Ex-Google CEO’s charity opens aid applications for marine businesses

A free programme open to marine businesses looking to clean up their act has been launched for the third time, thanks to funding from former Google CEO’s Eric Schmidt’s family foundation.

MarineShift360 has opened applications for its ‘2027 Impact Accelerator’, which offers marine businesses ‘10 months of specialist support at no cost to make better design, purchasing and investment decisions while reducing their environmental impact’.

The programme has in the past offered support to RNLI lifeboats, BAR Technologies’ wind-powered propulsion and MobyFly’s electric hydrofoils, and in 2027 is looking for applications ‘covering low-impact vessels, materials and manufacturing, circular economy approaches and improvements to existing operations’.

“A lifeboat operator and a composites manufacturer face very different decisions. What they both need is evidence of where they can make the biggest difference, and the expertise to act on it,” said Ollie Taylor, director of Marine Futures, a UK-based marine consultancy that helps businesses turn environmental ambitions into practical, measurable improvements.

“For 2027, we want to hear from teams with a specific problem to solve, the commitment to do the work and a willingness to share what they learn. The programme gives them the specialist expertise and practical support to turn that evidence into changes in their business.”

Four criteria:

• Measurable environmental benefit – the potential to deliver tangible reductions in environmental impact.
• Project distinctiveness – the originality and specific focus of the proposed project.
• Team capacity and commitment – the ability and willingness to dedicate time and internal resources to the programme.
• Need for external support – the extent to which specialist expertise and assistance will help the project progress.

Applications close on December 31. Shortlisted organisations will be interviewed in January, with the final selection announced by the end of that month. The programme begins in February, with support tailored to each organisation’s project and capacity.

MarineShift360 is backed by 11th Hour Racing, an initiative funded by the Schmidt Family Foundation, established by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt.