Join us for three days of innovation, investment, and impact along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Gulf Blue Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to explore the future of the Blue Economy, from food security and coastal resilience to startup growth and national security.
May 19-21, 2026
Gulfport, MS
Register. Connect. Build the Blue.
About Innovation Week
Gulf Blue Innovation Week is a curated, multi-day experience designed to accelerate research to impact, showcase emerging technologies, and connect startups with the partners and capital needed to scale.
Across three days, attendees will engage in:
- High-growth startup pitches
- Thought-provoking panels and discussions
- Exclusive networking experiences
- A premier Demo Day showcasing innovation in action
This is where ideas move from concept to deployment and where Mississippi’s Blue Economy continues to lead.
Day 1
Tuesday, May 19
Innovation, Storytelling & Startup Energy
Watch emerging startups pitch their innovations in front of investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
9:00am-2:00pm: Startup Pitch Competition
Speaker: Kevin Decker, CEO, Ocean Aero
Screening: Hope in the Water
A special screening from Season 1 of the acclaimed series highlighting sustainable seafood and ocean innovation.
Panel: The Hidden Link Between Aquaculture and National Security
Explore how the Blue Economy is strengthening domestic food systems, advancing coastal resilience, and supporting national security through innovation and partnerships. Panelist coming soon.
3:00pm-3:15pm: Lynn Meadows Welcome
3:15pm-3:45pm: Screening of Hope in the Water
4:00pm-5:15pm: The Hidden Link between Aquaculture and National Security
5:30pm-6:15pm: Small bite by Celebrity Chef
Day 2
Wednesday, May 20
Gulf Blue Navigator Demo Day
Featured Speakers
- Governor Tate Reeves
- Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief, Entrepreneur Magazine
Governor Tate Reeves
Jason Feifer
Meet the Cohort
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Day 3
Thursday, May 21
Strategy, Conversation & Celebration
State of the Coast
A forward-looking conversation on the future of the Gulf Coast, focused on economic growth, resilience, and innovation.
Introducing Oyster Pale Ale
Celebrate the launch of our Oyster Pale Ale at Chandeleur Island Brewery, brewed with locally sourced Two Cracker Oyster Co. Oysters, bringing the Blue Economy full circle from the gulf to your glass.
Get Connected.
Startup Gulf Coast
Speaker: Kevin Decker, CEO, Ocean Aero
Explore the growing startup ecosystem driving innovation across the region.
Why Attend?
- Connect with investors, founders, and industry leaders
- Discover cutting-edge Blue Economy technologies
- Engage in conversations shaping food security, resilience, and innovation
- Experience Mississippi’s role as a leader in research to impact
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through connection.
Join us for Gulf Blue Innovation Week and be part of the movement transforming ideas into impact.
Sponsors
