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We are looking forward to seeing everyone, in just over a week, at the 10th annual Blue Innovation Symposium, February 10-13, 2025. In this newsletter:
- Panelists announced for the "Blue Biotechnology" and "Navy Reindustrialization: Maintaining Naval Supremacy" panels! Full Agenda Here
- Registration links for all "Ecosystem" Tours (don't miss out on visiting key RI sites like Unity Park and all of the assets of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster) and our kickoff event at Roger Williams University (RWU) are now open.
- Join us for this year's Economic Update Luncheon with featured guest, Liz Tanner, Secretary of Commerce, State of Rhode Island.
- More FlashTalks Announced!
- There is still time to exhibit or Sponsor BIS '25 and join our newest sponsors, Bryant University's Chafee Center for International Business, Unity Park and Enginuity along with the Consulate General of Canada in Boston, the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC), Commerce RI, Boston Engineering Corp, MITRE Corp, Kraken Robotics, Adler Pollock & Sheehan, RTI, Jaia Robotics, Ohmsett, Keefe Robotics, 401 Tech Bridge, and the New Bedford Ocean Cluster.
Lastly, UMass Dartmouth has received funding to support a number of blue economy initiatives in the region. As a result, researchers from the University's Charlton College of Business will be hosting a round table discussion during BIS '25 to outline a data analytics initiative for blue economy companies and organizations. If you are interested in joining that discussion, please contact us at info@blueinnovationsymposium.com.
The Blue Venture Forum Team
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10th Annual
BLUE INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM
February 10-13, 2025
New England's Largest Blue Tech Conference
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BIS2025 Program Highlights | |
The Future of Blue BioTech - Tuesday, February 11 at 10:15 a.m.
Also on this panel: Christine Bolzan, Executive Director, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc. (bio coming soon)
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Moderator: Dr. Koty Sharp is the Director of CEED and an Associate Professor in Biology, Marine Biology, & Environmental Science at Roger Williams University. She received her B.A. in Biology at Mount Holyoke College and her PhD from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego in 2006. She has formerly held positions with the Smithsonian Institution, New England Biolabs/Ocean Genome Legacy, and Eckerd College. Her field and laboratory research are centered around the microbial ecology and natural products chemistry of invertebrate-microbial symbioses, with a focus on tropical and temperate corals, identification of bioactive compounds produced by coral-associated bacteria, and exploration of the microbiology of microplastics toxicology in Narragansett Bay. Since 2016, she has co-convened regular workshops to gather researchers and educators who work on the local, temperate coral Astrangia poculata, a newly emerging model organism for broad studies of animal-microbe symbioses and study system for testing and discovery of bioactive metabolites.
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Dr. Mike Lomas, Director NCMA/CAI.. Lomas holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Maryland at College Park. Lomas, a phytoplankton physiological ecologist, became a Senior Research Scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in the fall of 2012. His areas of research include understanding the physiology and ecology, and interactions between the two, of natural marine phytoplankton populations through directed experimentation and observation. Lomas was appointed as Director of the Provasoli-GuillardNational Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA) in January 2014, and the Bigelow Center for Algal Innovations in 2020. During his tenure, NCMA has expanded its capabilities as a biological resource for algae science and innovation. In particular, Lomas has spear headed development of a regional project focused on the translation of algal research to use-inspired innovations–the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator (MARIA). This webinar will provide an overview of the MARIA project, its foci, activities and capabilities. | |
Dr. Dilan Jaunky holds a PhD in Cancer Biology from Concordia University and is the co-founder of GC Lipid Technologies. Passionate about the bioeconomy, he focuses on harnessing advanced genetic engineering to transform industrial byproducts into high-value products. Through GC Lipid Technologies, he strives to enhance efficiency, unlock new revenue streams, and drive innovation and sustainability in the bioindustry.
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As a scientist, Dr. Jonathan Henry is broadly trained in the areas of developmental and molecular biology, and has been working in these fields for over 45 years. he has extensive experience working with both invertebrate and vertebrate aquatic model systems, and in developing new tools for rearing these animals for research purposes, which has been essential for supporting our research efforts. To this end we developed highly automated aquatic rack systems to accomplish large scale culture of marine organisms that incorporate automated assessment and adjustments of water quality along with automated feeding. He began this work at the University of Illinois and subsequently joined the Marine Biological Laboratory (in Woods Hole, MA) in 2021 to set up a more advanced automated aquatic facility. Construction of that facility was completed in 2023, when a new generation of automated aquatic systems was installed, and we have made a number of advancements since that time. These recirculating systems are designed to be self-sufficient and run for weeks at a time without much human interaction, saving labor and reducing the challenges of rearing marine animals. By providing optimal culture conditions, we have accelerated growth rates, reduced generation times, and increased reproductive output to produce large numbers of healthy animals. Furthermore, having a secure facility with self-contained, recirculating systems is essential for rearing non-native species and transgenic organisms that cannot be released into the external environment. We currently rear a number of different species in continuous (year-round) culture to support both the educational and research communities. | |
Navy Reindustrialization: Maintaining Maritime Supremacy in the 21st Century - Wednesday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m.
