CoastX: Ocean Innovation/Entrepreneurship Program

CoastX, based in Kittery Point, Maine, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to sparking a lifelong passion for the ocean in the next generation. Our mission is to empower middle and high school students in Southern Maine and New Hampshire’s Seacoast region through hands-on, ocean-based experiential education that integrates STEAM, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Our programs are designed to develop the skills, creativity, and confidence students need to address real-world coastal challenges. Through experiential learning, we inspire curiosity and nurture the mindset that anything is possible, fostering problem-solving and innovation.

Introducing the After-School Blue Innovation Program designed to help students innovate around any ocean problem they choose and learn to be entrepreneurial by developing their ideas into products or services. This is a high-energy, six-session after-school journey for students ready to tackle real-world ocean challenges—by being innovative and entrepreneurial!

Kicking off with an immersive Innovation Sprint Weekend (Jan 9–10, 2026), participants will brainstorm ideas, prototype solutions, and pitch their concepts with support from local mentors and ocean entrepreneurs. Led by CoastX founders Ian Grant and Susan Johnson, this fun, fast-paced program builds creativity, confidence, and real-world innovation skills that last a lifetime.

OPTION 1: Participate in JUST the StartUp Sprint on January 9th and 10th (Cost $75, $50 scholarships available for #areuin? card members bringing cost to $25)

For students with interest in ocean + innovation/entrepreneurship, but don't have the time for the full 6 week Blue Innovation Program. Perfect to get the basic skills of idea development and innovation.

OPTION 2: Blue Innovation Program ($150, $100 scholarships available for #areuin? card members bringing cost to $50)

StartUp Sprint + 6 sessions after school (1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 3/3) 4:00pm-6:30pm. A more robust program for students with interest in ocean + innovation/entrepreneurship and want to spend more time with experts and mentors to develop their idea into a product or service.

Open to middle school and high school students. Registration is open until December 15th or until all 24 spaces fill. Please email info@CoastX.org to request a scholarship before registering. Learn more about After-School Blue Innovation Program here.

For more information about CoastX please visit: www.CoastX.org