In a move to blend economic growth with marine conservation, the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI) has launched the Business, Technology & Innovation Incubator (BTI), a program designed to nurture homegrown ventures that benefit both people and planet.
The incubator, which opened applications this week, aims to become the central engine of Seychelles’ ‘Blue Investment Arc,’ linking promising entrepreneurs to a structured pathway of grants, loans, and impact investment. It represents a key deliverable under the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) Ocean’s Resolve Programme and is backed by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), and the GOS-GEF-UNDP ‘Prioritising Biodiversity Conservation and Nature-based Solutions as pillars of Seychelles Blue Economy’ (GEF 7 Blue Economy Project).
The BTI is not just building businesses. It is building resilience,” said Ms Sylvanna Antha, Technical Advisor for the BTI. “The BTI will empower Seychellois to create ventures that restore our coral reefs, create skilled jobs, and diversify our economy, all at once.”
Seychelles faces twin challenges: an economy heavily reliant on tourism and fisheries, and coral reefs under threat from increased water temperature and human impacts. The BTI is designed to tackle both by fostering innovation in sectors such as Coral-positive tourism (e.g., reef-safe products, restoration tours), Nature-based Solutions (e.g., up-cycled seaweed products, invasive species crafts, biodegradable skin-care products, agroforestry & vertical farming), Circular economy (plastic waste innovation, sustainable packaging, fish-net recycling, composting systems for hotels), Blue technology (water quality monitoring, marine biotechnology, smart marine buoy systems), among others.
The program will prioritise women-led, youth-led, and Marine Protected Area (MPA)-aligned ventures, with explicit inclusion targets of at least 60% women’s participation and 50% youth involvement.
Successful applicants will join a 12-month cohort receiving expert mentorship from business and blue economy leaders, tailored training in financial modelling, impact measurement, and investor pitching, competitive access to the BTI Seed Fund for prototyping and piloting, opportunities for regional exchange with other innovators, access to labs and infrastructures, and guidance through the Blue Investment Arc, including connections to the Blue Grants Fund (BGF), Blue Investment Fund (BIF), and the Blue Entreprise Fund (BEF).
“This is about turning ideas into investible businesses,” said Sylvanna. “We’re creating a pipeline of ventures that can attract international climate and conservation finance.”
Applications will be scored by an independent review panel against five criteria: innovation, market potential, team capability, impact on Seychelles, and inclusion. A multi-stakeholder Selection Committee, including representatives from NISTI, SeyCCAT, SIB, SPGA, and the private sector, will make final decisions. “We want the process to be fair, transparent, and aligned with national goals. We’re looking for passion, potential, and a commitment to positive impact,” Sylvanna said.
The BTI is now accepting applications for its inaugural 2026 cohort. Eligible ventures must be Seychelles-owned. The deadline for submissions is 15 September 2026.
Application packages are available by sending a request to bti@nisti.gov.sc and information sessions will be held on the 18th of August on Mahe and on the 19th of August on Praslin. Sylvanna adds that “This is a unique opportunity for Seychellois with an idea or business venture that can benefit Seychelles and its surrounding marine environment. We encourage everyone from students to professionals to apply, even if you haven’t yet registered your venture.”
If successful, the BTI could serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States seeking to harness entrepreneurship for conservation and climate adaptation. With the eyes of the international conservation finance community on Seychelles, the stakes and opportunities are high.
For more information, contact bti@nisti.gov.sc
Photo credit: Anna Koester