Massachusetts is doubling down on its bet to become the global hub for oceantech innovation, with a major injection of funding into the Ocean Innovation Network. The initiative, unveiled during the Southeast stop of MassCEC’s Climatetech Corridor Roadshow, aims to supercharge the state’s maritime technology sector by expanding testing facilities, co-working spaces, and support services for startups.
Governor Maura Healey didn’t mince words about the stakes. “This is how we lead—with strong investments that give inventors and researchers access to labs, testing facilities, and coastal sites where they can build and deploy real technology like underwater drones, smart buoys, and marine sensors that will change how we understand and protect our oceans.” The governor’s remarks underscore a strategic pivot: Massachusetts isn’t just backing innovation—it’s building the infrastructure to make it happen at scale.
The Ocean Innovation Network isn’t just about labs and equipment. It’s a lifeline for startups navigating the complexities of maritime tech. From permitting to supply chain hurdles, the initiative provides the operational runway that can make or break a young company. “These projects will expand collaboration across our coasts—from the South Coast to the North Shore—strengthening connections between businesses, researchers, and local communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. This isn’t just about funding—it’s about stitching together a fragmented ecosystem into a cohesive, coast-wide network.
The awardees reflect this holistic approach. Innoventure Labs, for example, will launch the OceanTide initiative, offering mentorship, mobile workshops, and access to test sites. Meanwhile, the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative is upgrading its tidal test facilities, while the New Bedford Ocean Cluster is expanding its prototyping capabilities. These aren’t isolated projects—they’re pieces of a larger puzzle, designed to create a seamless pipeline from idea to deployment.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is getting a significant boost, with funding to develop new test sites, including mobile dockside access points and a nearshore buoy-based testing area. This expansion is critical. WHOI’s expertise in ocean science combined with accessible testing infrastructure could accelerate the development of next-generation marine technologies.
The Ocean Innovation Network isn’t just about Massachusetts—it’s about positioning the state as the go-to destination for oceantech. “Oceantech startups are developing innovative ways to make maritime industries more energy efficient, protect marine life and coastal communities, and generate clean, local power from the ocean,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “With the Ocean Innovation Network, we are building the infrastructure and support system that these startups need to thrive.”
This initiative is a bet on the future—one where Massachusetts leads the charge in maritime innovation. The question now is whether other regions will follow suit or risk falling behind in the race to harness the ocean’s potential.