Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Entrepreneurs
Building on CoastX’s successful history of programs such as Ocean Exploration and Marine Art, the Blue Innovation Program introduces students to the world of entrepreneurship through the lens of marine sustainability and innovation.
Designed and developed by Ian Grant, a three-time successful entrepreneur and former Executive Director of UNH’s nationally acclaimed Entrepreneurship Center (ECenter), and Susan Johnson, Traip Academy’s Experiential Learning Coordinator, the program fuses creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving.
“Our goal is to give ocean-minded students the confidence and tools to think like entrepreneurs,” said Grant. “Through hands-on learning and direct mentorship from those who’ve built real startups and navigated real challenges, the experience will be fast-moving, authentic, and incredibly rewarding.”
The Programs at a Glance
Option 1: StartUP Sprint — January 9–10, 2026
The program launches with a dynamic two-day “Innovation Sprint” led by nationally recognized innovation facilitator Erika Haskins, who has trained students at more than 50 schools nationwide. Through engaging challenges, participants will form teams, identify marine-related problems, brainstorm ideas, and present early-stage concepts. This is perfect for students with interest in ocean + innovation/entrepreneurship, but don't have the time for the full 6 week Blue Innovation Program.
Option 2: Blue Innovation Program,
A more robust program for students with interest in ocean + innovation/entrepreneurship and want to spend more time with experts and mentors to develop their idea into a product or service.
Includes the StartUp Sprint: Ocean Innovation (above) plus 6 after-school weekly sessions with mentors, speakers, ocean experts. Allows students to develop deeper innovation + entrepreneurship skills to grow their idea with prototypes, customer discovery, financial considerations, and end with a fully developed 3 minute pitch. Added option to work with CoastX judges to present at national competitions for students.
Weekly Sessions — Tuesdays, 4:00–6:30 PM (Jan. 13 – Mar. 3, 2026)
Over six after-school sessions, students will:
- Learn from guest blue economy entrepreneurs about real-world problem-solving and innovation.
- Build teamwork, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills with guidance from mentors who have started companies.
- Develop their ideas through customer discovery, prototyping, and validation.
- Visit a local makerspace to explore hands-on design and prototyping.
The program culminates in a final presentation & celebration on March 3, where teams will pitch their products or services before judges, friends, and family—with prizes awarded for innovation and impact.
From Idea to Impact
The Blue Innovation Program doesn’t stop when the session ends. Students can choose to advance their projects and represent CoastX in national student innovation competitions, gaining valuable experience and recognition. Johnson highlighted “By the end, every student will have learned the full ideation and prototyping process and cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset—tools that will serve them well for their next big idea and throughout their life. We know that colleges and employers eagerly seek individuals with that skill set. ”
For more information or to register before January 7th, 2026 go to Blue Innovation.
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