TO SUPPORT THE BLUE ECONOMY (STARTUP BLUE) PROJECT WHICH IDENTIFIES PROSPECTIVE INVENTORS ON THE OREGON COAST AND CONNECTS THEM TO LOCAL RESOURCES SUCH AS PROTOTYPING SPACES, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, MENTORS, AND FUNDING. THE PROGRAM ALSO COLLABORATES WITH EXISTING K-12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS TO SHOWCASE BLUE ECONOMY INVENTIONS AND ESTABLISH LOCAL INVENTORS AS ROLE MODELS AND MENTORS FOR YOUTH IN THE REGION.