Blue Economy

The Blue Economy Initiative is leveraging coastal resources and expertise within a Blue Economy Cluster spanning approximately 120 miles across the Gulf Coast. At the heart of the cluster is an emerging Blue Economy Innovation District serving as the nexus for business expansion and a business-friendly environment. Opening in 2021, a blue-tech accelerator program and co-working space will serve as a catalyst for startup activity and a magnet for new enterprise. 

Catalyzing Economic Growth on the MS Gulf

Blue Tech Accelerator Program

Launching in early 2021, the Blue Tech Accelerator

The program will provide access to mentoring, program management, seed funding, and critical maritime infrastructure.

THE ACCELERATOR SUPPORTS

• Un-crewed maritime systems prototyping and

waterborne testing in the Gulf of Mexico

• Aquaculture facilities and resources, including finfish, shellfish, live feed, and algae testing, and demonstration through the USM Thad Cochran

Marine Aquaculture Center in Ocean Springs

• Access to potential customers in the region

• Providing access to critical infrastructure, services, and USM’s research and development capabilities

• Co-working space and short-term office space located within the Gulf and Ship Island Building in Gulfport

Download Brochure

 

TARGETED EXPERTISE

In-Water Prototyping Required

• Un-crewed systems and autonomy

• Smart maritime/port

• Seawater sensors and sensor platforms

• Marine renewables hardware

• Marine acoustics

• Underwater communication and mapping

• Clean water/seawater intersection

• Coastal resilience technology

• Seawater-biodegradable polymers and ocean cleanup

• Ocean plastics

Aquaculture Innovation

• Innovation in finfish and shellfish farming

• Alternative feed

• Data analytics

• Algae

• Recirculating systems

• Smart fisheries (e.g., IOT, satellite tracking)