As an ocean science leader, Bigelow Laboratory is helping Maine bring to bear its competitive advantages to position the state at the forefront of this emerging industry in New England. Follow along with our work in this transformative area.
Bigelow’s Blue Biotech Bulletin: October 2026
Bigelow Laboratory was featured in BioME’s comprehensive industry report, “Life Sciences in Maine: State of the Industry 2026.”
It shares key Maine life sciences sector data from employment and earnings to economic impact and funding sources. Check out our profile on pages 44-45!
Download a free copy today: https://biomaine.org/industry-impact/
Additionally, during the 2026 BioME Annual Conference on October 14, Vice President for Research Beth Orcutt participated in a panel titled Beyond the Data: Innovation Driving Maine’s Life Sciences.
The panel explored developments, ideas, investments, and collaborations that are shaping the future of life sciences in Maine.
Members of the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator project attended the Algae Biomass Association’s Algae Biomass Summit in Tempe, Arizona.
SRS Manoj Kamalanathan participated in a panel titled The Potential of Algae.
Additionally, colleagues including Associate Curator Kristin Heidenreich, Project Administrator Sarah Meyers, and Senior Research Scientist Mike Lomas staffed the institute’s booth and networked during the event.
The team also toured the Arizona Center for Algae Technology for a behind-the-scenes look at algal innovation.
VPR Beth Orcutt also participated in a Maine Tech Week panel titled Where Ocean Meets Innovation that explored how technology, science, and entrepreneurship are reshaping Maine’s working waterfront and blue economy.
Beth was joined by colleagues from Maine Technology Institute, Blue Innovation Labs, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and BlueSonde.
Bigelow Laboratory and Hatch Blue will bring the North Atlantic Blue BioTech Summit back to Portland, Maine, on Thursday, March 11, 2027, two days after Seafood Expo North America closes in Boston. The Roux Institute at Northeastern University joins as co-host.
The event sold out in 2026; click here to register your interest today.
About the Blue Biotech Bulletin:
Maine researchers and entrepreneurs are unlocking the potential of algae, seaweed, shellfish, and marine microbes to develop novel products and materials. These blue biotechnology innovations not only strengthen the state’s economy but also contribute to global efforts to increase health, sustainability, and resilience.
We regularly share events, reports, convenings, and other leadership opportunities where our researchers and colleagues are advancing this important work in our state. Together, these efforts highlight how blue biotechnology can diversify Maine’s economy, create high-quality jobs, and inspire the next generation of ocean innovators while building off the state’s treasured maritime history.