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Moderator: Nate Walton is the founder and principal of Sachem Strategies, a consulting firm that provides business development and government relations services. The firm’s client focus is innovative firms in the defense, technology, financial services, and energy sectors. In his role at Sachem, Nate has played a leading role as an advocate for businesses at the forefront of innovation. This has included organizing coalitions within Congress to advance research funding, address intellectual property threats, and reduce regulatory obstacles. Nate has also partnered with industry leaders and think tanks to design reform proposals that would integrate more innovative firms into the defense industrial base. Nate has taken on multiple roles that have allowed him to support and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in New England. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the Blue Venture Forum, two organizations that seek to support business formation and growth in the local technology sector. Nate holds a B.A. in political science from Bates College and a M.P.P. from Brown University.
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Geoff Manchester, CTO, VATN Sytems is an experienced mechanical engineer and mariner who was the Director of Engineering at Koop for a decade. While there, he led a team of engineers and developed some of the most advanced hydro foiling electric boats in the world and a variety of other projects, including submersibles. Geoff has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University.
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James Holmes holds the J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the Naval War College and served on the faculty of the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs. A former U.S. Navy surface-warfare officer, he was the last gunnery officer in history to fire a battleship’s big guns in anger, during the first Gulf War in 1991. He earned the Naval War College Foundation Award in 1994, signifying the top graduate in his class. His books include Red Star over the Pacific, an Atlantic Monthly Best Book of 2010 and a fixture on the Navy Professional Reading List. General James Mattis deems him “troublesome"
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Matthew Porat; Managing Director, Blackbird Capital Group “a mission-driven investment firm specializing in aerospace, defense, and adjacent industries.” Prior to Blackbird, Matthew was a Partner and Head of Investments for Green Eight Capital. Additionally, in 2022, Matthew was a Senior Investment Associate at Citadel, investing in semiconductor and industrial technology companies. Matthew previously covered Aerospace and Defense at Goldman Sachsin its Global Investment Research division. He began his career working for the US government in the Office of Development at the former US Information Agency, now called the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Matthew received a B.A. in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College.
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Rylan Hamilton is the CEO of Blue Water Autonomy, an autonomous ship manufacturer for defense and commercial customers. Previously, Rylan was the Co-Founder and CEO of 6 River Systems (acquired by Shopify). In this role, he was responsible for all operations, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and corporate functions. Before 6RS, Rylan was a member of the leadership team at Kiva (now Amazon Robotics), leading the design and deployment organizations at Kiva and Amazon. He earned a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and M.B.A. with distinction from Harvard Business School in business administration. In 2019, Rylan was selected as a finalist for the New England EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
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Be sure to join us at Roger Williams University
Monday, February 10, 2025
5-8 pm
You are invited to learn more about blue academia-industry partnerships and current marine research initiatives in Roger Williams University Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) and the School of Social & Natural Sciences (SSNS).
Keynote address will be given by Dr. Larry Feinberg, RWU Adjunct Faculty and founder/former CEO of KnipBio
The evening will also include a panel discussion with RWU Marine Scientists including the Dean of SSNS Dr. Brian Wysor, the Chair of Biology, Marine Biology, & Environmental Science Dr. Sean Colin; the Director of CEED Dr. Koty Sharp; and several faculty (Dr. Galit Sharon, Dr. Andy Rhyne, Dr. Hisham Abdelrahman, Dr. Rob Holmberg, Dr. David Taylor) from CEED/Biology, Marine Biology, & Environmental Science.
Research Poster Presentation by Roger Williams University Students and Researchers and a reception will follow.
The event is FREE and open to all BIS participants
Location: RWU School of Law, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
KICK-OFF REGISTRATION HERE
Complimentary transportation to and from the Wyndham Newport Hotel Available.
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12 - 1 pm Wednesday, February 12
Included in your BIS registration!
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MORE FLASHTALK PRESENTERS ADDED
The following companies have been selected to give a 5-minute pitch during the conference.
At BIS '25, there will be a total of 20 early-stage blue tech companies delivering Flashtalks!
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All sponsorships include complimentary registrations, space on the exhibit floor, and more! | |
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HOTEL ROOM BLOCK for BIS
Stay in the same building as the conference at a discounted rate of $99 per night.
