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Seward is the first Alaska community to work with the Alaska Ocean Cluster to jump and grow ocean-based businesses. A first cohort of four early-stage businesses that signed up with the cluster’s Blue Pipeline Incubator last October has so far attracted $1.6 million on an investment goal of $2.3 million, ten times more than anticipated.

Seward is the first Alaska community to work with the Alaska Ocean Cluster to jump start ocean based businesses. A first cohort of four early-stage businesses signed up with AOC’s Blue Pipeline Incubator last October and has attracted $1.6 million from investors so far, ten times more than anticipated.

The Alaska Ocean Cluster (AOC) and Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting collaboration between the two bodies.

The Alaska Ocean Cluster, a leading proponent of the growth of Alaska’s blue economy through the integration of industry, academia, non-profit, and governmental forces, is pleased to announce the signing of an MOU with Iceland Ocean Cluster.

Efforts at economic development in ocean and coastal regions are more and more taking place within an evolving concept called the ‘blue economy’ – an economy that embraces all ocean-dependent activities. Basically, blue economy means connecting economic uses of the ocean with sustainable ecosystems and environmental conditions to benefit local communities.

Industries both giant and small were given a spotlight at this year’s Industry Outlook Forum, put on by the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District and held in Homer this week for the first time in at least five years.

Using robots and bioengineered bacteria to refurbish old fishing boats took top honors at the recent Ocean Technology Innovation Sprint (OTIS) at the Loussac Library in Anchorage. The Google-inspired sprint concept, hosted by the Alaska Ocean Cluster, brings entrepreneurs together to create prototype solutions to challenges of their choice within a set time.

Using robots and bioengineered bacteria to clean up old fishing boats took home top honors at last month’s Ocean Technology Innovation Sprint, or OTIS. The Google inspired Sprint concept moves ideas to prototypes within a set time.  

Ask experts in the area and they’ll tell you: the blue economy is the future of Alaska’s economic stability. Long an exporter of raw goods and natural resources, Alaska must transition from that exportation to the development of sustainable ocean businesses if the state has any hope for future economic growth.

For towns such as Seward, who owe their existence largely to sea-based commerce in all its forms, the ocean is the nexus for nearly every aspect of life. As a superhighway for trade and travel and a source for nearly limitless bounty, the ocean provides many of the cornerstones that shape a healthy community.