On March 20th, Founding Blue co-founder Jacob Ruytenbeek will join a panel at Nova Southeastern University's Connect Event, hosted by the Marine Research Hub.
The event runs 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the NSU Levan Center in Fort Lauderdale. With over 36 students already registered — and NSU's spring break returning more sign-ups — it's shaping up to be a full room of future ocean innovators.
What This Event Is About
NSU Connect is a bridge event — designed to close the gap between academia and industry by putting students in the same room as founders, operators, and leaders who are actively building in the blue economy.
The panel will cover the realities of building companies in marine tech and ocean innovation: what it takes to get started, how South Florida's ecosystem supports blue economy founders, and what career paths actually look like at the intersection of ocean science and entrepreneurship. This isn't a lecture — it's a conversation, and students are encouraged to engage.
Why It Matters
South Florida sits at the center of one of the most dynamic blue economy ecosystems in the country. Between the Port of Miami, Port Everglades, the marine manufacturing corridor, and a growing wave of ocean-tech startups, the opportunities are enormous — but the pathways aren't always visible to students coming out of marine science and engineering programs.
Events like NSU Connect exist to make those pathways visible. The students in that room on March 20th are the next generation of blue economy founders, researchers, and operators. Getting in front of them early — not with a sales pitch, but with an honest conversation about what it takes — is exactly the kind of community-building that Founding Blue was created to do.
The Marine Research Hub
Marine Research Hub is one of South Florida's most active connectors in the ocean innovation space. Based in Fort Lauderdale, MRH brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and institutions to accelerate solutions for healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities. Founding Blue is proud to partner with them on events like this one.
The Panel
Jacob will be joined by panelists from across South Florida's blue economy, including representatives from Coral Vita and Ignition, organized by Katherine O'Fallon, Executive Director of the Marine Research Hub.
Join Us
If you're a student, founder, or professional in the blue economy — this is worth showing up for.
The NSU Connect Event takes place March 20, 2026 at the NSU Levan Center, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Organized by the Marine Research Hub of South Florida.