Blue Technology Gets a Major Showcase at Oceanology International Americas Conference

The Oceanology International Americas (OiA) is set to return to San Diego from Feb. 14-16 to host its first ocean technology, engineering and science conference since 2019, and scientists and leaders from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego will have a significant presence.  

The OiA trade show taking place at the San Diego Convention Center aims to serve as a catalyst for innovation by creating positive change in and around the world’s ocean industries. The event is open to visitors and exhibitors involved in exploring, protecting and sustainably operating in the world’s oceans and waterways. 

The conference and exhibition will feature a broad showcase of technology-based solutions that are necessary to meet the needs of ocean health, including imaging devices, sensors, survey tools, AUV and SUV robotics, connectors, software and more.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography will be a part of the conference through several blue economy and blue technology collaboration events and activities.

To highlight education and research opportunities in ocean science, Scripps Oceanography will host two exhibits, located at booths F38 and G48. One booth will be dedicated to the ocean-focused startBlue innovation accelerator program co-led by Scripps and UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management. The program supports science and engineering startups that are tackling ocean challenges and creates solutions that can be integrated into science, industry, investment and government networks. The second booth will be dedicated to Scripps Corporate Alliance and career opportunities. This booth will also feature scientists from the Scripps Center for Marine Archaeology and the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) who will be sharing their research innovations and technologies.   

“This is the first post-COVID Oceanology International Americas conference back in San Diego that will bring together global blue technology leaders in industry, government, research, and investment to showcase the newest innovations in ocean technologies,” said Vanessa Scott, Director of Corporate Affiliates, Business Development, Industry Outreach and Innovation at Scripps, and Director of startBlue. “Scientists, staff and students from Scripps Oceanography and the startBlue accelerator program will also be sharing their applied research innovations, technologies and startups.”

On Feb. 14, Scott will be a featured speaker on the panel “Future Ocean Solutions - Incubate and Accelerate” from 3-4 p.m., where attendees can listen in on the growing network of programs focused on the development of advanced ocean-based science and engineering startups.  

Scripps Oceanography Director Margaret Leinen will also be a part of a panel called “The Ocean Decade: Delivering the science, technology and skills for the future” on Feb. 16 alongside Nicole LeBoeuf, Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Kate Wing and Dr. Dawn Wright. This panel will discuss the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, of which Leinen is a co-chair of the advisory board, and the need for co-design and co-delivery of the transformative science, innovation and skills that will be needed to unlock the future new blue economy. 

Those looking to learn more about the 2023 Oceanology International Americas conference or wishing to register can do so through the OiA website. 

For more information, contact Vanessa Scott at vscott@ucsd.edu.