‘Blue biotech’ studio in Maine to move ocean innovation ‘from the lab to the market’

Maine Blue Biotech Studio to turn ocean-based biotech research into market ventures, advancing blue innovation

Hatch Blue and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have announced the launch of the Maine Blue Biotech Studio, a fully funded program designed to move ocean-based biotechnology innovations from the lab to the market.

The initiative aims to create commercial opportunities by accelerating the development of scalable, ocean-derived biotech products.

The program, described as the first of its kind in the United States, will take place from March 9–20, 2026, at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine. It will conclude with a Blue Biotech Investor Summit in Portland. Applications for the studio are currently open.

Funded by the Maine Technology Institute and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and organized in partnership with Hatch Blue, the program will bring together scientists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from Maine and beyond to develop ocean-derived biotech products. Over two weeks, participants will work with experts in business strategy, finance and intellectual property, followed by nine months of virtual mentorship and commercialization support to help move their innovations toward market readiness.

“All of these efforts are coalescing to build a launching pad for both home-grown companies and those we’re trying to recruit to the state,” said Beth Orcutt, Bigelow Laboratory’s vice-president for research. “Our proposition is that Maine is the place in the nation to grow blue biotech, and together this innovation ecosystem is making that happen. The future of biotech is blue and will launch in Maine.”

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The global blue biotechnology market is projected to reach $10.5 billion by 2027 and generate 50,000 new jobs by 2030, largely in regions with strong research and innovation capacity. Maine offers a combination of abundant marine resources, translational science and a collaborative coastal innovation network. The state leads New England in blue biotechnology activity, with 384 organizations, and sits within reach of Boston’s life sciences hub.

It also benefits from the nation’s fastest-growing seaweed sector, positioning Maine as a focal point for emerging ocean-based industries.

“Maine holds an exceptional competitive advantage to claim a global role in blue biotechnology – an emerging cornerstone of the state’s life sciences and economic development strategy,” explained Tanja Hoel, managing director at Hatch Blue. “Our ecosystem assessment of the New England Blue Biotechnology Cluster clearly reflects this potential. From my very first encounter with Maine’s innovation community, the opportunity was evident. Hatch Blue is proud to contribute to this growing initiative.”

The studio is fully funded, with no fees or equity required. Travel, accommodation and per diems are covered. The in-kind program value exceeds $20,000 and includes:

• Sessions with Hatch Blue’s team on investment readiness, fundraising and commercialization
• Tailored one-to-one mentorship from global leaders in biotechnology, aquaculture and the blue economy
• Exposure to investors and industry stakeholders at the Blue Biotech Investor Summit
• Access to Bigelow Laboratory’s R&D expertise, including the world’s most diverse algae collection and biotechnology resources
• Introductions to key ecosystem partners supporting the use of Maine’s fishery, aquaculture and seaweed materials for scaling production and business growth
• Ongoing guidance and check-ins throughout the nine-month program period
• Expert-led sessions and one-to-one time with dedicated industry specialists.

The studio is open to research teams, startups, established companies and experienced entrepreneurs developing innovations with marine biomaterials such as algae and seaweed, shellfish, finfish, marine byproducts, nanocellulose and novel genetic material. The goal is to create high-value products across food and feed, health and wellness, agriculture, sustainable materials, energy, consumer products and creative industries.

“We’re building an environment where blue biotech entrepreneurs can thrive,” said Dylan Terry, innovation studios director at Hatch Blue. “Whether you’re a researcher with a new discovery or a company ready to scale, the studio provides a launchpad to turn innovation into investment-ready ventures. By combining Maine’s world-class marine resources with Bigelow Laboratory’s scientific excellence and Hatch Blue’s venture-building experience, we’re creating the conditions for new biotech businesses to grow.”

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