Discover Global Markets business development forum is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s flagship event series for U.S. exporters. The forum features a dynamic mix of plenary sessions, topical round-tables, prescheduled one-on-one meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats, buyers and ministry officials from key markets around the globe, and plenty of networking!
Topic: Blue Tech Investment, a Roundtable Discussion When: October 3, from 10-11:00AM, coffee to follow Where: Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport, RI. Join the Blue Venture Forum at 10:00AM on October 3, at Innovate Newport, for a panel discussion on the state of investment in blue technology. Southern New England has long been the epicenter for marine technology startups. Many of these startups have spun out of the research being 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). Until recently, the only path to funding for most of these startups was bootstrapping or government funding, particularly through the SBIR program. However, today, institutional investors, including Venture Capital and Angels, along with corporates are now making strategic investments which are fueling the development of innovations to address the major challenges in ocean exploration, aquaculture, traditional fisheries, defense, undersea communications, climate monitoring, and more. During this discussion, 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. This event is being held in partnership with Innovate Newport as part of RI Startup Week. Panelists: - Thorne Sparkman, Managing Director, Slater Technology Fund, Inc., https://slaterfund.com/- Neil Hamel, Head of US Ventures and Open Innovation, Orsted, https://openinnovation.orsted.com/- David Ford, Investor, Blue Angels, https://www.sea-ahead.com/blue-angels- Adam de Sola Pool, Investor, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampool- Jeffrey Smith, Vice President and General Manager, Unmanned Undersea Systems, SAAB, Inc., https://www.saab.com/products/security/underwater-systems Panel Moderator: Toby Stapleton, Director, Blue Venture Forum
There are many reasons to believe the ocean is the next economic frontier. Innovation and investment are two sides of the coin that is galvanising economic activity in the ocean. To help meet the growing global demand for more energy, greater efficiency, resilient supply chains, and other expanded commercial opportunities, the future of the blue economy is crucial. Along with the risks come new opportunities to reimagine what modernisation and growth looks like for our oceans.Economist Impact’s World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit, hosted by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster in collaboration with the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Partnership, will convene innovators, business leaders, thought leaders and investors to learn about and engage with the latest “blue economy” innovators and technologies, and identify solutions that will form the roadmap to a sustainable, thriving ocean economy.Taking place in Halifax, Canada, the two-day programme will showcase local innovations that have the potential to be scaled globally, and welcome international business leaders, investors and scientists to share learnings and unleash new opportunities for cross-border partnership and investment.
What is the Piranha Pond? It is a “pitch party” where a select group of entrepreneurs has up to 5 minutes to convince a panel of investors to meet with them to further discuss their ventures. Using a format similar to the popular television show Shark Tank, our investors provide feedback to the entrepreneurs about their presentations and companies, and information to all about why they decide to be “In” or “Out.” If they are “In” they will meet with the Entrepreneur at a later time to discuss their company. If they are “Out” there is no interest at this time. Again, the investor lets us know why s/he will not move forward with the presenter. For this event, we seek companies beyond the idea stage who are developing a “blue” technology product or service. The ideal company will have raised funds from friends, family, and/or grants such as SBIR’s. If the company’s product is a software or SAAS product, it should be in beta testing or later. A selection committee will choose the top 8 applicants to present. The successful applicants will be deemed to have companies most likely to interest the investment panel.This Piranha Pond is being co-organized by the Blue Venture Forum, Innovate Newport, SoCoEco, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. Piranha Pond Pitches are streaming in from the blue tech start up community. Keep ‘em coming. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31. To apply to pitch your product visit: https://www.rocketjudge.com/register/XqvlYJ2X
Join the Blue Venture Forum as we launch the first annual Blue Venture Investment Summit from 8:00AM-12:00PM, on January 24th, 2023 at Roger Williams University. 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.
