Florida’s relationship with the ocean has always shaped its economy. Today, advances in marine technology, coastal resilience, autonomous systems, defense, research, and entrepreneurship are creating new opportunities for the state to become a national and global leader in the emerging Blue Economy.
Blue Tech and the Ocean Economy will explore how Florida is leveraging its coastlines, ports, universities, military installations, marine industries, and innovation ecosystem to develop new technologies, companies, and economic opportunities connected to the sea.
The discussion will highlight Florida-based initiatives bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, government, defense, and industry. Panelists will examine areas including ocean and maritime technology, autonomous systems, coastal resilience, marine infrastructure, workforce development, commercialization, and the growing intersection between BlueTech and national security.
The session will also consider how Florida can better connect innovation happening across regions such as Tampa Bay and South Florida, creating a statewide ecosystem capable of attracting investment, supporting startups, commercializing research, and developing the workforce needed for this expanding sector.
For Florida, the opportunity extends well beyond traditional maritime industries. The Blue Economy represents a chance to transform the state’s natural geographic advantages into leadership in emerging technologies with applications around the world.
At its core, the session asks: What will it take for Florida to become one of the world’s leading centers for BlueTech and the Ocean Economy?
