A program created to provide support to innovators, entrepreneurs, organizations, and businesses seeking to bring new ideas and solutions to the maritime markets.
The Dojo is designed to build skills and competencies around taking ideas, creating solutions with market value, and developing high-growth scalable businesses and organizations that provide value to the world. It is based upon the principles of lean start-up and the successful TempO program of ODU’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It provides participants with access to regular weekly sessions covering topics such as developing value propositions, customer discovery, and developing business models. Additional sessions cover operational and financial planning, along with funding and pitching. There are also open sessions for the Dojo community to network, share their experiences, and identify challenges and successes. Members work at their own pace, with the support of OpenSeas staff and the Dojo community.


Membership in the Dojo is based on application and acceptance into the program. In order to be considered, participants must have a concept or opportunity to work on. Since the sessions will be conducted both physically and virtually, membership will be open to opportunities from around the world. Preference will be given to individuals and companies based, or looking to operate in, the Hampton Roads area. However, interested companies from around the world are welcome to join the community and participate.
Contact Info:
Jerry Cronin, Executive Director
- Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE), Old Dominion University, 112 Bank Street Norfolk, VA 23510
