The ocean economy is rapidly growing and is already over $3 trillion in size. Pacific Canada is well-positioned to expand its role as a leader in innovative sustainable blue technologies that make an impact, provide rewarding jobs and grow the economy. The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) is an innovative hub designed to bring together people, ideas, businesses and communities in an ocean innovation hub and cluster to realize the opportunities of the blue economy by advancing technological solutions that serve the restorative and innovative exploration of our oceans (https://canadacoast.ca/).

Julie Angus, CEO, Open Ocean Robotics & Board Member of COAST

Julie Angus is the CEO and co-founder of Open Ocean Robotics, a marine robotics and data analytics company. She is a bestselling author, scientist and explorer who received National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year award when she became the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland to mainland.  She is a keynote speaker who has inspired hundreds of corporate audiences by sharing lessons in leadership, teamwork and overcoming challenges.

Julie has written three books, has a graduate degree in microbiology and is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded two previous ocean-focused businesses. Julie is a director on NATO’s Maritime Unmanned System Initiative Innovation Advisory board and a board member for the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST). In 2020 she was awarded Innovator of the Year by BC Business and in 2021 she was recognized as Industry Icon by the BC Cleantech Industry.

In addition to business awards, Julie has been recognized in the realm of science, writing, and exploration.  These accolades include the University of Victoria’s Distinguished Alumni Award, McMaster University Young Alumni Award, North America’s Leading Adventurer by Explore Magazine, One of Canada’s Greatest Women Explorers by Canadian Geographic, Royal Canadian Geographic Society Fellow and many others.