Blue Economy Summit 2026

Join global leaders, innovators, and Duke experts for a dynamic program bridging science, business, and policy to accelerate a regenerative blue economy. Open to all.

2026 Theme: From Science to Start-Up for a Sustainable and Equitable Ocean

The Blue Economy Summit is the flagship convening of Oceans Week at Duke University, uniting global thought leaders, practitioners, and students across science, business, law, and policy. The summit will explore how we can move from marine science discovery to scalable solutions with enterprises that protect and restore ocean ecosystems.

With this year’s theme, we aim to bridge academic insight with entrepreneurial drive and highlight pathways where innovation meets impact. This summit will call attention to emerging ideas from labs, fieldwork, and classrooms in efforts to support their evolution into ventures that reshape markets, finance biodiversity, and advance environmental justice.

For philanthropists, foundations, and mission-driven investors, the Blue Economy Summit is more than a forum—it’s a launchpad for real-world collaboration and impact. Duke brings together partners who are ready to accelerate systems-level change: from regenerative aquaculture and blue carbon markets to nature-positive financing and inclusive coastal development.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

The second annual Blue Economy Summit is hosted by Oceans@Duke, a multidisciplinary community of Duke’s scholars working on challenges to sustainable use of the oceans and deriving from across Duke—the Duke University School of Law, Fuqua School of Business, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Nicholas School of the Environment, and Sanford School of Public Policy. This community of scholars aims to help train the next generation of ocean sustainability leaders, foster interdisciplinary thinking for more sustainable ocean use, and connect Duke’s scholarship to society.

FOR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

Interested in sponsoring Oceans Week at Duke? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities or make a gift today.

To discuss custom partnership opportunities or other ways you can support the Summit directly, please contact [email protected]

Info: Begin the afternoon networking with Duke students, faculty, and partners with light refreshments provided.

Info: Kick-off with remarks from John Bohorquez, Ph.D., and an overview of why Oceans Week at Duke is important for everyone, not just marine scientists.

Info: Kristen Rechberger, CEO, Dynamic Planet

Info: Scientists, entrepreneurs, and designers reveal how breakthroughs in marine research are becoming market-ready solutions improving ocean health. Panelists: Mark Huang, Shannon Parker, Nelly Ramirez, Ph.D., and Ty Roach, Ph.D. Moderators: Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D. and Rebecca Vidra, Ph.D., Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University.

Info: Coffee, tea, snacks

Info: Experts explore how finance and policy drive scalable conservation and equitable growth in the blue economy. Sponsored by Builders Vision. Panelists: Laura Deaton, Charlotte Hudson, Suzanne Johnson, and Alexandra Leeper. Moderator: Xiao Recio-Blanco, S.J.S., Program Officer, Builders Vision.

Info: Students have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and contributors.

Info: The ocean version of a fireside chat with Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, CEO of World Ocean Counsil & Co-Founder, Okhtapus and Dan Vermeer, Associate Professor of the Practice, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University.

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