.