Seaworthy Collective Expands to Tampa Bay with $500,000 Grant from JPMorganChase to Advance Coastal Resilience Innovation

Grant to help grow locally led solutions that strengthen the region’s coastal economy and storm preparedness

Tarpon Springs, FL (May 6, 2026) – Seaworthy Collective, a Miami-based nonprofit advancing innovation for ocean impact (BlueTech), today announced the expansion of its programs driving coastal resilience to the Tampa Bay region. Backed by a $500,000 grant from JPMorganChase, Seaworthy will expand its community, workforce, and economic development programs across the state to serve Florida’s Gulf Coast communities, including Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties.

The grant will enable Seaworthy to grow a stronger pipeline of locally rooted businesses focused on coastal resilience, supporting rapid adaptation along coastlines and waterways, and advancing solutions for storm preparedness and remediation.

“I joined the board of Seaworthy Collective in 2025 after seeing the destruction Hurricanes Helene and Milton left in their wake in my hometown and neighborhood. It’s a dream to be able to launch community-focused programming, especially with such a wonderful supporter as JPMorganChase,” says Seaworthy Collective Board Member, Christine Mendonça. “I am a firm believer that the keys to resilience lie within our communities — we just have to give people an opportunity to share both their challenges and ideas for solutions.”

The grant will support the Tampa Bay expansion by enabling Seaworthy to convene local stakeholders in resilience, innovation, and coastal business across the region, and to build on its programs that co-create and grow early-stage BlueTech startups, build regional capacity, and educate the community.

For example, in Miami, Seaworthy Collective helped grow Kind Designs—an alum of both Seaworthy and Tampa Bay Wave—which is building the future of coastal construction by 3D-printing Living Seawalls™, Living Seawall Tiles™, and Living Shorelines. Seaworthy has also supported SkyWind Solutions, which is currently working in Port Richey and developing an AI-powered model for hyperlocal tide prediction, and Everglades Oysters, which is working to revive Gulf oyster populations—important both for Florida’s aquaculture economy and for improving water quality in the Gulf. Together, these efforts represent the types of coastal resilience infrastructure Seaworthy helps advance to protect communities, strengthen local economies, and safeguard critical coastal assets. 

“At JPMorganChase, we are committed to supporting locally led innovation that strengthens communities and drives economic growth,” said Billie Udofia, Program Officer, Global Philanthropy at JPMorganChase. “By supporting organizations like Seaworthy Collective, we can help empower entrepreneurs and stakeholders to develop solutions that enhance resilience and preparedness across the region.”

To mark the launch of Seaworthy’s Tampa Bay expansion, Seaworthy Collective will host a community kick-off event on May 6, 2026, at Rusty Bellies Boatyard in Tarpon Springs. The event will convene local stakeholders in resilience, innovation, coastal business, and ocean-passionate individuals across Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties for an evening of conversation and connection.

To register for the event, please use this link: https://luma.com/q2ci3xzq 

About Seaworthy Collective:

Seaworthy Collective is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports current and aspiring entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to bring all hands on deck for BlueTech, via programs to co-create and grow early-stage startups, build regional capacity, and educate our community. We empower Sea Change Makers – founders of all backgrounds leading profitable and planet-positive businesses. Since 2021, we’ve supported 111 founders across 57 BlueTech startups, who have raised over $34 million since graduating. Altogether, our local and global community generates scalable solutions for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet. Learn more at SeaworthyCollective.com.