Location

Alaska

project scope

Statewide

ObjectiVE

Build a statewide integrated ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in Alaska’s ocean economy.

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The Alaska Ocean Cluster (AOC) was formed to identify and implement a vision for maximizing the value of Alaska’s vast ocean resources for the benefit of current and future generations of Alaskans.

1.

Blue Pipeline Incubator Program

Alaska Ocean Cluster’s inaugural ocean-based company accelerator program wrapped up in May 2019 with outstanding success. 

The first cohort consisted of four ocean-based businesses, all based in Seward, all at various stages in their development. Highlights from the first cohort include: 

•  $2.3 million in funding sought through active conversations with investors, with $1.6 million currently committed. 

• A provisional patent filed for a novel ocean energy invention that won the top faculty invention award at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

• Semi-finalist qualification at the Alaska Angel Conference.

2.

Exploring Alaska’s Blue Assets Leadership Summit

The 2-day event was centered around the “focus areas” that were highlighted in the Alaska Blue Economy Foundational Report (first-ever of its kind), developed by Alaska Ocean Cluster and Center for Economic Development.

The robust working group was comprised of “ocean economy champions” from across Alaska, ranging from government and university leaders, economic development experts, industry and non-profit professionals, and local entrepreneurs all dedicated to advancing and diversifying Alaska’s ocean economy.

3.

Ocean Tuesday Virtual Speaker Series

In less than 2 years, AOC’s flagship program “Ocean Tuesday” has hosted over 200+ blue economy speakers. Ocean Tuesday is a weekly, virtual series with a presentation followed by open community forum discussing current ocean-related projects and innovations from across Alaska and beyond.