AltaSea and Iceland Ocean Cluster Sign Five-Year Blue Tech Innovation Partnership

AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles and Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance ocean-based climate technologies, marine research, and sustainable blue economy businesses. Announced on 2 November 2026, the partnership connects AltaSea's 35-acre ocean technology campus in Los Angeles with IOC's innovation ecosystem in Reykjavik, Iceland. The agreement aims to support entrepreneurs, accelerate the commercialization of marine technologies and expand education and workforce development opportunities across international ocean innovation networks.

 

The collaboration will focus on knowledge exchange, joint research and development, and commercial applications of marine bioproducts, bioprocessing technologies, ocean technology and artificial intelligence. Both organizations will also explore training programs and approaches to regenerative ocean resource utilization. Terry Tamminen, President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaSea, said, "This partnership brings together two powerful blue economy ecosystems," highlighting opportunities to develop ocean-based technologies and support coastal economic development.

 

Read more: Sharjah Unveils Uruk, an AI-Powered Sustainable City Designed for Resource Self-Sufficiency

 

Iceland Ocean Cluster operates Ocean Cluster House in Reykjavik, supporting more than 70 startups and growing businesses across sustainable ocean industries. The organization is known for advancing the "100% Fish" movement, which promotes the full utilization of marine resources by converting previously discarded fish parts into products for food, healthcare, cosmetics, fashion and other industries. The partnership could extend these circular economy approaches through research collaboration and commercial innovation. Alexandra Leeper, Chief Executive Officer of IOC, said the agreement would create opportunities to share knowledge and support companies developing sustainable value from ocean resources.

 

The organizations will establish a Joint Steering Committee with representatives from both partners to oversee the agreement's implementation over five years. The committee will meet twice a year to review progress, identify potential projects, and address challenges. Although the partnership establishes a structure for advancing blue technology and sustainable marine industries, the announcement does not disclose dedicated funding, confirmed research projects, or measurable environmental targets. Its outcomes will depend on the initiatives the collaboration develops.

 

Source: AltaSea