Gulf Blue

09/01/2026

🌊 Mississippi’s blue economy is full of opportunities for new technologies to be developed, tested and put to work.

From our coast and waterways to maritime industries and national security, the Gulf Coast offers a unique environment for innovation to grow beyond the initial idea.

08/20/2026

A great night of connections and conversation around Mississippi’s blue economy! 🌊

Thank you to Oshen CEO Anahita Laverack for sharing more about Oshen’s technology, growth and experience with Gulf Blue Navigator.

🎥 WLOX captured highlights from the evening and took a closer look at the growing blue economy on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Watch and read the story: https://conta.cc/4gFKyGO

08/18/2026

🌊 BIG NEWS FOR BLUE & MISSISSIPPI!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Gulf Blue Navigator has been recognized by TIME as one of the Top Accelerators and Incubators in the United States!
🏆 #52 in the Nation
🏆 #1 in Mississippi
This recognition by TIME is a tremendous milestone for Gulf Blue Navigator and, more importantly, for the growing Blue Economy ecosystem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Gulf Blue Navigator was built around a simple but ambitious vision: connect innovative companies with the research capabilities, industry expertise, federal assets, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships they need to grow — while positioning Mississippi as a destination for Blue Economy innovation.
Today, that work is receiving national recognition.
This achievement would not be possible without the entrepreneurs and companies that have trusted Gulf Blue Navigator, along with the researchers, industry leaders, investors, federal and state agencies, economic development organizations, and community partners who continue to invest their time, expertise, and resources into building this ecosystem.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.
And while we're proud of how far we've come, we're even more excited about what's ahead.
The Blue Economy is growing. Mississippi is helping lead the way. And Gulf Blue is just getting started. 🌊
Mississippi Development Authority Mississippi Department of Marine Resources The University of Southern Mississippi

08/13/2026

There’s a lot happening across the Gulf Blue® Navigator community! 🌊 From Mississippi to markets around the world, companies are growing, deploying new technologies, and reaching new milestones across the blue economy.

See what they’ve been up to 👇💙
🎥 https://youtu.be/oLFJXex_kzM

08/11/2026

🌊 The University of Southern Mississippi’s Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Tier 1 Certificate Program returns this fall with five weeks of coursework at the Marine Research Center in Gulfport.

📅 September 28 – October 30, 2026
📆 Application deadline: August 31

🔗 Learn more about the program and application process:
https://conta.cc/4wTbgl7

(Eagle Ray)  Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly involved in routine, innovative, and emergency data collection in the marine environment yet few curricula exist worldwide to train operators for this equipment.

08/05/2026

🌊 Join us for Gulf Blue® Happy Hour with Oshen!

Spend an afternoon connecting with members of the blue economy community while learning more about OSHEN's innovative work in autonomous ocean sensing and real-time ocean intelligence.

📅 Wednesday, August 19
🕓 4:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Gulf & Ship Island Building

Register here: https://conta.cc/4pUwvQG

08/04/2026

Have you picked up the latest South Mississippi Living yet? 💙

Gulf Blue® is included in this month's magazine, highlighting the people and partnerships helping grow Mississippi's blue economy.

📖 Take a look:
https://conta.cc/4579UH7

07/29/2026

🌊 Great conversations, new connections, and a shared passion for innovation.

It was wonderful to see the Gulf Blue® community gather for an afternoon of networking with Yi Chao and the team.

From reconnecting with familiar faces to meeting new ones, events like these help bring people together to exchange ideas, build relationships, and support Mississippi's growing blue economy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! 💙

07/08/2026

🌊 Join us for a Gulf Blue® Happy Hour!

Enjoy an evening of networking, food, beverages, and conversation with fellow innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and members of the blue economy ecosystem.

📅 Friday, July 17
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Gulf & Ship Island Building
🍽️ Food and beverages provided

We look forward to seeing you there!

🔗 https://conta.cc/4fprSuj

06/10/2026

Momentum continues to build for Gulf Blue®. 🌊

From discussions on the future of aquaculture during Innovation Week to showcasing at Demo Day and receiving the Rising Tide Award at the 2026 State of the Coast Symposium, Gulf Blue® Navigator continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

As Gulf Blue builds on this momentum, so do the opportunities for innovation across the region.💙

🌊 Read more below.
Gulf Blue® Navigator Cohort 4 Showcased Innovations at Demo Day
https://conta.cc/4xk7IJ3

Gulf Blue® Navigator Honored with Rising Tide Award at 2026 State of the Coast Symposium
https://conta.cc/3Qg8DJT