Industry and science to advance the blue economy—focusing on sustainable use of ocean resources, marine conservation, and coastal resilience- and renewable energy through Solar and Offshore Wind Farms.
This week the UK announced the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Innovation Hub in Southampton to accelerate advancements in marine autonomous technologies and support sustainable development within the blue economy. The US $257,000 investment offers 304 square meters of space facility equipped with offices, meeting rooms, conference areas, smart acoustic pods, and hot desking zones. It replaces and expands on the former Marine Robotics Innovation Centre (MRIC) under NOC Innovations, the centre’s enterprise arm.
“Our mission is to foster innovation and innovative organisations in a collaborative environment, supporting and advancing commercial opportunities in the blue economy by creating connections between industry and science,” said Mark Hamson, Innovation Hub Manager. “This will help to harness the potential of the ocean for sustainable economic development, driving innovation and creating jobs and value in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport and renewable energy to a wider pool of innovators.”
Asia hosts several innovation hubs that bridge industry and science to advance the blue economy—focusing on sustainable use of ocean resources, marine conservation, and coastal resilience.
ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge
Launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with ASEAN, this initiative supports startups and research teams across Southeast Asia, fostering solutions in marine pollution reduction, sustainable fisheries, and coastal resilience – with the emphasis in partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive sustainable growth in the region.
JAKARTA
In Jakarta February 19, 2025, in collaboration with the Government of Japan, the ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo and Business Matching Event was staged ‘Enabling Blue Innovation Solutions for ASEAN’s Blue Economic Growth’ initiative. This event celebrated innovations and collaboration of groundbreaking solutions from startups, MSMEs, universities, and NGOs across ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste, tackling key challenges in the blue economy, such as marine plastic pollution, climate change, sustainable tourism, and sustainable fisheries – featuring 60 winners of the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenges, whose solutions align with the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework 2023 and Sustainable Development Goals. Networking with investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, unlocked opportunities for partnerships and funding.
MALAYSIA
Sarawak’s Blue Economy Initiatives
In Malaysia, the state of Sarawak has launched initiatives focusing on renewable energy and sustainable aquaculture. Collaborations between local agencies and international partners aim to develop hydrogen fuel technology and microalgae research for applications in sustainable aviation fuels and pharmaceuticals. READ MORE
JAPAN
SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development)
A Japanese government program, SATREPS promotes international joint research targeting global issues, including those related to the blue economy. It fosters partnerships between Japanese researchers and counterparts in developing countries, focusing on areas like climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management. SATREPS
SINGAPORE
Singapore has established several innovation hubs that bridge industry and science to advance the blue economy. These hubs foster collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and private enterprises to develop sustainable solutions for ocean and coastal resource management. On 27 November 2024, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation organised the 8th edition of its Ocean Innovators Platform at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. Aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and investment, this event has become an essential meeting place for highlighting cutting-edge technologies and inventive solutions towards a sustainable blue economy.
AUSTRALIA
Australia hosts several innovation hubs dedicated to advancing the blue economy by fostering collaboration between industry and science. These hubs focus on sustainable development of ocean resources, marine technologies, and coastal resilience.
Key Blue Economy Innovation Hubs in Australia
Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (Blue Economy CRC) – Tasmania
Based in Tasmania, the Blue Economy CRC is a national initiative uniting over 40 partners from industry, government, and academia across 10 countries. Its mission is to drive innovation in offshore aquaculture and marine renewable energy through applied research and training. The centre aims to develop commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solutions for ocean-based industries. READ MORE.
Henderson Innovation and Research Hub – City of Cockburn, Western Australia
Located in the City of Cockburn, this hub is part of a broader strategy to position Western Australia as a leader in the blue economy. The Henderson Innovation and Research Hub focuses on marine technology development, sustainable practices, and addressing skills gaps in the maritime and defense sectors. It supports up to 40 blue economy businesses, facilitating growth and innovation in marine industries. READ MORE.
Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) – National
The Ocean Impact Organisation is Australia’s first ocean impact-focused startup accelerator. It supports entrepreneurs and startups developing solutions for ocean health and sustainability. Through funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, OIO aims to accelerate the growth of businesses contributing to a sustainable blue economy. Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre
Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre – Victoria
Deakin University’s Marine Research and Innovation Centre is Victoria’s leading university-based marine science centre. It conducts cutting-edge research on marine ecosystems, focusing on sustainable solutions for the blue economy. The centre collaborates with industry partners to translate research into practical applications for ocean-based economies. READ MORE
Collaborating globally on a shared vision and goals to reduce climate change and feed our planet is never more important.
