Fremantle Innovation Exchange: Blue Economy - Innovation in WA
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We are pleased to launch the Fremantle Innovation Exchange (FIE), a new initiative by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce made possible through funding from the Meshpoints Promotions & Storytelling Challenge.
FIE is a curated event series designed to showcase and connect innovators, founders and industry leaders across key growth sectors in Fremantle. It brings together practical storytelling from entrepreneurs and experts alongside moderated discussion, to explore how ideas are developed, tested and scaled within the Blue Economy and Creative Industry sectors in Western Australia.
EVENT 1 — Blue Economy: Innovation in WA
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Boardroom
Date: Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Event: 7:30am – 9:00am
Light refreshments will be provided
RSVP is essential
Session Focus:
This opening session will explore the breadth of Western Australia’s blue economy, showcasing founders and industry leaders working across marine technology, ocean sustainability and coastal innovation. Through founder storytelling and moderated discussion, the session will cover how ideas are developed, tested and scaled within WA, highlight emerging opportunities in the sector and unpack the challenges and enablers unique to operating in this space. Attendees will gain insight into real local innovation journeys, strengthening understanding of the blue economy’s role in WA’s future and building confidence in the state as a place for ocean-based ventures to thrive.
As part of this event experience, audience members will be able to RSVP to tour the South Metro Tafe Simulators (dates for this to be confirmed).
Keynote Speakers:
Chris de Cuyper (Fremantle Seaweed)
Chris De Cuyper is a Western Australia–based entrepreneur and impact-driven founder, best known for his work in advancing regenerative aquaculture through Fremantle Seaweed. As a leader in the emerging blue economy, Chris is focused on scaling innovative seaweed solutions that reduce methane emissions in agriculture while building sustainable marine industry supply chains in WA.
With a background spanning marine operations, industry collaboration and climate-focused enterprise development, he brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to the intersection of food systems, ocean innovation and regional economic growth.
We’re excited to announce Chris as a keynote speaker at our upcoming event, where he will share insights on building scalable climate solutions and the future of the blue economy in Western Australia.
Interview Guest:
Andrew Outhwaite (Founder & Director, For Blue)
Andrew Outhwaite is the Founder and Managing Director of For Blue, where he works at the intersection of innovation, investment and the ocean economy to help scale ideas into impactful blue economy ventures.
A long-time champion of WA’s marine and startup ecosystem, Andrew has played a key role in connecting founders, industry and investors to accelerate growth across ocean-focused industries. His work spans venture development, ecosystem building and supporting the next wave of sustainable ocean enterprises.
We’re excited to welcome Andrew for an on-stage interview, where he’ll share insights on building blue economy businesses and turning ocean innovation into real-world impact.
FIE is a curated event series designed to showcase and connect innovators, founders and industry leaders across key growth sectors in Fremantle. It brings together practical storytelling from entrepreneurs and experts alongside moderated discussion, to explore how ideas are developed, tested and scaled within the Blue Economy and Creative Industry sectors in Western Australia.
EVENT 1 — Blue Economy: Innovation in WA
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Boardroom
Date: Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Event: 7:30am – 9:00am
Light refreshments will be provided
RSVP is essential
Session Focus:
This opening session will explore the breadth of Western Australia’s blue economy, showcasing founders and industry leaders working across marine technology, ocean sustainability and coastal innovation. Through founder storytelling and moderated discussion, the session will cover how ideas are developed, tested and scaled within WA, highlight emerging opportunities in the sector and unpack the challenges and enablers unique to operating in this space. Attendees will gain insight into real local innovation journeys, strengthening understanding of the blue economy’s role in WA’s future and building confidence in the state as a place for ocean-based ventures to thrive.
As part of this event experience, audience members will be able to RSVP to tour the South Metro Tafe Simulators (dates for this to be confirmed).
Keynote Speakers:
Chris de Cuyper (Fremantle Seaweed)
Chris De Cuyper is a Western Australia–based entrepreneur and impact-driven founder, best known for his work in advancing regenerative aquaculture through Fremantle Seaweed. As a leader in the emerging blue economy, Chris is focused on scaling innovative seaweed solutions that reduce methane emissions in agriculture while building sustainable marine industry supply chains in WA.
With a background spanning marine operations, industry collaboration and climate-focused enterprise development, he brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to the intersection of food systems, ocean innovation and regional economic growth.
We’re excited to announce Chris as a keynote speaker at our upcoming event, where he will share insights on building scalable climate solutions and the future of the blue economy in Western Australia.
Interview Guest:
Andrew Outhwaite (Founder & Director, For Blue)
Andrew Outhwaite is the Founder and Managing Director of For Blue, where he works at the intersection of innovation, investment and the ocean economy to help scale ideas into impactful blue economy ventures.
A long-time champion of WA’s marine and startup ecosystem, Andrew has played a key role in connecting founders, industry and investors to accelerate growth across ocean-focused industries. His work spans venture development, ecosystem building and supporting the next wave of sustainable ocean enterprises.
We’re excited to welcome Andrew for an on-stage interview, where he’ll share insights on building blue economy businesses and turning ocean innovation into real-world impact.
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Where is it happening?
16 Phillimore Street, Fremantle, WA, Australia, Western Australia 6160
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherFremantle Chamber of Commerce
