Local Partnership Fuels Global AI Innovation

Our inaugural Blue w(AI)ve Accelerator concluded earlier this summer, marking a significant step forward in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for ocean-based solutions. Over 16 weeks, this program — born from a collaboration between the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, and the Institute for Experiential AI — brought together seven startups from across the globe. These companies are at the forefront of using AI to address critical challenges in ocean exploration, conservation, and resource management. As a local initiative based in Maine, the Blue w(AI)ve Accelerator exemplifies how regional efforts can have a global impact, fueling progress in sectors such as marine mammal conservation, sustainable aquaculture, data management, and renewable energy — ensuring that AI’s benefits are applied to some of the most pressing environmental and economic issues of our time.

The Power of Partnership

The Blue w(AI)ve Accelerator, developed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Ventures team, was designed to support ocean-related startups by providing customized support from a cross-disciplinary team of scientists, AI experts, and investors. This support, offered through GMRI and the program’s core partners, provided the critical resources, industry knowledge, and networks needed to advance AI-driven solutions for sustainable ocean practices.

GMRI connected companies with scientists-in-residence and investors-in-residence who provided deep industry knowledge along with access to blue economy research, expertise, and networks. In addition to the scientist and investor mentors, each company was paired with a team at Northeastern’s AI Solutions Hub, led by James Shanahan, and received consulting services valued at $25,000 to help develop their AI solutions.

Local to Global Impact

As the Gulf of Maine continues to warm faster than most bodies of water on the planet, this region represents the frontline of those seeking to develop ocean-based climate solutions — making Maine accelerators ideal to be the testing ground for innovative solutions to global ocean challenges. The unique regional set-up allowed companies participating in this accelerator to take advantage of Maine's distinctive marine assets, entrepreneurial support network, and institutional expertise. The innovations developed by these startups have the potential not only to support the resilience of the Gulf of Maine and the communities that depend on it but also have the ability to scale and deliver impact on a global level.

Check out a company case study from our inaugural cohort, produced by our partners at Northeastern Institute's AI Solutions Hub, to see an example of how the program helped these companies further develop and integrate AI into their operations.

In-depth case studies like that above represent just one company's journey through the accelerator program, but all seven of the companies found the program valuable.

For Josh Humberston, founder of Coastal Measures, an environmental data company that uses AI to bridge the gap between raw data and analysis to give customers the information they need to make smart decisions, this accelerator raised the visibility of his work.

Ami Everett, the founder of Blue Latitudes, had high levels of praise for the growth she achieved as a result of this program.

Innovating for the Future

As we reflect on the conclusion of our inaugural Blue w(AI)ve Accelerator, it’s clear that the program laid a strong foundation for future innovation in the blue economy. By bringing together AI expertise, ocean science, and entrepreneurial drive, we’ve seen how regional initiatives like ours in Maine can contribute to global solutions for pressing ocean challenges.

The success stories from our first cohort demonstrate that AI is not just a tool for these startups — it’s a transformative force that enables new ways to explore, conserve, and sustainably manage our oceans. The connections made, the technologies developed, and the knowledge shared throughout this accelerator will continue to drive progress long after the program’s end. We are currently in the planning phase for a second cohort, so be sure to follow the project website, our LinkedIn, and our newsletter to stay informed and be notified of updates.