Ocean, a startup based in Tacoma, Washington, is making waves in the construction industry with its innovative bamboo building materials. Founded by Alexa Bednarz, Ocean has recently raised over $1.8 million from angel investors and an additional $1.8 million from the National Science Foundation. The company is in the process of constructing a manufacturing facility in India and plans to start selling corrugated bamboo panels in India and the U.S. Starting as Eco-Shelter five years ago, Ocean is rebranding itself to reflect its mission of providing safer, more affordable, sustainable, and longer-lasting building materials to lower-income communities internationally.
Bednarz, a former Gates Foundation employee, was inspired to start Ocean after witnessing the housing challenges faced by extremely low-income individuals during her time in India. Seeing the need for safe, affordable, and durable shelters, Bednarz decided to create a company that produces high-performing, low-cost bamboo building materials. Collaborating with Professor Vikram Yadama and experts from Washington State University’s Composite Materials & Engineering Center, Ocean has developed a manufacturing process that turns bamboo into durable panels that are less expensive than reinforced concrete and feature a coating to keep them cooler.
The bamboo used for Ocean’s panels is locally grown in India, making it a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to other building materials. The panels are structurally strong and, if properly maintained, can last up to 25 years. In addition to financial support from the NSF and investors, Ocean has been accepted into the U.S. Department of Energy’s IMPEL Program and participated in the Innovative House Showcase hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. With high demand for their product in the U.S. market, Ocean is looking to expand its offerings to include panels designed for interior use and materials that improve energy efficiency in structures.
Despite the challenges of launching a physical product company with international manufacturing and sales, Bednarz remains optimistic about Ocean’s future. She acknowledges that pursuing her entrepreneurial dream has required courage and perseverance, but she is excited to see the company’s efforts paying off as manufacturing and sales are on the horizon. Bednarz believes in the importance of moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty, and trusting that solutions will present themselves along the way. With the potential to transform the construction industry with their sustainable and affordable bamboo building materials, Ocean is poised to make a significant impact on lower-income communities worldwide.
