3 Things Bluetech Entrepreneurs Should Know about Mississippi
Say “Mississippi,” and you might conjure images of white sandy beaches, delicious Southern cuisine, and shrimp boats. While the blue economy is nothing new to the Gulf Coast — fishing, shrimping, oyster farming, and shipbuilding have been present for decades — a new wave of innovation is heading for its shores.
SeaAhead, in partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has launched the Gulf Blue Navigator in Gulfport, Mississippi. This six-month program connects established startups to resources, market access, and local expertise. Here are 3 things bluetech entrepreneurs should know about the Magnolia State.
1. Warm sea temperatures + access to research vessels = easy year-round testing
For bluetech entrepreneurs, gaining access to deep water to test your product can be difficult at best, impossible at worst. Most research trips require at least 12 hours to gather the necessary data, which severely limits vessel availability. To further complicate matters, many U.S. climates don’t allow these excursions throughout the year.
“In the Northeast, you can’t touch the water in January,” says Hailey Bathurst, Program Manager for Gulf Blue Navigator. “And on the West Coast, if you don’t have a boat, you have to beg, borrow, and steal to get access to the water.”
A longtime hub for shipbuilding, the Gulf Coast offers easy access to research vessels and water testing. Deep water is much closer to the shore, leading to faster turnaround times that save time and money. With low wave activity and year-round warm temperatures, the Gulf Coast provides a friendly testing environment.
The Navigator program streamlines entry even more. “We have research vessels and a relationship with the port in Gulfport,” says Hailey. “Not only can we get you to the water year-round, but we’ll help you get there.”
2. The Gulf Coast has a thriving ecosystem.
The Gulf Coast’s long history of manufacturing and shipbuilding has led to a plethora of industrial ports equipped with research vessels and specialized loading equipment.
Gulfport specifically is a hotbed of resources. Thanks to its designation as a strategic port, Gulfport has both the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. The Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, NOAA, and the Airforce have a strong presence as well. This translates to a thriving ecosystem of testing facilities, industry experts, and access to an existing market.
“We’re putting your startup in front of NOAA or NASA. It creates a real-world setting for people to innovate within.”
For an established startup with a product compatible with smart ports, military application, or shipbuilding, this is a gold mine. Access to these agencies heightens the possibility to be acquired or purchased. Gulf Blue has already fostered these connections. “We’re putting your startup in front of NOAA or NASA,” says Hailey. “It creates a real-world setting for people to innovate within.”
3. Coastal resiliency is the new name of the game.
Rising sea levels and warming global temperatures have deeply impacted communities around the world. The Gulf Coast in particular has suffered from devastating hurricanes and disappearing coastlines, sparking a necessity for new, innovative solutions.
The rapidly evolving challenges facing the Gulf Coast make it a pressure cooker of innovation. Government agencies and local experts are motivated to work collaboratively to welcome the next wave of creative solutions. It’s a prime location for bold, new ideas.
“For lack of a better term, it’s sink or swim,” says Hailey. “We have to figure this out. This is innovation for the sake of survival.”
Creative ocean-focused concepts are critical in a rapidly changing world. With its rich resources and innovative mindset, Mississippi is primed to help your bluetech venture make the leap to success and scalability. So come on down to the Gulf Coast — the water’s fine!