Hatch’s aim is to offer business support to develop and mentor the next generation of female aquaculture and alternative seafood entrepreneurs and to attract more talent to the sector.
The challenges associated with the ever-increasing global population have made it more important than ever for the aquaculture food industry to be able to perform at its full potential. Inclusion and diversity are essential for shaping a sustainable future for the aquaculture industry. Yet, according to the FAO, the gender gap in the food and agriculture industries is extensive.
“Women are a major untapped innovation resource for the aquaculture industry. With this initiative we hope to close some of the gender gaps we see in entrepreneurial businesses and the sector. Hatch is fortunate to have worked with and supported some amazing female team members and founders who lead many of our portfolio companies. We have seen first-hand what they can and do bring to a business and, quite frankly, there are not enough of them and that needs to change. That is the inspiration behind this female-focused innovation studio as we seek to provide a platform and a productive space for participants to connect, share, grow their knowledge and experience, while also networking with many successful female entrepreneurs and leaders,” says Wayne Murphy, co-founder and partner of Hatch.
The programme will be virtual and will kick off in August, running part-time over a period of four weeks. The programme is aimed at female project teams looking for support and mentorship, female-founded startups who want to take things to the next level, or later stage companies seeking to increase market and industry access. There will be a competitive application process and Hatch’s goal is to onboard 15 female teams for this first programme.
“We are now looking for corporate partners and female mentors to support Hatch on the initiative. This programme is all about attracting and developing successful entrepreneurs to the industry, and statistics prove that we have a long way to go to close the gender inequality in the industry,” says Tanja Hoel, innovation manager at Hatch, who is responsible for the company’s corporate partnerships programme.
“This is an amazing opportunity for the industry and investors to empower more women in the industry and to support a strong female-driven innovation community,” she adds.
For more information, contact:
- Wayne Murphy - wayne@hatch.blue
- Tanja Hoel - tanja@hatch.blue
*The Fish Site is owned by Hatch, but remains editorially independent, and has been running its own Women in Aquaculture series for three years.
