The oceans are pivotal to sectors such as climate change, food security, national defense, and more. But, until recently, the only path to funding for startups that were seeking to address the major challenges in these areas, was to bootstrap or look to the government for funding, particularly through the SBIR program here in the US. Many of these startups were spun out of the research developed at key institutions like the US Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), the University of Rhode Island (URI), and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Today, institutional investors, including Venture Capital and Angel firms, along with philanthropic organizations and corporates, are now making strategic investments in blue technology firms. This is fueling the development of next generation innovations to address the major challenges in ocean exploration, aquaculture, traditional fisheries, defense, undersea communications, climate monitoring, and more. During this program, we will hear directly from investors about why they’re investing in blue technology firms, discuss the companies and technologies they’re investing in, learn what it takes to secure an investment from one of these investors, and hear what they see as emerging opportunities in the sector. Advanced Registration is required. BVIS and BIS 2024 Agenda Remember to book your room at Wyndham Newport, 240 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI. Overnight accommodations are available at the conference venue, Wyndham Newport, at a discounted rate. Reserve a room at: www.wyndhamnewportri.com and enter the group code 022724BLU or call the hotel directly at 401-236-2020 and mention the Blue Innovation Symposium.
