Roux program immerses founders and students in Blue Tech entrepreneurship

As a summer intern at Wolfe Neck Oyster Company in Maine, Gretchen Clauss is researching ways to reuse or sell invasive creatures, namely green crabs that get caught up in oyster fishing cages and sea squirts that smother cages and slow the oysters’ growth.

Now on a two-week break, Clauss is taking a deep dive into the aquaculture industry while simultaneously building entrepreneurship skills in a two-week program with Portland’s Roux Institute that immerses students in Maine’s startup ecosystem.

The BlueTech Entrepreneurship Trek combines classroom learning with field study excursions. BlueTech is the advanced technology sector of the “blue economy,” which includes industries and technologies that promote sustainable ocean activities.

“Entrepreneurship has always been in the back of my mind,” says Clauss, who is studying biology and math at Bowdoin College. “We’ve gotten incredible learning opportunities and made great connections. It’s brought entrepreneurship to life and made that path feel more achievable and inspirational.”

Students earn a badge from Northeastern for completing the program, which is hosted June 12-26 by the Darling Marine Center, part of the University of Maine and an active center of marine and environmental research, education, and outreach. Clauss’ cohort of 10 includes undergrads like her from area colleges, Roux Institute computer science and data science students, and BlueTech professionals and entrepreneurs.

Tapping Into Innovation

Each day packs a punch. Students begin with a “New Venture Creation” course taught by Blaine Grimes, CEO of Gulf of Maine Ventures. They zero in on all aspects of the entrepreneurial landscape, from developing a business plan to conducting market research. They also hear from guest speakers about their professional and entrepreneurial journeys.

Students then take field excursions to explore startups and sites piloting innovative solutions across Maine’s blue economy. One afternoon they visited Running Tide, an aquaculture company in Portland that grows kelp microforests to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They spent another observing oyster farms along the Damariscotta River and the technologies farmers have deployed.

Throughout the program, students work on an entrepreneurial project of their choosing related to the blue economy. Clauss is exploring ways to connect people looking to offload green crabs with potential buyers.

“Students learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur, and they’re immersed in Maine’s BlueTech sector,” says Anna Ackerman, who designed the BlueTech Entrepreneurship Trek as the Roux Institute’s entrepreneurship program manager. “Site visits and interactions with professionals offer a great overview of the BlueTech startup scene and potential job opportunities right here in Maine.”