Blue Economy Summit 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Kirby Reading Room, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
Join global leaders, innovators, and Duke experts for a dynamic half‑day program bridging science, business, and policy to accelerate a regenerative blue economy.
Save the date! Registration opens soon. Please check back with us and join our mailing list for updates.
2026 Theme: From Science to Start‑Up for a Sustainable and Equitable Ocean
The Blue Economy Summit is the flagship convening of Duke Oceans Week, uniting global thought leaders, practitioners, and students across science, business, law, and policy. The Summit explores an urgent question: How can we move from marine science discovery to scalable solutions and enterprises that protect and restore ocean ecosystems?
Built around this year’s theme, “From Science to Start‑Up for a Sustainable and Equitable Ocean,” the Summit bridges academic insight with entrepreneurial drive. It highlights pathways where innovation meets impact—where ideas emerging from labs, fieldwork, and classrooms can evolve 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.
Agenda
All times ET
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Begin the day networking with Duke students, faculty, and partners while exploring interactive exhibits and light refreshments.
1:00 – 1:15
Kick‑off with remarks from Norman Wirzba and an overview of why Oceans Week is important for everyone, not just marine scientists.
1:20 – 1:50
Keynote Address
1:50 – 2:50
Scientists, entrepreneurs, and designers reveal how breakthroughs in marine research are becoming market‑ready solutions improving ocean health.
2:50 – 3:15
Students have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and contributors.
3:15 – 3:30
Enjoy a relaxed break with coffee and refreshments.
3:45 – 4:45
Experts explore how finance and policy drive scalable conservation and equitable growth in the blue economy.
4:45 – 5:30
Students have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and contributors.
5:30 – 6:00
Takeaway insights, next steps, and invitations to stay engaged with Oceans@Duke.
For Partners and Sponsors
The Blue Economy Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity for philanthropists, corporations, and foundations to engage directly with Duke’s leading experts and rising changemakers. Sponsorship underwrites student access, speaker travel, and innovation programming—ensuring that participation remains free and inclusive. Your support signals commitment to a regenerative ocean economy built on science, equity, and innovation.
To discuss custom partnership opportunities or support the Summit directly, please contact dukeoceans@duke.edu.
Or:
Innovation Expo
As part of the Blue Economy Summit, the Innovation Expo invites Duke programs and external partners to showcase their work and connect directly with attendees. Along the perimeter of the Kirby Reading Room and in adjacent spaces, tables will feature projects and organizations advancing ocean sustainability, policy, and innovation.
Participants will include Duke initiatives such as Design Climate, the Duke Climate Commitment, the Ocean Policy Working Group, the Duke Marine Lab, Oceans@Duke Club, and Bass Connections teams, alongside external collaborators like Galápagos Reef Revival, Coral Arks, Shareholders Alliance, the Atlantic Marine Energy Coalition, and the Coastal Science Institute.
The Expo gives attendees an engaging way to explore research, technology, and partnerships driving the regenerative blue economy. It’s an informal chance to meet innovators, learn about active projects, and spark future collaborations.
Interested in hosting a table? Contact MeganDear@duke.edu to sign up – space is limited.
Contact Us
Reach out to us for inquiries about Duke Oceans Week and ocean sustainability events and collaborations.
Email: dukeoceans@duke.edu
