Blue Innovation Symposium unites marine industry experts

Salve Regina, in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Boston, will welcome experts and sponsors from across the marine industry to share their ideas on education, technology, commerce and networking when the Blue Innovation Symposium is held for the first time in Rhode Island on Nov. 27-28.

The theme for the two-day symposium, expected to attract nearly 200 experts and participants, is “The Ocean, Data and You,” with sessions being held at Salve Regina, the University of Rhode Island and the Cambria Hotel. Expert speakers will facilitate discussion on a variety of “blue tech” industry topics, including the intersection of digital issues such as data analytics and cybersecurity with current maritime industry sectors.

The Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education is convening the symposium with leading regional partners to connect the University with industry, organizations, state and federal agencies, and other key stakeholders in order to grow the region’s economy and strategic relationship with Canada’s ocean cluster.

Toby Stapleton, dean of graduate studies and continuing education, holds a key role in several national and international initiatives intended to grow and support the blue technology cluster, and he is a frequent speaker on the topic.

“The blue economy is strong in Rhode Island and the Blue Innovation Symposium is an opportunity for Salve Regina to help support the sector by bringing government, industry and academia together to discuss industry trends, new startup technologies and research opportunities,” Stapleton said.

Participants representing leading-edge marine technology companies will facilitate programming aimed at providing an overview of current trends in the industry, and a showcase of startup companies to discuss their new technologies. The cross-border collaboration will visit topics in “blue farming,” tourism, business innovation, education and more.

For more information and a complete symposium agenda, visit theblueinnovation.org.