Alexa Bednarz, the CEO and founder of Ocean, has taken on the challenge of creating a company that produces high-performing, low-cost bamboo building materials. The startup, previously known as Eco-Shelter, has received funding from angel investors and the National Science Foundation, allowing it to begin construction on a manufacturing facility in India. The goal is to start selling corrugated bamboo panels in India and the U.S. in the near future. Bednarz was inspired to start Ocean after witnessing the challenges faced by low-income individuals in India who lacked access to safe, affordable, and durable shelters.
The manufacturing process for Ocean’s panels involves turning bamboo into strands that are blended with an adhesive and formed into a mat, which is then pressed into a corrugated shape or other design. These panels are structurally strong, cost-effective compared to reinforced concrete, and have a coating that helps keep them cooler. With proper maintenance, the panels are expected to last up to 25 years. The bamboo used for Ocean’s products is locally grown in India and is a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to many other building materials. The startup has received support from the NSF, investors, and programs like the U.S. Department of Energy’s IMPEL Program and the HUD’s Innovative House Showcase.
Bednarz’s background at the Gates Foundation, where she worked on global health projects, gave her insights into the challenges faced by low-income communities in need of safe and affordable housing. Collaborating with experts from Washington State University’s Composite Materials & Engineering Center, Ocean has developed a product that fills a critical need in the building sector. The startup has filed a patent application for their panels and plans to license the technology. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand its product line to include panels for interior use and materials that improve energy efficiency in buildings.
The demand for Ocean’s bamboo panels in the U.S. market is evident, with support from government entities and a positive reception at industry showcases. The startup is gearing up for manufacturing and sales to begin, with a focus on providing affordable and sustainable building materials that offer long-lasting performance. Bednarz acknowledges the challenges of starting a business, especially one that involves international manufacturing and sales, but remains optimistic about the potential impact of Ocean’s products. With a team of experts and investors backing her, Bednarz is motivated to see her entrepreneurial dream become a reality, demonstrating the courage and resilience required to navigate the complexities of launching a physical product company on a global scale.
