Marine Technology Society and Ocean Exchange Unite to Accelerate Innovation in Marine Technology

18 March 2025

The Marine Technology Society (MTS) and Ocean Exchange, two established nonprofits in the marine technology sector, have announced they are combining to drive innovation, advance emerging technologies, support healthy oceans and resilient coastal systems, and strengthen the Blue Economy. This combination will drive geographic expansion and leverage extensive industry networks to support the startup ecosystem. Through shared expertise and resources, MTS and Ocean Exchange will create new business opportunities, connect emerging technology leaders with experienced professionals, and accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge ocean solutions.

The integration of Ocean Exchange into MTS will enable the global MTS community to engage deeper in Ocean Exchange’s well-established process for identifying, vetting, and assisting innovative startups—providing opportunities to accelerate emerging technologies and investment opportunities. By joining forces with MTS, Ocean Exchange will tap into an international community with global reach, long-standing industry influence, and structured outreach and engagement programs. The partnership will allow the combined organization to significantly amplify its impact.

“Ocean Exchange has built a strong reputation for identifying and funding groundbreaking ocean innovations,” said Millicent Pitts, CEO and Executive Director of Ocean Exchange. “This partnership provides Ocean Exchange with a forever home while maintaining our brand, vision, and programs. Operating as a program within MTS, Ocean Exchange will have access to a broader network and additional resources to help early-stage companies scale and bring their technologies to market.”

By combining expertise and resources, MTS and Ocean Exchange are committed to advancing innovation, strengthening the ocean workforce, and accelerating the transition of groundbreaking technologies into real-world applications. This merger marks a significant milestone in the marine technology industry, ensuring innovation to support a sustainable and thriving future for the world’s oceans remains central to the MTS mission.

“The addition of Ocean Exchange to the MTS family of programs is a catalyst for continued technology development and innovation within the global marine technology startup community,” said Chris Ostrander, MTS CEO. “Ocean Exchange has supported the launch of hundreds of successful blue tech companies—companies that fit perfectly within the rich ecosystem of innovators, engineers, policymakers, and technologists in the MTS community. Our core programs, including the MATE ROV Competition, Ocean Enterprise Initiative, ocean technology microcredentials, and now Ocean Exchange, support the ocean economy of today while preparing the talent and technology pipeline for the future.”