Why do you feel the industry or these clusters were not relatively known at the time?
Derrick: It’s interesting that you say was invisible. When I found the company, started working with that company, I actually invested in that company, and began to understand that San Diego had all these amazing blue tech companies that I said, “We need to put an organization together to really help them mature and grow,” create a common what we call Blue Voice. We began to organize our community in San Diego, and then try and convince people in other places to also organize clusters in other places in the United States and other places in the world. It was really through that that I became aware that San Diego was a hotbed of blue tech activity, but that there were blue tech centers around the United States and around the world. I acted as CFO and the second-largest shareholder.
I’ve been acting as the pro bono president of TMA BlueTech from the beginning, and I had invested in a company that was the world leader in what we call Mini ROVs, remotely operated vehicles. Michael: In my case, I’m an investment banker by background. Derrick: I always like to know what prompted the organization to start? What prompted the idea? We are considered one of the oldest most active blue tech clusters in the world and we focus on promoting really sustainable use of water and ocean technologies. We are two non-profits in San Diego, California, and we are active nationally and internationally. BlueTech is a concept that I would say is relatively new as opposed to cleantech which I think some people would call greentech. BlueTech is really all about ocean and water. My name is Michael Jones, I am the founder and president of TMA BlueTech. Michael Jones: Sure, thanks very much, Derrick. What you do and what your organization is about? Michael, since we have you here tell us about yourself and about BlueTech. We are also joined by senior international trade specialist Christina Parisi of our Tucson office and Aaron Davidson of our San Diego office who offer additional insights related to the marine technology sector. Derrick: On this episode of Export Nation, we explore the U.S. Commercial Service’s partnership with Michael Jones founder and president of TMA BlueTech, and delve deeper into Hydronalix’s export success with CEO and President Anthony Mulligan.
Title: TMA BlueTech On The Value Of Partnership For Maritime Technology Companies | Transcript Date: March 9, 2021 | Duration: 59:04 Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Events.Facing a Foreign Trade AD/CVD or Safeguard Investigation?.