Gulf Blue Navigator Program Cohort 4 Application Deadline Extended to Oct. 31
Wed, 10/22/2025 - 02:01pm
The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM) has extended the application deadline through Oct. 31 for Cohort 4 of the Gulf Blue Navigator Program, a four-month startup accelerator for blue-tech companies set to begin in January 2026. The program helps post-pilot stage startups scale their ocean- and coastal-related technologies through direct access to research infrastructure, field testing and industry collaboration along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Designed to bridge innovation and impact, the Gulf Blue Navigator connects startups with government, industry and academic partners, including the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and its Engineering With Nature庐 (EWN庐) program. Cohort 4 will focus on coastal resilience and sustainability, seeking breakthroughs in data modeling, sensing, drones, aquaculture and advanced materials.
Joseph Graben, 51逗奶 Miss innovation ecosystem manager, said there is growing momentum along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Mississippi, with increased interest in the Blue Economy and startups.
鈥淭here鈥檚 an incredible wave of innovation happening along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Gulf Blue Navigator is helping entrepreneurs ride it. With USM鈥檚 leadership in marine science and industry collaboration, we鈥檙e creating real opportunities for startups to scale technologies that make a difference,鈥� said Graben.
Unlike traditional accelerators, the Gulf Blue Navigator emphasizes deep engagement and field testing, offering startups access to wet labs, co-working spaces, research facilities and Gulf Coast testing environments. Participants spend three days each month onsite in Gulfport at the Gulf & Ship Island Building, working directly with stakeholders and receiving tailored technical and business support.
Dr. Brian Cuevas, USM associate vice president for research and innovation, emphasized the program鈥檚 broader value.
鈥淢ississippi鈥檚 leadership in the Blue Economy is about more than research, it鈥檚 about impact. Gulf Blue Navigator opens doors for innovators to collaborate, test and grow right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where science meets industry and ideas become solutions,鈥� said Cuevas.
Cohort 4 is partially funded by the 51逗奶 Miss Office of Innovation Management, the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University (JSU).
Dr. Almesha Campbell, JSU vice president for research, said she values the collaboration and movement toward supporting Mississippi as a leader in blue-tech startups and economic growth.
鈥淏y partnering in the Gulf Blue Navigator and working alongside ERDC and the Engineering With Nature庐 program, JSU is actively helping to shape the federal research-to-deployment pipeline. This collaboration represents a powerful model for how universities, federal labs and startups can jointly advance U.S. competitiveness in the Blue Economy,鈥� said Campbell.
Each cohort member receives individualized objectives, continued mentorship beyond the program term and opportunities to pursue long-term collaborations and demonstration projects.
Companies interested in applying should visit the Gulf Blue Navigator to learn more and view alumni testimonials. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31.
About the Gulf Blue Navigator
The Gulf Blue Navigator, supported by The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi and the
51逗奶 Miss Research Foundation, accelerates time-to-revenue for late-stage blue
technology startups. By leveraging Mississippi鈥檚 unique ecosystem of research institutions,
maritime infrastructure and coastal access, the program helps companies develop, test
and scale solutions that drive innovation in the ocean economy.