CIE to Host Third Annual Ocean Innovation Conference in September

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host its annual Ocean Innovation Conference Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Burney Center on the UNCW campus.  

For registration and more information, please visit CIE’s website. 

The conference, now in its third year, unites the deep research expertise of UNCW, the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem of southeastern North Carolina and the passion of people who care deeply about the ocean and coastal communities. 

Ocean Innovation Conference Highlights: 

• Topics ranging from marine biotechnology, alternative materials, living shoreline projects, ocean data science and emerging innovations yet to be imagined
• Speakers including former world surfing champion Shaun Tomson and bestselling author Deborah Westphal
• An Innovation Fair offering networking opportunities and convening leaders from business, government and academia
• Additional events highlighting the region’s blue economy efforts, ocean-related innovations, investment opportunities and marine resource sustainability

The Ocean Innovation Conference is open to everyone, from investors and innovators to students and citizens. The 2025 conference will also feature a virtual attendance option and includes live streaming, interactive activities and networking with other attendees for those unable to travel or for those wanting to stream into a classroom. 

UNCW students can attend for free and should contact CIE to receive their ticket code. Early bird tickets are on sale for $99 until July 31.  

The Ocean Innovation Conference is endorsed as a Decade Activity by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This event aims to advance ocean science and support the Decade's goals of achieving a healthy and sustainable ocean. 

Sponsors for this event include NC IDEA ENGAGE, NOAA Sea Grant, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the City of Wilmington, NCInnovation, Acme Smoked Fish, Friends of UNCW and the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center.