Gulfport, Miss. — [December 12, 2025] — The University of Southern Mississippi Research Foundation’s (USMRF) Gulf Blue Navigator Program — with the support of its partners, The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Office of Innovation Management, Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), and Jackson State University (JSU) Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development — has selected a group of late-stage blue-tech startups advancing innovations used in living shorelines, coastal restoration, and nature-based resilience.
This group of six companies selected for Cohort 4 builds on priorities outlined during this year’s application cycle, emphasizing innovations that advance coastal protection, environmental sensing, data and modeling, ecosystem restoration, aquaculture systems, and sustainable coastal infrastructure. Startups selected for this cohort will work closely with regional stakeholders, researchers, and partners to accelerate technologies that support resilient, nature-based shoreline systems that enhance working waterfront communities and the economy.
Cohort 4 includes:
- Sandbar Oyster Company Inc, Leland, North Carolina
- StrateSea Technology, Inc, Lake Oswego, Oregan
- GRoW Oyster Reefs LLC, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Sediment, LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina
- Reef Arches, West Palm Beach, Florida
- Pursuit of Happiness Farms, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
“The Mississippi Gulf Coast is becoming a national destination for Blue Economy innovation, with Gulf Blue Navigator playing a pivotal role. At JSU, we’re focused on developing the partnerships and infrastructure that transform bold ideas into real-world outcomes.”
— Almesha Campbell, Ph.D., RTTP, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Division of Research and Economic Development, Jackson State University
Unlike traditional startup accelerators, the Gulf Blue Navigator emphasizes hands-on collaboration and applied research partnerships. Participants gain access to state-of-the-art research facilities, wet labs, prototyping spaces, and Gulf Coast testing environments, along with customized business, regulatory, and technical support designed for companies preparing for commercial deployment.
“USM’s leadership in the Blue Economy is about more than research—it’s about results. Gulf Blue Navigator opens doors for innovators to collaborate, test, and grow right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where science meets industry and ideas become solutions.”
— Dr. Brian Cuevas, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, The University of Southern Mississippi
Throughout the program, cohort members spend three days each month onsite in Gulfport at the Gulf & Ship Island Building, working directly with regional stakeholders and receiving targeted support to advance their market pathways. Each startup receives individualized objectives and extended mentorship beyond the program term, often leading to long-term partnerships and demonstration opportunities.
Startups selected for Cohort 4 will also benefit from partnerships supporting Mississippi’s leadership in coastal innovation, including collaborations with federal, state, and academic partners working to advance sustainable shoreline systems.
About the Gulf Blue Navigator
The Gulf Blue Navigator, supported by The University of Southern Mississippi and the USM Research Foundation, accelerates time-to-revenue for late-stage blue-technology startups. By leveraging Mississippi’s unique ecosystem of research institutions, maritime infrastructure, and coastal access, the program helps companies develop, test, and scale solutions that drive innovation in the ocean and coastal economy.
About the University of Southern Mississippi Research Foundation
The University of Southern Mississippi Research Foundation (USMRF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the research, innovation, and economic development mission of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Established in 1998, the Foundation accelerates the development and commercialization of university-driven technologies, manages a portfolio of industrial research agreements, and fosters strategic partnerships that strengthen Mississippi’s innovation ecosystem.
Through its leadership role in supporting programs such as Gulf Blue Navigator, USMRF helps connect high-growth startups with the resources, expertise, and coastal research assets needed to scale.
About U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is the premier research and development facility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With more than 2,500 employees, $1.2 billion in facilities and an annual program exceeding $2.4 billion, the ERDC supports the Department of Defense (DoD), the US Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works), and other federal, state, and local agencies. The ERDC, headquartered in Vicksburg, Miss., is made up of seven laboratories headquartered in four states: 1. Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) in Vicksburg, Miss. 2. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, N.H. 3. Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Ill. 4. Environmental Laboratory (EL) in Vicksburg, Miss. 5. Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) in Vicksburg, Miss. 6. Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Miss. 7. Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Va.
About Jackson State University
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically Black, doctoral university classified R2 by the Carnegie Classification for its substantial research activity and doctoral degree production. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in metropolitan Jackson, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu.
For more information, please contact:
Natalie Guess
Assistant Director, Innovation and Impact
Office of Innovation Management
The University of Southern Mississippi
n.guess@usm.edu