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Updated: October 28, 2025

Bigelow Lab looks to create 'blue' biotechnology businesses and jobs

A person stands at machines on a counter. Photo / Courtesy of Bigelow Laboratory Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has launched a program that aims to accelerate the translation of marine science into commercial opportunity.
By Laurie Schreiber

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, an East Boothbay nonprofit research institute focused on global ocean health, last week launched a program called Blue Biotech Innovation Ecosystem that aims to accelerate the translation of marine science into commercial opportunity. 

Partnering with Hatch Blue and regional collaborators, Bigelow’s goal is to launch an “innovation studio,” attract investment and create jobs by leveraging Maine’s experience in life sciences and the blue economy. 

The goal is to unite entrepreneurs, investors and researchers in the field of blue biotechnology, according to a news release.

“These initiatives are creating the ecosystem to help translate the cutting-edge research already happening here into real-world solutions and market-ready products, supported by a skilled, Maine-based workforce,” said Beth Orcutt, Bigelow’s vice president for research.

$10B potential

Blue biotechnology is the intersection of life sciences and the blue economy and is one of the fastest-growing global industries, projected to exceed $10 billion in value globally  by 2027, according to a news release. It focuses on developing high-value products and services derived from marine organisms such as algae, seaweed and aquaculture byproducts — with applications in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, agriculture and more.

The program builds on recent federal investments that expanded capacity for translational research, including a $453,000 award recently received from the Maine Technology Institute in Portland.

Jobs and investment

The project is expected to create a plan to help transform Maine's marine resources into biotechnology products, generate jobs and attract investment, said Brian Whitney, the institute’s president.

Over 1,000 organizations are already connected to marine biotechnology across New England and Maine is home to the region’s largest concentration, according to a regional assessment developed by Bigelow, Hatch Blue and Ocean House Consulting.

Hatch Blue is a venture capital investment firm based in Cork, Ireland, with focus areas that include aquaculture. Ocean House Consulting is a blue economy business support company in Cape Elizabeth.

Global markets

The plan calls for establishing coastal hubs, recruiting entrepreneurs, expanding workforce training, attracting private capital and fostering community initiatives.

Marine biotech is considered a key growth opportunity for the state. Assets include its marine ecosystem, expansive coastline, research institutions, coastal communities, proximity to Boston’s global biotech corridor and a maritime heritage that includes fishing and shipbuilding.

The project could help blue biotechnology businesses leverage the state’s marine assets while connecting to global markets, said Wade Merritt, president of the Maine International Trade Center and state director of international trade at the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. 

“The partnership with Hatch Blue brings essential international experience and networks that will accelerate Maine’s development as a global blue biotech hub,” Merritt said.

The project builds on Bigelow’s existing programs, including the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator, or MARIA, launched last year with funding from the National Science Foundation to help translate algae-based research into commercial opportunities. MARIA provides kickstarter grants for algae-derived biotechnology projects.

Parallel efforts 

Parallel efforts are providing a boost to this work. 

Last month, the state launched a “life sciences center” that aims to expand capacity for biotech research and innovation.

The University of Maine and Roux Institute at Northeastern University are launching a training cohort to help bring research-based technologies to market with a focus on advancing blue biotech innovation.

Boats are tied up at a wharf.
Photo / Courtesy University of Maine
Blue biotechnology is the intersection of life sciences and the blue economy and is one of the fastest-growing global industries, projected to exceed $10 billion in value by 2027.

Last week, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Roux’ s ClimateTech Incubator hosted the third annual Blue Economy Investment Summit to explore the future of the blue economy on Portland’s working waterfront. 

“All of these efforts are coalescing to build a launching pad for both home-grown companies and those we’re trying to recruit to the state,” Orcutt said. “Our proposition is that Maine is the place in the nation to grow blue biotech, and together this innovation ecosystem is making that happen.”

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