San Diego
Starting at USD 0
Thu, 13 Nov, 2025 at 09:30 am - Thu, 20 Nov, 2025 at 08:00 pm (GMT-08:00)
San Diego, United States
Envisioning: The Next Evolution of the Blue Economy Takes Center Stage
From San Francisco to San Diego – November 2025
What if we got this right?
BlueTech Month 2025 is not just about technology — it’s about shaping the maritime future we want to live in. Together, we are building a blueprint for:
This November, TMA BlueTech and its partners will host a month-long, multi-location initiative uniting global stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. Together, we will highlight the transformational role of maritime innovation in shaping our economy, security, and planetary health.
California — the world’s fourth-largest economy — is uniquely positioned to catalyze the next era of ocean innovation. But this future will not be built in isolation. BlueTech Month is an open invitation to global partners — from Norway to Japan, Canada to New Zealand, the UK to Korea — to bring their boldest ideas, technologies, and policies to the table.
Three Events. One Vision.
From San Francisco to San Diego, BlueTech Month 2025 positions California as a global catalyst for ocean innovation. It is more than a series of events — it is a movement to build a thriving, sustainable, and tech-driven maritime future.
Adapting Norway’s Ocean Model to Unleash SoCal’s Scale
Where history meets the future. With Norway’s research vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl docked in San Diego, this three-day event invites the public, educators, and students to explore cutting-edge ocean technologies. Day one focuses on high-impact policy and workforce development, showing how international partnerships and smart maritime strategy can drive opportunity and sustainability in California.
From Seabed to Space: The Next Evolution in Maritime Defense, Infrastructure and Resilience Integration
The centerpiece of BlueTech Month. Over three days, TMA BlueTech and our strategic partner, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), will bring together defense, industry, and science leaders for high-level panels, on-water demonstrations, and a Demo Day at the Port of San Diego. This direct collaboration with DIU positions San Diego as the world’s premier hotspot for maritime defense innovation and technology, while setting the tone for the maritime economy of 2040 — showing how defense and climate priorities can accelerate innovation across the entire Blue Economy.
Ocean Enterprise Reimagined
We close BlueTech Month by looking forward — and outward — to the future of ocean resilience. At the iconic Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, leaders in science, policy, and industry will explore how ocean observation, coastal planning, and marine data systems can fortify communities and economies against a changing climate. The day will feature high-impact panels, startup showcases, and investor insights focused on scaling the technologies that will safeguard our oceans and drive sustainable growth. The month concludes with our legendary Sunset Reception on the beachfront of La Jolla — a fitting celebration of the ideas, partnerships, and momentum ignited throughout BlueTech Month.
Info: Location: Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Broadway Pier) 1000 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101-3316
Info: This panel will feature policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates discussing the critical role of government in supporting the growth of the Blue Economy and its workforce opportunities. Key topics will include:
○ Policy as a catalyst: How government policies and regulations have driven BlueTech innovation
internationally — with Norway as a model — and what lessons Southern California can apply to scale similar success.
○ Public–private partnerships: The role of government-industry collaboration in deploying and scaling BlueTech solutions at speed and scale.
○ Global leadership & sustainability: Challenges and opportunities in positioning Southern California within the global Blue Economy while advancing sustainable ocean industries.
Info: Philanthropists, foundations, and impact investors discuss their role in driving scalable impact. Focus on how philanthropy and ESG capital seed innovation, workforce training, and resilience. Key topics include:
○ Philanthropy as a workforce multiplier: How targeted funding for scholarships, training programs, and internships can build an inclusive SoCal talent pipeline that industry and government can rely on.
○ De-risking innovation: The role of catalytic capital in funding pilots and early-stage BlueTech ventures that align with state and regional policy priorities but are often too risky for traditional investors.
○ Blended capital models for resilience: How partnerships between foundations, ESG funds, and public agencies can scale coastal resilience projects and ensure that Blue Economy growth benefits communities equitably.
Info: Educators, workforce leaders, and industry partners explore how to formalize workforce pathways into sustainable, well-paid blue jobs. Key topics will include:
○ Aligning education with industry needs: How K–12, community colleges, and universities can
collaborate with BlueTech companies to create clear, stackable credentials and apprenticeships that lead directly to sustainable, well-paid jobs.
○ Inclusive access to opportunity: Strategies to engage underserved communities in SoCal — ensuring
equity, diversity, and geographic reach in building next-generation maritime and clean tech workforce.
○ A formalized Blue Workforce Compact: Exploring how a region-wide agreement between educators, industry, and policymakers can attract federal/state grants, philanthropic capital, and sustained investment in long-term workforce development.
