By Emily Pavlik
The OpenSeas Technology Innovation Hub is launching a discussion series exploring "blue economy" opportunities for maritime-related business in Hampton Roads from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 4.
The Offshore Wind Landing Innovation Series, broadcast virtually from the Virginia OSW Landing office in downtown Norfolk, will be offered monthly. With its world-class port and growing offshore wind industry, Hampton Roads is poised to become a hub of maritime innovation, and the series will delve deeper into that potential.
The series will feature presentations from industry experts and showcases from companies working in maritime. In the future, the series will include reverse industry pitches, assembling a panel to discuss issues and challenges that present opportunities for innovation.
The kickoff presentation will be an online event hosted on Zoom. The series will be free to attend, but does require registration. Attendees will receive the Zoom link once registration is complete. Ten in-person tickets will be offered to attend the event in the World Trade Center at 101 West Main Street.
Nancy Grden, associate vice president for ODU's Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, will present and discuss the findings in a recently published report, "Pathway for Maritime Innovation in Hampton Roads." The report was produced by TEConomy with funding from ODU and ReInvent Hampton Roads.
"We are excited to present the Innovation Series as part of the programming for the Virginia Offshore Wind Landing," said Jerry Cronin, executive director of the OpenSeas Technology Innovation Hub. "The Landing was formed through collaboration, so it is only fitting we promote collaboration, and this series will help us bring together innovators to support Virginia's growing place in the nation's offshore wind energy industry."
The series is offered in partnership with the Hampton Roads Alliance, Virginia Offshore Wind Landing, Economic Development Administration, Virginia Department of Energy and the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council.
The Virginia Offshore Wind Landing opened in spring 2021 as a collaborative space where companies interested in establishing a presence in Hampton Roads can become part of the region's maritime network and offshore wind industry. It provides a platform for companies to work, connect and access resources. The purpose of the Landing is to develop a cluster of offshore wind companies and foster the growth of Hampton Roads and Virginia as an innovation and supply chain hub of the offshore wind industry.
The OpenSeas Technology Innovation Hub is a globally focused center that investigates "wicked" and "intractable" problems in the maritime and coastal arenas, discovers innovative solutions for these problems, then works with individuals and companies to grow these solutions into businesses that provide value to the world.
