Why the Future of Blue Tech Depends on Global Collaboration and How the Port of San Diego is Leading the Way
At the Port of San Diego, we are working to shape for an ocean-positive future for our blue planet through the sustainable use of our ocean and coastal resources. That’s why we launched the Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) in 2016 – to accelerate early-stage ocean ventures and support scalable, nature-inspired technologies that improve both environmental health and economic resilience.
Over the past several years, the BEI has helped position San Diego Bay as a global hub for blue tech innovation – we are the first and only port with a port-led incubator for aquaculture and blue technologies. Through the BEI, the Port has enabled pilot projects in sustainable shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, marine energy, eco-engineering, and ocean monitoring. These initiatives align with our mission of over 60 years of waterfront stewardship and our belief that thriving ecosystems and economic development go hand in hand.
But if we’re going to tap into the best ocean-positive tech and sustainable solutions, no port or region can do it alone.
International Reach Through Global Engagement
Blue Tech solutions know no borders. Innovations like bioremediation, marine friendly hard armoring, and advanced underwater sensors can’t be developed in silos. They require collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, regulators, and port authorities across the globe.
That’s why the Port of San Diego has taken a proactive approach to building international partnerships -from sharing best practices with other forward-thinking ports to co-developing pilot opportunities with innovative partners and streamlining permitting processes that speed up innovation without compromising environmental protections.
We’re proud to collaborate with partners across the globe many of whom are similarly investing in the blue economy. These relationships don’t just spark new ideas; they also open doors for scaling solutions, unlocking new markets, and building a global innovation ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Ports have a unique role to play in advancing the blue economy. We sit at the intersection of commerce, conservation, and community. We are gateways to the ocean and to opportunity. By supporting emerging ocean technologies and embracing international collaboration, ports can transform into launchpads for the next generation of sustainable industries.
Together, we can build a resilient, regenerative ocean economy that supports jobs, protects marine ecosystems, and prepares coastal communities for the future. If you’re working on innovative ocean solutions or looking to partner, we’d love to hear from you.
Learn more about the Blue Economy Incubator:
