The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has launched its new Ocean Innovation Network with more than $11 million in funding distributed across seven projects statewide. The initiative aims to strengthen Massachusetts’ position as a global hub for ocean technology, while creating jobs and supporting innovation in marine science and climatetech.
The announcement was made in New Bedford, during the Southeast stop of MassCEC’s Climatetech Corridor Roadshow. MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert joined New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and state officials to highlight the role of the program in accelerating technologies such as underwater drones, smart buoys, and marine sensors.
“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,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program will help drive solutions that put our state on the map as a global leader in ocean science and technology.”
Building regional capacity
The Ocean Innovation Network will expand shared testing facilities at docks and coastal sites, giving startups and research organizations easier access to ocean environments for trials and deployment. The program also provides co-working spaces, mentoring, and logistical support to help entrepreneurs overcome hurdles in supply chain, permitting, and commercialization.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized the broader impact: “These projects will expand collaboration across our coasts—strengthening connections between businesses, researchers, and local communities. The Ocean Innovation Network takes Massachusetts to the next level, helping train local workers, support small businesses, and making sure the benefits are felt at kitchen tables across the state.”
Targeted funding
Among the awardees, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will receive $3.2 million to establish new testing sites, while the New Bedford Ocean Cluster will use $2.1 million to expand facilities and support its Maritime Business Incubator. Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Innoventure Labs, Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative, SeaAhead, and the Massachusetts Housing and Climate Innovation Center will also receive targeted grants to improve infrastructure, advance tidal and wave energy research, and expand entrepreneurial services.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper noted the urgency: “Ocean conditions are changing fast. We need technology that can adapt just as quickly. The Ocean Innovation Network will fast-track tools that monitor coastal risks, support offshore energy, and strengthen marine infrastructure.”
A foundation for the blue economy
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell framed the investment as part of the city’s growing maritime role: “New Bedford’s emergence as a center of marine innovation is a natural outgrowth of the concentration of maritime businesses in our Port. These grants will make it easier for innovators here to test and deploy new technologies and attract investment.”
Dr. Reichert underscored the long-term vision: “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. These awards are a down payment on a stronger, more connected network that will accelerate innovation and reinforce Massachusetts as the premier place to launch and grow oceantech businesses.”
Since 2010, MassCEC has invested nearly $800 million in clean energy initiatives, attracting more than $2.8 billion in additional public and private funding. The Ocean Innovation Network represents its latest step in advancing climate solutions while boosting the state’s maritime economy.