The Blue Innovation Symposium is the premier event in New England for connecting the marine technology industry for education, networking and facilitating partnering opportunities. The conference brings together a broad spectrum of representatives of the marine technology industry from the US and beyond. Each year, the program has welcomed more than 270 attendees and nearly 40 sponsors for the three-day event, which included keynote addresses, panel discussions and a unique series of five-minute flash talks. In addition, on the morning of January 24, 2023, the Blue Venture Forum will roll out the FIRST EVER Blue Venture Investment Summit in New England. Representatives of key financial institutions, funds and angels will gather at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI to address best practices for supporting and growing the vibrant Blue Tech economy.Want to book a room at the event hotel? Visit: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ For customized sponsorship packages, contact Maggie Merrill, [email protected] Download the 2023 Conference Packet: 2023 Conference Packet Share your BIS '23 experience with us. Use the hashtag #BIS2023 before, during and after the event to share your photos and takeaways.
Download 2023 Demo Day Agenda Let’s Splash our Gear - ALL Demos will be done IN WATER! This event is to show how Blue Tech works in the deep blue. If it’s not water proof, it’s not blue….enough Organized by the Blue Venture Forum and Herreshoff Marine Museum with Roger Williams University at the Roger Williams Richard L. Bready Mount Hope Bay Sailing and Education Center in Bristol, RI. 9AM – 4:30PM Rain or Shine. First come first served. Demos will be limited to 6 companies. Investors are invited to attend free of charge. The purpose of the demo day is to provide Blue Tech Start ups and seasoned Blue Tech equipment developers with a venue to show how their equipment operates. 6 blue tech start ups will demonstrate their equipment in the water off the docks, the beach or off a small boat at the RWU sailing center. Anyone from potential customers, investors, educators, or other interested parties will be able to see these technologies work in real time in the marine environment. There will be dock space available for up to 6 equipment demonstrations. There will be room for company personnel to handle equipment on the lower floats and for observers to watch from the upper dock and or from the observation deck of the Sailing Center. There will also be room for other companies to set up booths/tables with equipment and literature inside the Sailing Center in the ground level work Bay area. The upper level conference room will be available for companies to give an overview of what is being demonstrated in the water and for live demonstrations that may need to be transmitted to a large screen from the dock. Demo Day Participants Include: JAIA, Robotics (In-Water Demo), Applied Research Associates – Ohmsett Facility (Exhibitor), Aurelia Upper Ocean Profiler UMass Dartmouth (In-Water Demo), SAAB, Inc. (Exhibitor), STEC Technologies (In-Water Demo), Fathom Fishing (Exhibitor) and Current Labs (Exhibitor) Investors Scheduled to Attend: DTN Ventures, Nor’Easter Ventures, Sachem Strategies, Slater Technology Fund, RightHill Ventures, Tidepoole, Launchpad Ventures, Propeller VC and Blue Angel Investors Flash Talk Participants: Deep Blue Composites, Blue IQ, Sonalysts, Levantatech, Fathom Fishing, nU-Boats, Applied Research Associates-Ohmsett Facility, Coastal Protection Solutions, Inc., VATN Systems and Littoral Power Systems Download 2023 Demo Day Agenda
Join Mystic Seaport Museum and Blue Venture Forum on September 28th for a special program, The Future of Blue Technology. This new collaboration will highlight experts in the rapidly growing arena of blue technology, offering insights into sustainable economic growth opportunities in our region. The program includes a panel discussion, flash-talks, on-the-water demonstrations on the Mystic River, and a networking reception. Leadership from New England based incubators, investors, and founders will discuss the future of blue technology and blue economy, including SAAB, GreenWave, Thayer Mahan, SeaTrac, JAIA, and others. There are many reasons to believe the ocean is the next economic frontier. Innovation