Gulf Blue Navigator Honored with Rising Tide Award at 2026 State of the Coast Symposium
Mon, 06/08/2026 - 10:02am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The Gulf Coast Business Council honored the Gulf Blue Navigator for its leadership in fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship and advancing the blue economy throughout Coastal Mississippi.
"The Gulf Coast Business Council is proud to recognize The University of Southern Mississippi Research Foundation and Gulf Blue Navigator with this year鈥檚 Rising Tide Award. Their leadership in fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship and advancing the blue economy is helping position coastal Mississippi as a hub for research, technology and economic growth. We鈥檙e grateful for their partnership and excited to see the continued impact of their work across our region," said Jamie Miller, GCBC president and CEO.
Gulf Blue Navigator is a four-month accelerator program designed to help later-stage startup companies gain market access through partnerships with the university, industry leaders, and state and federal agencies. The program aims to accelerate participants' path to revenue while supporting growth along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Since its launch, four cohorts have completed the program, contributing to a growing pipeline of companies representing an estimated $17 million in potential economic impact.
Dr. Brian Cuevas, associate vice president for research and innovation at Southern Miss, said the program is helping establish Mississippi and the Gulf Coast as a center for maritime innovation, coastal resilience and blue technology commercialization.
"We are proud to support innovative companies that are creating jobs, advancing maritime and coastal technologies, strengthening resilience, and driving meaningful economic impact throughout the region. The momentum we are seeing across the Gulf Coast is truly inspiring, and we believe this is just the beginning,鈥� said Cuevas.
The most recent cohort showcased its work during the program's annual Demo Day, which drew more than 200 attendees to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport to learn about coastal resilience solutions and emerging technologies.
Natalie Guess, assistant director of innovation and impact at Southern Miss, said the success of participating companies reflects the strength of the region's growing blue economy ecosystem.
鈥淩eceiving the Rising Tide Award from the Gulf Coast Business Council is an incredible honor and a reflection of the collaborative ecosystem we are building through Gulf Blue Navigator. This recognition represents the researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners, investors, and community leaders who are working together to position Mississippi and the Gulf Coast as a national leader in the blue economy,鈥� said Guess.
During the symposium, Miller thanked attendees for investing in the future of coastal Mississippi and emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening the region's economic competitiveness.
To learn more about the Gulf Blue Navigator and its efforts to advance innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in the blue economy, visit the program's .