Maine Blue Economy Week
Wednesday, September 30 – Friday, October 2, 2026
Portland, ME
This 3-day event brings together the people, capital, and ideas shaping the future of ocean innovation.
Save the Date! Full program details, exhibitor applications, and ticket sales are coming soon.
Organizing Partners
About the Event
Maine Blue Economy Week will convene entrepreneurs, funders, researchers, students, and ecosystem shaping the future of Maine’s ocean and coastal economy.
Over three days, the event will feature programming designed to build connections, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration around emerging trends in blue economy investment, entrepreneurship, workforce training, and cross-sector innovation. It will highlight Maine’s unique strengths as a hub for ocean innovation and focus on strengthening collaboration to advance sustainable economic development across Maine’s marine sectors.
Maine Blue Economy Week is presented through a cooperative collaboration with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, the University of Maine, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and The Roux Institute at Northeastern University.
Build relationships across Maine’s ocean innovation ecosystem
Gain insight into emerging trends and investment areas
Explore collaboration opportunities across sectors
Experience Maine’s working waterfront and research assets
Who Should Attend?
Industry + Startup Stakeholders
Investors + Lenders/Funders
Academic & Research Community
Corporate leaders & Strategic Partners
Agenda
Day 1:
State of the Blue Economy, panels, and networking
Day 2:
Keynote, startup showcases, and demo event
Day 3:
Field trips and ecosystem tours
Program Highlights
Panel Discussions and Breakout Sessions
Conversations exploring key trends shaping the future of Maine’s blue economy, with perspectives from investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Topics include innovation, research, investment, policy, and workforce development.
Startup Spotlights
Fast-paced presentations highlighting emerging startups and technologies, offering a look at new innovations and investment opportunities.
Networking Events, Exhibitor Showcase, and Demo Event
Dedicated space to engage with founders, researchers, and organizations driving innovation across the blue economy.
Organized Field Trips
Curated visits to innovation hubs beyond Portland, showcasing the region’s ocean economy in action.