From Boston to Mississippi: How Gulf Blue Navigator Helped SeaTrac Navigate the Blue Economy

SeaTrac cofounder Jigger Herman checking in on a SeaTrac customer and boat at USM’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering with staffers Kevin Martin and Roy Jarnagin.

(Blue) business is booming on the East and the Gulf Coast!

The Gulf Coast region is known for its abundant resources and thriving Blue Economy, making it a prime location for entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities. To support the growth of bluetech startups in the area, SeaAhead, in partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi, launched the Gulf Blue Navigator program. This program serves as a gateway for startups to access the rich ecosystem and resources of the Gulf Coast region, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

As longtime members of the SeaAhead ecosystem, SeaTrac was a logical choice to join the inaugural cohort of the Gulf Blue Navigator program. SeaTrac specializes in designing and developing solar-powered uncrewed surface vehicles for autonomous observation, data collection, and reconnaissance.

We caught up with Alessandra Bianchi, Communications Director at SeaTrac, to chat about all things business, the incredible potential of the Gulf Coast, and the warm Southern hospitality.

Bianchi and SeaTrac cofounder Jigger Herman enjoy the rocket scenery on their first visit to Stennis Space Center.

SeaAhead: What was your initial reaction after your acceptance to the Gulf Blue Navigator program?

Alessandra: We were pleasantly surprised, especially having heard the application process was very competitive. We have belonged to SeaAhead since its inception in 2018 and can’t help but notice that with each passing quarter it continues to expand its scope— in terms of offerings, programs, and events—as well as sheer membership numbers.

SeaAhead: What surprised you during your first visit to Mississippi?

Alessandra: The sheer amount of blue brain power and ocean stakeholders in the Gulf Coast was a big surprise. While we had certainly heard of Stennis Space Center and the Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Data Buoy Center, we couldn’t have said with certainty that they were in Mississippi, let alone in such proximity with each other along the Gulf Coast.

SeaAhead: Have you noticed major differences between the East and the Gulf Coast?

Alessandra: Yes! The friendliness, and small town “we’re all in this together” feel. The first time I visited Gulfport, Mississippi was in 2019 for an Oceans in Action event. Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes was in attendance and circulated the reception directly following his keynote. We chatted like old friends, and he couldn’t have been warmer and more welcoming. I’ve lived in Boston for almost 35 years and have yet to see a sitting mayor, let alone chat with one.

The SeaTrac solar powered 4.8m SP 48 uncrewed service vehicle is designed to operate in all marine environments, from near shore, rivers, and lakes to open ocean.

SeaAhead: What were some unexpected developments or benefits for SeaTrac during GBN?

Alessandra: Over the past 6 months, GBN has supported SeaTrac’s business goals in a variety of ways. We’ve been able to meet important milestones that have been overlooked in our day-to-day startup frenzy. Finding and attracting good mentors has long been on our wishlist: GBN curated and delivered a fantastic group to us. We’ve also worked on our branding, learned about maritime insurance, and brushed up on SBIRs and other federal funding options.

In addition, the field trips and warm receptions we received at Stennis Space Center, NVision Systems, and Department of Marine Resources, among others, were eye opening. Having the might of USM behind us, not to mention access to its gleaming facilities—the Roger Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, the Marine Resource Center, and the Gulf and Ship Island Building coworking space, to name but a few— is also invaluable.

Happy International Women's Day greetings from Gulfport, MS at the Gulf Blue Navigator tech accelerator HQ.

SeaAhead: How did GBN help SeaTrac build relationships in the Gulf Coast?

Alessandra: SeaTrac’s space – the uncrewed surface vehicle sector – is disruptive and new enough that it takes a lot of collaboration among disparate stakeholders that might not necessarily have sat around the same table before. Having a shared access point like the Gulf Blue Navigator gives our new company added legitimacy and local credibility that’s invaluable as we make our way in the Blue Economy.

As with anything in life, familiarity and in-person connections breed trust and build traction. Our monthly visits to Mississippi allow us to foster these relationships while identifying connections that can be indispensable to building positive outcomes.

SeaAhead: Will SeaTrac continue to have a presence in Mississippi after the program?

Alessandra: The Gulf Blue Navigator program has been an invaluable resource for SeaTrac and other blue technology startups in the Gulf Coast Region. As soon as business growth warrants expansion, we can’t imagine a more attractive location than the Gulf Coast and we will be actively and eagerly looking for opportunities to establish a permanent presence.