Demo Day: Flash Talks Added, JAIA Joins, Ops Team Ready to Go

RWU Provost Margaret Everett is hands-on with Jaia Robotics’ engineer, Michael Rock

The first Blue Venture In-water Equipment Demo Day is coming together nicely. We have a full day of activities planned and we don’t want you to miss it! Investors are anxious to get first dibs on what’s new and innovative. Start ups can pitch their ideas without getting into the water. Suppliers can meet one on one with up and coming device developers who will require high precision parts. Join us. And those of you who are ready to splash gear, we are ready for you.

Photo Caption Left: RWU Provost Margaret Everett is hands-on with Jaia Robotics’ engineer, Michael Rock (Photo by Stacey Pacheco)

Register here to demonstrate, exhibit, and attend.

Not Ready for the water? Give a 5 Minute Flash Talk on May 4

Blue Tech Flash Talks are back by popular demand, we are offering valuable “air” time for Blue Tech Start-ups to pitch their products/businesses to our curated investor team. Send an abstract describing your tech to [email protected] by April 13. Attendee registration is required. We welcome those who have pitched to our team in the past. It’s always good to hear what you have accomplished since the last time you presented.

Our Demo Day Operations Team

We are pleased to introduce our operations team that is comprised of seasoned boat and events experts who are valued partners in making the May 4 Demo Day a success for all concerned. One more incredibly important member of the operations team, not yet pictured here, is “Bo” Gillie, head of RWU Summer and Conference programs. He has been guiding us through the RWU facilities and campus logistics to enable us to hold a professional event at the beautiful sailing center.

Bill Lynn
Demo Day Waterfront Director Bill Lynn – Herreshoff Marine Museum By day Bill is the executive director of the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, RI . And he is a storied sailor willing to swap stories and lend a helpful hand all the time.
Demo Day Waterfront Operations: Nate Walton – SACHEM Strategies Nate has supported the Blue Innovation Symposium, the Blue Venture Investment Summit and lots of other ventures. He connects technology developers with government and commercial markets.
Blue Tech Wrangler - Maggie Merrill, otherwise known as the Program Manager of Blue Venture forum. It is a pleasure to work with all of these amazing people who are so focused on bringing Blue things to market.
Master of Ceremonies - Toby Stapleton, also known as the Director of the Blue Venture Forum. He is the great convener of people and ideas. Unflappable and insightful. He will steer us through the rough waters should they kick up on May 4.

401 Tech Bridge is “supporting” Demo Day. Our friend, Linda Larsen and her blue tech operations crew are promoting the day via their vast network. To encourage more interaction in the RI Blue Tech Ecosystem, they will hand-pick one of the participating companies; demonstrator, exhibitor or Flash Talker to join one of their upcoming demonstration events free of charge. Theirs will be another important opportunity for you to interact with a knowledgeable audience. More information here.

Gulf of Maine Ventures: BlueTech Boost

To support companies looking to make the next step in their growth trajectory, we are offering our inaugural BlueTech Boost program. This 10-week program is designed to provide early-stage companies in the blue economy with expertise and non-dilutive micro-grants to achieve a specific milestone. While companies must be relevant to the Northeast Atlantic region, the program is offered in a hybrid format allowing for participation across geographies.

· Companies will be provided with both individualized support and sessions with other companies in their cohort.

· Companies will apply for non-dilutive, micro-grants to work on their short-term roadmaps.

To learn more and apply for the May 2023 cohort, fill in your company information here: https://airtable.com/shrsQ984fYRhubxxb

WHOI announces the retaining of Adam de Sola Pool (LinkedIn here) as “Special Advisor on Innovation and Entrepreneurship”

Supported by new philanthropic and other funds, Adam will be working with the Office of the DDVPSE as well as the Office of Technology Transfer to assist in the development of building an entrepreneurial culture at WHOI and increasing commercialization of WHOI research and IP. 

 

Adam will be available for mentoring of WHOI scientists and engineers on development of their commercial efforts, and will be introducing himself to the WHOI community in the coming weeks.

 

Many of you got to see Adam in action at this year’s Blue Venture Investment Summit and at the Blue Venture Forum’s investor event that took place last October. Adam is not only an investor but a thought leader in investing in this field so we congratulate him on this appointment! 

 

For further information, please reach out to Carol Anne Clayson ([email protected]).