On September 18 in Halifax, industry leaders, innovators, investors, and ocean-sector professionals will come together for the Sustainable Blue Economy Summit, a one-day event focused on transforming ocean innovation into real-world performance and impact.
As the blue economy continues to evolve, organizations are looking beyond ideas and asking important questions:
- How do we scale innovation?
- How do we balance growth with sustainability?
- And how can industry, government, academia, and communities work together to accelerate progress?
The Sustainable Blue Economy Summit is designed to answer those questions through insightful keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities that bring together leaders from across the ocean sector.
A Day Focused on Action and Impact
The summit will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the ocean economy, highlighting innovative approaches, emerging technologies, and collaborative strategies that support sustainable growth.
Attendees can expect:
- Inspiring keynote presentations from industry and thought leaders including The Honourable Iris Petten, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, and Hari Balasubramanian, Founder of EcoAdvisors, IMAGINE Leader
- Expert-led panel discussions on critical ocean-sector topics
- Insights into innovation, commercialization, and market opportunities
- Networking with senior leaders, innovators, investors, and decision-makers
- Conversations that connect strategy with practical implementation
Whether you’re driving innovation within an established organization, launching new technologies, shaping policy, or investing in the future of the ocean economy, the summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers and gain valuable insights.
Featured Spotlight Sessions at the Sustainable Blue Economy Summit:
1:55 – 2:35 | Scaling Ocean Climate Industries from Research to Deployment
Ocean climate industries are emerging as a key driver of both climate action and economic growth. This discussion brings together leaders from research, industry, and government to explore what it will take to move promising solutions from research and innovation to large-scale deployment.
Featuring:
- Dr. Aseel Takshe— Canadian University Dubai, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Digital Innovation and Sustainability
- Dr. Erin Bertrand: Ocean Frontier Institute, Acting Scientific Director and CEO
- Will Burt: Planetary Technologies, VP of Science and Product
11:35 – 12: 25 | Building Indigenous Economic Partnerships
Meaningful Indigenous participation in the blue economy depends on strong partnerships, innovative business models, and shared opportunities for growth. This discussion explores the financing, ownership, and collaboration models that are helping strengthen Indigenous enterprise and create lasting economic opportunities across Canada’s ocean industries.
Featuring:
- Geniene McCarthy – Indigenous Fishers First
- Laura Englehart— Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), Economic Development Manager
- Justin P. Martin— Director of Fisheries, Millbrook First Nation · CEO & Co-Founder, First Spear Group
- Christine Penney – Clearwater Seafoods, VP Sustainability and Public Affairs
Why Attend?
The Sustainable Blue Economy Summit is more than a conference; it’s a forum for collaboration and action.
By bringing together senior leaders and innovators from across the ocean ecosystem, the event creates opportunities to build partnerships, exchange ideas, and identify solutions that support a sustainable blue economy.
Join us in Halifax on September 18 to connect with industry peers, gain new perspectives, and help shape the future of ocean innovation.
Date: September 18 | Plus, attend the Pre-Summit Kickoff Reception from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Click here to explore view the full agenda, and to register for the Sustainable Blue Economy Summit: https://oceanalliancecanada.ca/blue-economy-summit-2026/agenda/
