Entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and representatives of marine businesses from Maine and beyond will gather in Portland next week at the inaugural Maine Blue Economy Week to chart the future of the state’s $6.8 billion ocean economy.
The event will take place from Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 2. Programming will include industry discussions, technology demonstrations and visits to working waterfronts and various research facilities.
Wednesday’s opening conversation will explore the balance between heritage industries and emerging sectors.
Maine State Economist Amanda Rector will moderate a discussion featuring leaders from ocean economy clusters outside Maine.
Thursday’s keynote, “Our Heritage is Innovation,” will feature Luke Holden, founder and CEO of Luke’s Lobster, and Ben Sorkin, co-founder and CEO of Flux Marine, a Rhode Island-based marine technology company. They will discuss how Maine’s maritime industries are evolving — and where they see opportunities.
Later on Thursday, an “Innovation Showcase and Blue Fair” will spotlight technologies and products from a host of companies. Highlights will include Boat Evolution’s 10-foot, 3D-printed electric boat, electric propulsion systems and ocean monitoring technology.
On Friday, Oct. 2, programming will move into the field. Attendees can choose guided visits at University of Maine aquaculture and ocean-research facilities; sites on Maine’s midcoast including Bigelow Laboratory and the Darling Marine Center; marine entrepreneurship and research programs at the University of New England in Biddeford; or Portland’s working waterfront, including the Portland Fish Exchange.
Maine Blue Economy Week is a collaboration with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, the University of Maine, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, with major support from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and Maine Technology Institute.
More information
More details are available on the event website, maineblueeconomyweek.com.
