The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, yet it is often treated as an after-thought. For those of us living along the coast, we experience the beauty of the ocean every day and understand its power—but how do we harness it as a driver for innovation?  

Enter the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), known simply as the Ocean Decade. This global initiative provides a collaborative framework for scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and citizens to engage and collaborate to spark a revolution in ocean science. 

Ocean Decade has 10 goals described on the website, ranging from reducing marine pollution to creating digital models of the ocean and restoring our human-ocean connection. Ocean Decade is a call to action to unlock the ocean’s potential while protecting its future. 

At the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), we’re proud to announce that–for a third year in a row–our Ocean Innovation Conference has been designated as an official United Nations Ocean Decade event. This designation reflects our commitment to advancing ocean-focused entrepreneurship, research, and partnerships that matter. 

The 2025 Ocean Innovation Conference will take place on Tuesday, September 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UNCW Burney Center. A robust Virtual Conference is also offered for participants who cannot make it to campus. This annual event brings together global and local leaders to explore cutting-edge ocean solutions and foster collaboration across disciplines. innovators, researchers, investors, students, and citizens to explore how ocean science, community, and entrepreneurship intersect. Expect: 

• National keynote speakers–including a world champion surfer–and thoughtful panelists 

• An incredible conference app that can help you make just-in-time connections to other participants 

• Meeting and hearing from innovators first-hand 

• Walking away energized and ready to build the future of our community together. 

Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious, I invite you to join us. This conference is more than a gathering–it’s a catalyst for regional impact and global connection.  

Learn more, register, and explore sponsorship opportunities, at https://uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/events-programs/programs/ocean-innovation/. 

Let’s make Southeastern North Carolina a leader in sustainable ocean innovation—together. 

Heather McWhorter, MS, PE, ECM is the director of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). CIE supports innovation-forward start-ups and helps to build a vibrant innovation economy for all in southeast NC.  

To learn more about CIE and our services, programs, and events, follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube. CIE’s website is uncw.edu/cie.