and investment are two sides of the coin that is galvanizing economic activity in the ocean. To help meet the growing global demand for more energy, greater efficiency, resilient supply chains, and other expanded commercial opportunities, the future of the blue economy is crucial. The need to better understand our oceans, so that we can more effectively manage, protect, and use ocean resources is driving a new wave of BlueTech startups. These startups are developing innovative new products, methodologies, and systems for commercial, governmental, and defense customers. Join us for a fascinating evening! Draft Agenda 4:30-4:45PM Opening Remarks - in the Gallery , currently on exhibit: Oceanus: Alexis Rockman - Mystic Seaport Museum Tobias Stapleton, Director, Blue Venture Forum Christina Brophy, Senior Director of Museum Galleries and Senior Vice President of Curatorial Affairs, Mystic Seaport Museum 4:45PM-5:30PM Panel Discussion, The Future of Blue Technology Moderator: Ted Janulis, Founder & Principal, Investible Oceans Panelists: Leslie-Ann McGee, Director, Special Projects, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Kendall Barbery, Director of Partnerships and Program Development, Greenwave Fletcher Blackmon, Director of Strategic Positioning, Autonomous & Undersea Systems, SAAB, Inc. Janna Chernetz, Senior Director, Global Government Affairs, Amogy 5:30PM-6:15PM The Next Generation of Blue Technologies, a discussion & Demonstration Facilitator: Tobias Stapleton, Director, Blue Venture Forum Speakers: Dr. Kevin Lopes, Director of Business Outreach and Strategy, ThayerMahan Allesandra Bianchi, Communications Director, Seatrac Deedee Chatham, Business Development, Jaia Robotics Kelly Echols, Founder, LeVanta Tech 6:15PM -7:00PM Reception & Networking
Join the Blue Venture Forum and Gulf of Maine Ventures for the Blue Venture Investment Summit-Portland, being held on November 9th at the Ocean Gateway, Portland, Maine. A special thank you to our Sponsors and Exhibitors! View Speaker, Moderator and Panelist Bios HERE. AGENDA 8:00AM-8:30AM Registration 8:30AM-8:40AM Welcome and Introductions Tobias Stapleton, Director, Blue Venture Forum Blaine Grimes, Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) 9:00AM-10:00AM Blue Technology Investing Today Moderator: Hope Hopkins, Mitre Panelists: Justin Manley, OceanKind Jake Reznick, S2G Ventures Tim Agnew, Bold Ocean Ventures 10:00AM-10:30AM Networking Break 10:30AM-11:30AM Raising an Investment Round in Today’s Environment Moderator: Luke Holden, Luke’s Lobster Panelists: Sara Rademaker, American Unagi Mitch Lench, Ocean’s Balance Chip Terry, Blue Trace Erik Heim, Kathahdin Salmon 11:30AM-12:15PM Flashtalks: Global Innovators and Entrepreneurs Littoral Power Systems Salmonics LeVanta Tech Phytosmart Ocean Farmr Shred Electric Oneka Technologies Salient Predictions 12:15PM-1:00PM Lunch 1:00PM-2:00PM Maine, A Case Study in Supporting and Growing a Blue Economy Ecosystem Moderator: Blaine Grimes, Gulf of Maine Ventures Panelists: Nina Scheepers, Maine Venture Fund Chandler Jones, CEI Ventures Patrick Arnold, New England Ocean Cluster Jeff Frank, Island Institute 2:00PM-3:00PM Flashtalks: Global Innovators and Entrepreneurs Jaia Robotics Axine Water Technologies Finsulate Acel Power Ashored Aloft Glas Ocean Electric Seachange Group, LLC 3:00PM-3:30PM Networking Break 3:30PM-4:15PM Seaweed Panel Moderator: Damian Brady, UMaine Panelists: Bri Warner, Atlantic Sea Farms Colin Hepburn, Everything Seaweed Struan Coleman, WWF 4:15PM-5:00PM The Future of Investing in the Blue Economy Moderator: Toby Stapleton, Blue Venture Forum Panelists: Julie Niedzwiecki, Great Mountain Partners (GMP) Daniel Sortica, Propeller Ted Janulis, Investible Oceans Brady Bohrmann, Bold Ocean Ventures 5:00PM-6:30PM Closing Reception
We will be holding the Blue Innovation Symposium from February 26-29, 2024 at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown, RI. BIS and BVIS 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.
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 AgendaRemember 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.
Join the Blue Venture Forum and Gulf of Maine Ventures for the Blue Venture Investment Summit, taking place on November 13th at the Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine.