The University of Southern Mississippi is stirring momentum by doubling down on investing in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the blue economy, defined as the use of ocean resources for economic growth, is projected to double in size for a $3 trillion global economic impact by 2030. Southern Miss is riding the wave via its favorably located Gulf Park campus in Long Beach and unique ocean science engineering program.
In 2021, the burgeoning aquatic tech start-up Ocean Aero relocated its headquarters from San Diego, Calif. to Gulfport, immediately creating 45 local high-paying jobs along with a $4.65 million corporate investment for its new home. An existing partnership with Southern Miss faculty and graduate students was the catalyst for the move.
“Here we are on the cutting edge of [the blue economy],” Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul told MidDays with Gerard Gibert. “In ocean science and engineering, we’re developing those technologies. [Ocean Aero], to this day, work hand in glove with our graduate students and our professors.”
While Ocean Aero develops both novel hardware and software with a broad range of utility, its specialization is autonomous and surface vehicles. The technology is expected to directly contribute to the industry’s expected massive growth, as well as hold significant defense industry implications.
The former California-based company isn’t the only business joining hands with Southern Miss in research and development efforts. According to Paul, the school is readying to welcome the third annual cohort for the Blue Navigator Program, an initiative that draws in global ocean engineering startups to partner with faculty and students.
“Every year we put out opportunities for startups around the globe in businesses related to the ocean economy to come in and work with our professors in an incubator to help develop their startups and grow that thing out,” Dr. Paul explained. “It’s exciting stuff. Our focus there is on coastal academic programs for coastal people for coastal jobs. So, we’re really excited about what’s happening down there.”
The programs have already formed a direct pipeline for Southern Miss graduates moving on to professional roles in the blue economy, while Paul and other Southern Miss leaders hope the programs and future investments have a direct, long-term impact on the Magnolia State’s economy at large.