Guests can also call the hotel directly at 401-236-2020 and reference Blue Innovation or visit Wyndham Newport
enter the group code 021025BLU
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Blue Economy Investments - Tuesday 2/11 at 11:15 a.m.
There has been significant growth in the sector of blue economy investment. This panel of expert investors will explore emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in blue economy investing.
Missing Panelists (bios coming soon): Jon Chait, IQT and Martin Sabarsky, Cellana
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Adam de Sola Pool (panel moderator) is an experienced VC and Angel investor, mentor, entrepreneur and new technologies competition judge with 20 years of sector experience in clean energy & water & ocean technology companies. Currently, as an Angel Investor, Adam is a Partner in the Clean Energy Venture Group, a member of Launchpad Ventures, and MIT Angels and the Blue Angels (ocean technology). Adam Mentors & Judges at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Techstars, Northeastern University, CleanTech Open, & MassChallenge. Adam is on the Commercial Advisory Board of the International Nanotechnology Laboratory, the MIT Enterprise Forum Polska accelerator in Warsaw Poland and the University of Wollongong (Australia) iAccelerate program.
Formerly, a CEO and a venture capitalist Adam helped to start over twenty renewable energy and environmental companies in central Europe. He invested through Environmental Investment Partners which was funded by family and HNW investor money. Among the companies he helped to start was Continental Wind Partners (as founding CEO and as an investment), Organica (water investment), Detox (circular economy investment), GazVest (infrastructure investment). Adam has been presented the Cleantech Investment Forum Pioneer Prize for his work in central Europe.
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Beth Orcutt has been the Vice President for Research (VPR) at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences since 2022. Building from an award-winning career in deep-sea science leadership, she guides the bold strategic research priorities for the institution and relationships with external funders of over $15M annually in sponsored and contracted research projects. She also energizes blue economy innovation in Maine, including overseeing innovation disclosures, patenting, and licensing processes for technology transfer at Bigelow Laboratory, as well as partnering with others in the State to advance ocean-based solutions.
Orcutt is also a globally-recognized expert in the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. She’s authored some of the most highly cited papers on understanding the ecosystem services provided in the deep sea by the microscopic realm of life. She is regularly invited to provide expert guidance to policy makers and scientific societies and is often quoted in the media on the topic. Orcutt is the Associate Director of the COBRA Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Accelerator, spurring deep sea research to inform decision making.
Orcutt’s expertise in deep-sea mining impacts stems from over a decade of leadership experience directing diverse and international teams of scientists and students in the exploration of the deep sea. Using seafloor exploration assets and deep-sea observatories, her research has focused on discovering how “deep biosphere” microscopic life thrives in strange environments and how their living impacts global processes. Orcutt is a co-founder and co-instructor of the Deep-Sea Expedition Leadership Master Class, which trains early career professionals on how to lead effective deep-sea expeditions. At Bigelow Laboratory, she directs the Deep Biosphere Laboratory team. She has a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of Georgia. Having traveled far and wide for her research, Orcutt also has a passion for promoting cross-cultural justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity in ocean science and spearheaded reforms in this area at Bigelow Laboratory.
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Jon Rotolo has founded multiple asset management companies over the past two decades which have cumulatively managed over $8 billion of capital. As a manager he has overseen teams which have made nearly seventy portfolio company investments and executed hundreds of follow on acquisitions. As an investor he has held board seats across multiple industries including telecom, media, technology, renewable resources, infrastructure and healthcare. Currently Jon serves on the Board of Concord, the Board of Managers of the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research, and is an officer of LSJ Charitable Corporation. Mr. Rotolo is a graduate of Hamilton College, Boston University’s Questrom School of Business and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.
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Steven Fox, is a Partner at Propeller where he focuses on sourcing, investing in, and supporting ocean entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their ventures.
At Propeller, Steven has led investments in Allium, Aquatic Labs, Blue Energy, Circle Seafoods, Coastal Carbon, Reel Foods, and Rewind.
Steven has been a lifelong supporter and investor in the ocean, as an angel investor and leveraging family office capital. He has supported ocean food systems, regenerative aquaculture, nature-based carbon solutions, energy and more.
In addition to being a salty stakeholder, Steven worked as an operator. Prior to Propeller, he was the CEO of Impact Global Education (IGE), and a Managing Director at Sunizorro Investments. At IGE, Steven managed offices in 13 countries around the world, working with academic institutions to facilitate experiential education and bolster social and environmental enterprises. At Sunizorro, Steven developed and managed early-stage investments in the renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture spaces.
When not at Propeller, Steven can be found egging on his two daughters, masshole-ing over Boston sports, or on the water.
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Blue Venture Forum Founding Sponsor | | | | |
