Tacos and Tech Podcast
Neal Bloom
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Turning ocean science into real-world impact
This week on the Tacos & Tech Podcast, we dive into San Diego’s growing Bluetech ecosystem with Vanessa Scott, Director of Industry Relations, Innovation, and the StartBlue Accelerator at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD. Vanessa shares how StartBlue helps launch and scale ocean-focused startups - from wave-powered sensor platforms to coral reef restoration biotech - and why San Diego is uniquely positioned to lead the future of the blue economy. From mentoring early-stage companies to securing a $14M NOAA grant, Vanessa is building the bridge between science, startups, and global sustainability right here on the California coast. Key Topics * What is Bluetech? And why it goes far beyond just the ocean * The origin and evolution of the StartBlue Accelerator * Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s century-long legacy of innovation * Why Bluetech needs business minds and scientists * How San Diego became a hub for ocean startups and blue data infrastructure * The importance of community, collaboration, and programs like I-Corps * What to expect at Blue Tech Month, including in-water demos and tall ship meetups * Startup highlights: Hybrid Reef, Del Mar Oceanographic, Ocean Motion, Kaipono, and more Links & Resources: * StartBlue Accelerator * Scripps Institution of Oceanography * Blue Tech Month Events via TMA BlueTech * BlueNalu – Cultivated Seafood Innovation Connect with Vanessa: * LinkedIn – Vanessa Scott This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe
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