Info: This fireside chat will feature two of Southern California’s most influential leaders in shaping the Blue Economy — Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen and Eric Johnson. Their leadership has advanced the BlueTech sector, fostered cross-sector partnerships, and inspired a model of sustainable growth with global resonance. The conversation will reflect on their vision, challenges, and inspiration for building a Blue Economy that integrates innovation, policy, and community for long-term impact while motivating the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Info: Cross-sector leaders explore how to move from dialogue to durable structures — task forces, coalitions, and partnerships that can anchor the growth of the Southern California Blue Economy. This panel will highlight practical steps to formalize collaboration across industry, academia, government, and philanthropy, ensuring that innovation translates into action, investment, and workforce opportunity.
○ Formalizing collaboration: How to establish regional BlueTech task forces, public–private compacts, and cross-institutional agreements that create accountability and momentum.
○ Leveraging policy and capital: Aligning coalition efforts with state, federal, and philanthropic funding streams to ensure sustainable support and long-term growth.
○ Scaling impact through partnerships: Case studies on how multi-sector collaborations can drive workforce development, decarbonization pilots, and resilience initiatives from concept to
implementation.
Info: An energizing segment that bridges the day program into the evening VIP session. Includes:
○ Awards Presentation (e.g., Blue Economy Champion recognition)
○ Agreements & MoU Signings (workforce compacts, partnerships, philanthropic pledges)
○ Media Engagement and photo ops with policymakers, philanthropists, and Norwegian delegation
Info: Aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl
Info: Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego
Info: ○ On-Water BlueTech Demos: Watch or engage with demonstrations of autonomous vessels, underwater drones, and other cutting-edge marine technologies by TMA Members.
○ BlueTech Expo: Exhibitors will showcase innovations in marine conservation, robotics, and sustainable shipping solutions.
○ Students Tech Expo: With the Marine Technology Society support Students from SoCal will showcase their innovative Maritime technologies.
○ Hands-On Experience Stations: Visitors can control small-scale underwater robots or engage with interactive ocean data stations to understand how ocean data is gathered and analyzed.
Info: Public tours of this modern Norwegian research vessel, part of the One Ocean Expedition,
highlighting sustainable ocean practices, youth education, and next-gen marine science. The ship’s crew will share insights into the scientific research conducted onboard and the broader mission of the expedition.
Info: Location: Liberty Station Conference Center (2600 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106)
Info: This session explores how advancements in defense, commercial sectors, and scientific research will converge to reshape the maritime economy. It will provide a comprehensive view of how collaboration across these fields can drive innovation, security, and sustainable growth on the world’s oceans.
Info: As maritime strategy extends from the seabed to low Earth orbit, this panel explores how space-based intelligence is becoming a critical enabler of ocean innovation, resilience, and security. From real-time satellite surveillance and environmental monitoring to AI-driven decision systems and global maritime domain awareness, discover how the convergence of space and sea is shaping the geopolitical and commercial power plays of the future.
Info: The future of maritime infrastructure is sustainable, agile, and forward-thinking. This session will focus on the evolution of ports, shipyards, and offshore hubs, highlighting how they must adapt to meet the demands of rapidly advancing technologies, climate change, and shifting global trade patterns.
Info: Energy innovation is at the heart of maritime evolution. This panel will explore how advancements in renewable energy, energy storage, and alternative fuels are not just changing the landscape for shipping but are also creating opportunities for energy innovation in maritime power and operational continuity in the face of global economic and environmental challenges.
Info: This discussion will explore how AI and data-driven technologies are improving maritime security, operations, and resilience. By focusing on how cyber capabilities are enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime industries, the panel will highlight both the opportunities and challenges in maintaining secure, sustainable digital systems.
Info: For our concluding panel at BlueTech Week 2024, we will feature the future of ocean resilience innovation with novel technologies from six promising startup companies. This panel at BlueTech Week 2023 was an inspirational smash hit, and well worth the wait.
Info: Every single year, the evening reception at the majestic Scripps Seaside Forum is an event to behold. We will celebrate the successful conclusion of BlueTech Week 2024 with hosted beverages and hors d'oeuvres while being treated to stunning seaside views and sunset colors.
Info: Location: Liberty Station Conference Center (2600 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106 )
Info: This panel explores how real-time ocean intelligence—driven by AI, satellite data, and next-gen sensor networks—is transforming decision-making across the maritime domain. From fleet logistics and coastal security to port operations and situational awareness, panelists will discuss how integrated data systems are enabling faster, smarter, and more coordinated maritime operations in contested and commercial waters alike.
Info: This panel explores how autonomous and high-speed maritime platforms are extending operational reach, enabling rapid response, and reshaping naval and commercial mobility strategies. From unmanned surface vessels to advanced propulsion technologies, panelists will examine how these innovations are supporting mission-critical logistics, contested domain operations, and next-generation fleet architecture.
