OCEANS MTS Women’s Luncheon
Catch the Wave: Start-ups and the Ocean Economy
A dynamic conversation with founders and ecosystem leaders on launching and scaling ocean-tech ventures—from student ideas to global impact.
About the Session
Have a cool idea? Want to be part of an innovative team looking to solve a problem? Are your students looking to launch a start-up? What is a start-up all about?
Join a powerhouse panel for straight talk on opportunity pathways, customer discovery, investment-readiness, and building partnerships that accelerate impact across the ocean economy.
Presented by MTS at OCEANS Great Lakes. Open to all attendees; space is limited, and attendance is first-come, first-served.
Panelists
Tricia Compas‑Markman
VentureWell
Tricia implements and supports VentureWell’s early-stage entrepreneur programs, providing training for innovators on topics ranging from customer discovery to investment‑readiness. Previously, she founded and led DayOne Response, delivering clean‑water solutions worldwide—reaching 35+ countries through technology innovation, partnerships, and financing. Tricia holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Millicent Pitts
Millicent Wallace Pitts is CEO/Executive Director of OceanExchange.org, advancing innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable oceans and coastal systems. An operating executive for three decades in the chemical/materials sector with Atlantic Richfield, Rohm & Haas, Engelhard/BASF, and a university start‑up, she holds an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Alison Barlow
St. Pete Innovation District
Alison forges partnerships to grow entrepreneurs and investment in healthcare, marine science, and data/technology. She leads the Maritime & Defense Technology Hub, the St. Pete Science Festival, and the regional Ocean Team. She earned a B.S. in Hospitality Administration (Florida State University) and an MBA (American University, Washington D.C.).
Vanessa Scott
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Vanessa leads industry and innovation initiatives at Scripps to connect science and applied research with companies, supporting development and launch of ocean and climate‑focused start‑ups. With 17+ years in business development and outreach in biotech, she also brings experience in non‑profit fundraising and marine conservation. She completed a Masters in Advanced Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps.
