These larger changes to our structure and programming have not been undertaken casually; rather, they are part of a well-defined strategy to ensure that MTS continues to evolve with, and to meet the need of, a rapidly expanding and changing marine technology community and ecosystem. Launching new marquee programs and bringing established organizations in to MTS allows us to directly serve the needs of our members. It also enables us to leverage synergies between new and legacy MTS programs so that we are as efficient, impactful, and engaged as possible.  

We know that a one-size approach does not fit all within the MTS community. Given the diversity of occupations, geographies, lived experience, and backgrounds of our members, it’s not possible for every MTS program to be equally relevant to every individual and company in our industry. Our approach, though, aims to ensure that every individual and company in our ecosystem can find programs that do serve them and bring them value. This intentional expansion ensures that our suite of programs provide value across various stages of our member, sponsor, and partner relationships with MTS. 

I’ll share a couple of examples: 

Last year, while attending the 33rd annual Oceaneering/MTS Symposium, led by our DC Section, I had the chance to hear remarks from Fabien Cousteau. Afterwards, while visiting with Adithya (Adi) Selvakumar, I learned that Fabien had come to Adi’s middle school some years before and had inspired him to pursue a career in marine technology.  Adi took his first step towards that career by participating as a MATE Competitor. In college, Adi joined MTS as a student member, participated in EMERGE, and was able to meet and visit with Fabien at the Symposium – a full circle moment! 

Just a few weeks ago, we were approached by a donor who wanted to expand support for the prize competition run by Ocean Exchange. They were interested in expanding pathways for ocean technology startups, but particularly those that are growing with the Ocean Enterprise. Owing to the incredible history of impact of Ocean Exchange, and the global leading role of our Ocean Enterprise Initiative, this donor committed funding for a new $100,000 prize. The award will be given next month and again in the 2026 Ocean Exchange process, reserved exclusively for companies coming through the NOAA-funded Ocean Enterprise Accelerators, in which our Ocean Enterprise Initiative is playing a leading role. This cross-program synergy not only strengthens the impact of our programs for the benefit of the MTS community; it also is a shining example of the role federal investment can play in unlocking catalytic private capital to grow new companies.  

The potential for synergies and impact tied to the growth and change within MTS the past few years are only starting to be realized. Your volunteer leadership and our entire staff team are working hard to ensure we reach our potential – and that we remain the leading forum, champion, and voice for our marine technology community today, and for generations to come.  

Thank you for trusting MTS as your partner and for all that you do for the marine technology community.