Kelp Fest 2024

Learn more and apply

*Applications for this event are now closed

Showcase your product line, prototype or early-stage idea and compete for prize packages to support your business’ development. Network with leading business development experts, potential investors, sea farming sector leaders and researchers.  

Our expert panel will judge entries and support participants before and after the competition to solidify their idea and prepare for the showcase. 

Expert Judges and Participant Support Panel:

Prize packages will include a cash award and product, market, packaging and/or testing support from experts customized to your business need. Winners will be selected in the following categories: 

• Best New Idea  
• Best Existing Product

We are now accepting applications until Friday, April 12. Participation is limited to residents of Atlantic Canada. 

Click here to apply

The Atlantic Canadian cultivated kelp sector presents a sustainable, inclusive, and unique-to-Atlantic-Canada opportunity representing millions of dollars in potential market share across multiple sectors, including:   

• Food,  
• Personal care,   
• Nutraceutical,   
• Agricultural, and   
• Biomaterials    

Join us to network with showcase entrepreneurs and or participate as a tradeshow exhibitor during the showcase to share how you can benefit participating businesses.  

Space is also available for businesses and organizations that want to support showcase entrepreneurs in preparation for this event by mentoring or sharing services during workshops before the showcase.   

Complete this brief application form to indicate your interest and reserve your spot. Any questions can be directed to Merydie Ross at merydie.ross@ecologyaction.ca. 

Click here to apply

Featured Speaker - Mitch Lench, CEO and founder of Ocean’s Balance, based in Maine. Hear about their business journey bringing innovative seaweed products to market, now operating North America’s first large scale commercial kelp dryer, their new ‘Seaweed Farming Services’ venture that offers drying and milling for farmers and Mitch's seaweed sector insights.

Aditional Speakers:

Salaweg (Gaspe Kelp Farm and Products) – Canada’s Smartest Kitchen (Kelp Food Product Development Team) – Dr. Stephen O’Leary (Seaweed Research Lead, NRC) – Dr. Carly Buchwald (Kelp nutrients, Dalhousie University) – Merinov (Kelp Tech and Farming Research Centre) – EAC’s Kelp Kurious (Seaweed policy change, markets assessment)

Opening Reception: 

Enjoy cocktails and culinary creations by Chef Pamela Alexander Leonforde featuring kelp grown in the beautiful waters of Mahone Bay by Indian Point Marine Farms and a raw bar with their scallops and ShanDaph oysters! This is an evening to connect with seafarmers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policy makers helping move the cultivated kelp sector forward in Atlantic Canada. Stick around after to check out the entries in our Kelp Product Showcase & Competition!

Click here to apply

Hotel room block available at Atlantica Hotel. Limited travel and hotel support available – check the box on RSVP form, if you are in need