USF Launches $13.9M Marine Accelerator with NOAA Grant
Deal News | Dec 10, 2024 | University of South Florida
The University of South Florida (USF), alongside its partners, has been awarded a $13.9 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of the Ocean Enterprise Accelerators program. The grant will support the creation of The Continuum, an innovative accelerator program designed to enhance the marine economy through blue-tech commercial solutions focused on ocean resilience and reducing environmental impacts. Collaborators include Tampa Bay Wave, SeaWorthy Collective, and several other organizations working on a national level to promote marine science, technological innovation, and economic growth. Notably, USF will provide access to its marine science resources to advance education and workforce development in the blue economy. The initiative, which builds on previous accelerator programs at USF, aims to foster the growth of hundreds of startups over four years, ensuring that the USA maintains a leadership role in global ocean economy innovation.
Sectors
- Marine Science and Technology
- Economic Development
Geography
- United States – The initiatives take place across various regions in the US, including Florida, California, and the Great Lakes area.
- Tampa Bay, Florida – As a major hub for marine science and the base for The Continuum program, Tampa Bay is a key geographical focus.
Industry
- Marine Science and Technology – The article discusses advancements in marine science and the development of blue-tech solutions which fall under this sector.
- Economic Development – The focus on stimulating economic growth through innovative business accelerators and commercialization programs highlights this industry.
Financials
- $13.9 million – The value of the grant provided by NOAA to support The Continuum accelerator program.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida (USF) | Target company | Company | USF is leading the initiative in marine science research and development. |
| National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | Funding agency | Government | NOAA provides the $13.9 million grant facilitating The Continuum program. |
| Tampa Bay Wave | Program leader | Company | Leads The Continuum program along with USF to foster blue-tech innovations. |
| SeaWorthy Collective | Program collaborator | Company | Collaborates on The Continuum program, promoting marine technology solutions. |
| Braid Theory | Program collaborator | Company | A partner in the accelerator program, contributing to technological innovation. |
| Ocean Exchange | Program collaborator | Company | Participates in promoting sustainable ocean economy solutions. |
| Sylvia Thomas | Senior VP for Research & Innovation | People | Represents USF in advancing blue-tech innovation through The Continuum. |
| Steve Murawski | Research Professor | People | Spearheads USF's involvement offering expertise and resources in marine science. |
| Kathy Castor | U.S. Representative | Government | Supports the public-private partnership initiative for ocean resilience. |