A practical, founder-focused and funding session exploring how aquaculture ideas become fundable businesses. Through firsthand perspectives from entrepreneurs, investors, and public funding leaders, this session unpacks capital readiness, early execution, and the real decisions behind launching, financing, and building a successful aquaculture startup.

11:00 From science to startup: how researchers commercialize their research and how investors evaluate aquaculture innovation.

Dylan Howell. Investment & Innovation Catalyst, Hawaii

11:15 Building an aquaculture startup from the ground up: lessons from the field.

Ashley Roulston. Co-Founder, Industrial Plankton. Victoria, BC, Canada

11:30 From pain point to platform: commercializing innovation in aquaculture logistics

Kristin Elliott. Chief Executive Officer, Aquasend. San Diego, California, USA

11:45 U.S. public investment and funding for aquaculture innovation: landscape and status

Danielle Blacklock. Director, Office of Aquaculture, NOAA Fisheries. USA

12:00 Observations on investing in aquaculture and the stock market

Jeff Hetrick. Board Member, National Aquaculture Association, USA

12:15 Panel discussion and Q&A: What it really takes to turn aquaculture innovation into a successful businesses

A candid discussion on what it truly takes to fund, launch, and scale aquaculture ventures - covering grants, investment, founder readiness, and early execution.

Panelists: Danielle Blacklock, Ashley Roulston, Kristin Elliott, Jeff Hetrick. Moderator: Dylan Howell