THE RISING TIDE OF BLUE TECHNOLOGY IN HANCOCK COUNTY

July 2025

Hancock County might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cutting-edge ocean technology, but that’s quickly changing. From smart marine systems to coastal defense, our region is transforming into a destination for water innovation.  

With direct access to the Gulf and our growing ecosystem of research partners and resources, Hancock is building something special. Here’s a look at how the Blue Economy Cluster is helping transform our shoreline and the future of ocean innovation. 

Leading Above & Beneath the Waves 

Coastal Geography 

Our location along the Gulf of Mexico gives blue tech companies a natural edge. These waters aren’t just scenic, either. They offer ideal conditions for in-ocean testing of equipment like autonomous vessels, underwater sensors and environmental monitoring devices. This access saves time, cuts costs and ultimately helps projects get from prototype to production faster.  

Maritime Expertise 

With decades of experience in shipbuilding, maritime defense and coastal operations, the local workforce and business ecosystem bring specialized skills to the table. Whether you're building next-gen naval platforms or developing ocean-based infrastructure, our community’s industrial roots mean you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on tested ground.  

Gulf Blue Initiative 

Led by the University of Southern Mississippi, the Gulf Blue Initiative unites academia, industry leaders and federal agencies to drive breakthroughs in blue technology. This collaborative environment not only accelerates innovation, though. It also connects businesses to top research and ensures new tech is aligned with national and global priorities. 

Shared Infrastructure 

From NOAA-aligned research vessels to Department of Defense-linked testing facilities, Hancock offers access to high-value, shared infrastructure that most companies couldn’t build alone. Whether it’s access to test bays or secure networks, teams can make use of  existing resources to lower expenses and get to market faster.  

Integrated Logistics 

Few places are as connected as Hancock. With immediate access to deepwater ports, interstate highways, CSX rail lines and both Stennis International Airport and nearby commercial air hubs, moving marine equipment, vehicles and personnel is seamless. Plus, on-site fabrication and staging areas mean companies can develop, test and deploy from one place.  

Marine Talent Development 

Whether it’s high school courses or specialized university career tracks, our local institutions work closely with industry leaders to shape curricula, creating a pipeline of talent for the blue economy. This means students graduate ready to work in roles like marine engineering, data analysis and oceanographic research.  

Smart Port Expansion 

Hancock is poised to become a global hub for the blue economy. By integrating digital systems and sustainable practices into port operations, our region is preparing to support everything from blue logistics to clean marine fuels, offering companies a competitive edge in the evolving market. 

Propelling Growth Through Partnership 

Our Blue Economy isn’t growing in isolation. Today, it’s thriving thanks to strong public-private partnerships that bring together startups, educators, researchers and government agencies to solve real-world marine challenges. 

Gulf Blue Navigator 

This innovative growth accelerator is giving ocean-tech startups the tools they need to scale. Through hands-on mentorship, business development support and access to advanced labs and testing environments, Gulf Blue Navigator helps companies move quickly from concept to commercialization. 

NOARC at Stennis International Airport 

The National Oceans & Applied Research Center (NOARC) has set up shop at Stennis, bridging the gap between R&D and workforce readiness. In partnership with local community colleges, NOARC is helping train the next generation of maritime professionals with a focus on operating uncrewed surface and underwater vessels.  

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) & Statewide Expertise

As one of the nation’s top marine science institutions, the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) plays a vital role in advancing Hancock County’s Blue Economy. From hydrography and autonomous systems to geospatial research, uncrewed maritime systems and sustainable aquaculture, USM is shaping the talent and research capacity that blue tech companies depend on to thrive. 

Today, USM offers a graduate degree in hydrography that is one of only three programs in North America recognized by the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers. This distinction ensures graduates meet the highest global standards for marine mapping and charting—critical skills for supporting navigation, offshore infrastructure and coastal resilience. 

In addition, USM’s Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) certification equips professionals with expertise in the operation, maintenance and integration of uncrewed surface and underwater vessels. The program blends academic instruction with field experience, providing a strong foundation in marine autonomy, systems engineering and data acquisition. With offerings like these, USM is not only supporting workforce readiness but also reinforcing Mississippi’s leadership in the future of ocean-based technologies. 

Hydrography at Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College now offers a Hydrography Technology program designed to prepare students for entry-level technical positions in the growing field of marine surveying and data collection. Their curriculum includes instruction in basic seamanship, maritime safety and the operation and troubleshooting of hydrographic instruments such as sidescan sonar, multibeam echosounders and sub-bottom profilers.  

Through this program, students also gain practical experience with sound velocity profiling and the launch, recovery and operation of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs). Today the program supplies trained technicians for industries engaged in coastal mapping, infrastructure assessment and environmental monitoring. 

Hydrography CTE Program at Hancock County Career & Technical Center 

Hancock County High School has launched Mississippi’s first-ever high school-level hydrography program within its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. This curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of hydrographic science and marine technology, providing early exposure to a career field that is vital to the Blue Economy. By offering hands-on training and coursework in a high school setting, the program is building a pipeline of local talent prepared to pursue further education or direct employment in marine technology sectors. 

Together, these partnerships create a powerful support network that helps businesses move faster, hire smarter and bring new marine technologies to life. 

Making Waves Here & Abroad 

Hancock County’s Blue Economy is already powering meaningful innovations—advancing climate science, marine sustainability, and national security—with benefits for both communities and the planet. 

Take Ocean Aero, for example. This trailblazing company is developing autonomous ocean drones that will gather vital oceanic data to support everything from maritime defense to environmental monitoring. Their hybrid surface-underwater vessels represent a leap forward in persistent ocean observation. 

The county is also home to major research institutions like the Northern Gulf Institute (NGI), a NOAA-affiliated research consortium located at Stennis Space Center. NGI brings together top-tier universities across the Gulf South to study and address pressing coastal and oceanic challenges, from ecosystem health to resilient communities. 

Also based at Stennis, NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) serves as a global leader in operating, deploying and maintaining a vast network of ocean buoys. These systems collect real-time data on weather, ocean conditions and climate patterns, enabling safer navigation, better forecasting and more informed science worldwide. 

In the private sector, NVision Solutions Inc., is a regional leader in hydrography services. With expertise in sonar data processing, bathymetric mapping and marine geospatial technologies, NVision supports critical missions in coastal mapping, infrastructure planning and disaster response. 

The region’s Blue Economy is further strengthened by its military research and operational presence. Facilities at Stennis Space Center house key divisions such as the Naval Oceanographic Office, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and Naval Special Warfare. These entities rely on Stennis for advanced modeling, uncrewed systems, environmental intelligence and mission-critical innovation that support both defense and scientific priorities. 

From automated aquaculture and eco-friendly materials to maritime robotics and military-grade ocean research, Hancock County’s Blue Economy is broad, fast-growing and deeply collaborative—making our region a national leader in marine innovation and resilience. 

In Hancock, the Future Is Deep 

Whether you’re a startup, researcher or investor in ocean technology, Hancock County has an environment designed to help you grow. We’ve got miles of coastline for real-time testing, strong partnerships across sectors and the kind of workforce pipeline that turns today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers. 

Add in affordable infrastructure and a community that’s serious about innovation, and you’ve got a launch ramp for your next big idea. 

Start Your Next Project Here 

Contact Obie McClure, OMcClure@hcphc.ms, to start your conversation today.