Info: Ports are evolving into sophisticated hubs that not only facilitate trade but also drive innovation in energy and digital security. This session will explore how next-gen port infrastructure is positioning itself as the key to global maritime stability and innovation, offering smart solutions to enhance economic, environmental, and security outcomes.
Info: This forward-looking session will examine the evolving security and innovation landscape across the Indo-Pacific.
Panelists will explore how allied collaboration—through AUKUS, 5 Eyes, and regional partnerships—can accelerate the development and integration of next-generation maritime technologies. Discussion will focus on the strategic, policy, and investment choices required to ensure interoperability, resilience, and technological advantage across the global maritime domain.
Info: Focusing on investment strategies, this panel will discuss how funding, impact investing, and public-private partnerships are driving technological advancements in maritime sectors. It will look at how global investments are accelerating the commercialization of next-gen maritime technologies that ensure sustainability and economic growth for all.
Info: Location: National City Aquatic Center (3300 Pepper Park Pl, National City, CA 91950)
Info: The TMA Challenge is the culminating event of BlueTech Month’s defense innovation summit—a live, on-water technology showcase and prize-supported challenge, developed in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and strategic U.S. maritime stakeholders.
Held on San Diego Bay, the TMA Challenge will feature select teams and technologies demonstrating operational solutions to priority gaps in coastal security, autonomy, and real-time maritime domain awareness. Aligned with current needs from the Navy, USCG, law enforcement, and intel agencies, this challenge is built to surface low-cost, rapidly deployable capabilities that can be fielded fast and scaled globally.
● Live trials of autonomous and AI-powered systems
● Integrated energy, propulsion, and sensing solutions
● Engagement from DIU, DOD tech scouts, and allied partners
Attendees won’t just watch—they’ll interact directly
Info: Location: Scripps Seaside Forum (8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037)
Info: Early-stage founders and applied researchers will discuss how foundational science is being translated into market-ready ocean technologies—spanning monitoring, infrastructure services, remote systems, and digital platforms. Emphasis on commercialization pathways and startup formation.
● Participants: StartBlue alumni, translational research leaders, NOAA innovators
● Focus: Tech transfer, product-market fit, commercial readiness
Info: Explore how emerging companies are delivering next-gen solutions for maritime intelligence, asset tracking, and real-time decision-making. This panel will highlight applications in both public and private domains, including uncrewed systems, AI-based analytics, and autonomous infrastructure support.
● Participants: Startups in sensors, robotics, data fusion, uncrewed systems
● Focus: Dual-use applications supporting both economic development and national security
Info: This panel focuses on early-stage solutions with relevance to national defense, port security, marine domain awareness, and infrastructure hardening. Emphasis on scalable technologies that advance U.S. strategic capabilities while delivering environmental and commercial co-benefits.
● Participants: Dual-use tech startups, NAVWAR, Port security leaders, StartBlue companies
● Focus: Startups serving both commercial and strategic missions
Info: This session will bring together funders, agency partners, and program leads to discuss how to build the
pipeline of investable ocean companies. What new models are working? Where are the gaps? How do we support commercialization of science in a coordinated, impactful way?
● Participants: NOAA, StartBlue, mission-aligned VCs, accelerators, foundations
● Focus: Grant-to-growth pathways, regional economic development, catalytic capital
Info: A curated showcase of StartBlue cohort companies, delivering rapid-fire pitches followed by moderated insights.
These innovators are deploying tools for ocean monitoring, resilience, and operational efficiency across key sectors.
Info: Highlighting companies building solutions at the intersection of land, sea, and sky. From satellite-powered analytics to autonomous platforms, these ventures are reshaping how data, mobility, and infrastructure are designed for both ocean and terrestrial use.
Info: Close out BlueTech Month in style at our legendary Sunset Reception at Scripps Seaside Forum. Enjoy coastal views, great company, and a toast to ocean innovation on the La Jolla shore. This iconic gathering is the perfect finale to an impactful month of BlueTech collaboration.
Also check out other Business events in San Diego, Contests in San Diego, Exhibitions in San Diego.
Tickets for BlueTech Month 2025 can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Active Duty U.S. Military/Govt NO Meals (Need ID) | Free |
| Part 2: Adapting Norway’s Ocean Model (Nov. 13) | 162 USD |
| Part 3: From Seabed to Space: (Day 1, Nov. 17) | 375 USD |
| Part 3: From Seabed to Space: (Day 2, Nov. 18) | 375 USD |
| Part 4: Ocean Enterprise Reimagined (Nov. 20) | 162 USD |
