POSSIBILITY OCEAN SUMMIT TO CONVENE BUSINESS, SCIENCE, AND POLICY LEADERS TO DRIVE THE FUTURE OF OCEAN OBSERVATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18 Hybrid Summit Unites Key Stakeholders to Unlock the Economic Potential of Ocean Data
PROVIDENCE, RI, March 11, 2025 – Possibility Ocean, an initiative to bridge ocean data, commerce, and policy, will host its inaugural hybrid summit on March 18, 2025. The event will convene business leaders, scientists, funders, and advocates through a virtual gathering and in-person sessions in Newport, RI, and Berkeley, CA, exploring how ocean observation can drive sustainable economic growth and climate resilience.
As we reach the midway point of the UN Ocean Decade, Possibility Ocean is not just asking what’s next—it is actively shaping the next phase of ocean observation. Recognizing that this stage is often the hardest, the summit focuses on sustaining momentum, catalyzing investment, and telling the stories of progress that aren’t being covered by mainstream narratives.
Founded by Rhode Island-based Giant Shoulders, Earth House Fund, and Big Dreams, the Southeast New England region is emerging as a leader in ocean innovation. It utilizes world-class research institutions, deep maritime expertise, and the strength of public-private partnerships. Through initiatives like Grow Blue and the Ocean Tech Hub designation, Rhode Island positions itself as a model for regions to harness ocean technology and drive economic and environmental progress.
Summit Overview
This first-of-its-kind gathering is designed to bring together business leaders, ocean data pioneers, and cross-sector innovators to unlock the economic potential of ocean observation. As climate risks intensify and global markets increasingly depend on marine intelligence, scalable, cost-effective ocean data is no longer just a scientific challenge—it’s a business imperative.
Possibility Ocean aims to build a dynamic and sustainable ocean observation ecosystem. Through private sector engagement, we can accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and drive new commercial applications that benefit business and planetary health.
Possibility Ocean is a movement that acknowledges and addresses the tensions between key ocean stakeholders—governments and fishing communities, offshore energy and conservationists, scientists and corporations. Through storytelling, dialogue, and strategic collaboration, it seeks to demystify complexity and create shared language between industries that have traditionally worked in silos.
By embracing multiple truths and fostering an open space for debate and alignment, the summit will explore the role of private investment, emerging Bluetech solutions, and new economic models for ocean data collection and application.
“Possibility Ocean is about designing the future of ocean observation by bringing together those who are shaping it,” said Terry McConnell, Decade Coordination Office Lead, Ocean Observing, UNESCO Ocean. “We need a new model—one that integrates private investment, emerging Bluetech solutions, and cross-sector collaboration to drive innovation at scale.”
“Rhode Island is uniquely positioned to lead in ocean innovation,” said Peter Carson, founder of Earth House Fund. “This summit is an opportunity to connect local expertise with global visionaries to redefine the economic and environmental future of ocean data.”
Key Themes:
The Business of Ocean Data – How real-time, scalable ocean observation can drive investment, policy, and industry growth.
Bluetech & Innovation – Leveraging private sector engagement to scale ocean monitoring and conservation.
Reimagining Ocean Data Markets – Creating new economic incentives for ocean sustainability.
Featured Speakers Include:
Dr. Joanna Post, Head of Ocean Observations and Services, UNESCO Ocean
Terry McConnell, Decade Coordination Office Lead, Ocean Observing, UNESCO Ocean
Ravi Pappu, CEO, Apeiron Labs
Larry Taylor, Co-Founder, The Yield Lab Asia Pacific
Mark Huang, Strategic Advisor, Fathom Science
Peter Battisti, Executive Director, Future of Fish
Possibility Ocean by the Numbers
200+ Attendees from 23 U.S. states and global representation from 12 countries, including Canada,
India, France, Thailand, South Africa, Portugal, and Australia.
How to Join
Possibility Ocean Virtual Summit
Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET (Virtual)
Watch Parties: Newport, RI & Berkeley, CA (Limited Availability)
Tickets are available now at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/possibility-ocean-virtual-summit-tickets-1204240749499
Media Discount Code: Use “Free” for complimentary press registration.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tino Chow
Founder, Possibility Ocean / CEO and Founder, Giant Shoulders
tino@possibilityocean.com
