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Summary

Creates a national program of regional "Ocean Innovation Clusters" and physical Ocean Innovation Centers to grow the Blue Economy. The Commerce Department must designate at least seven regional clusters within one year, set rules for regional distribution and eligible partners, and require measurement of economic impacts and interagency coordination. Authorizes competitive grants to support cluster operations and centers, with each grant limited to $10 million, two-year terms (renewable), and an authorization of $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to fund the program (subject to appropriation).

Key Points

• Creates at least seven regional Ocean Innovation Clusters and physical Ocean Innovation Centers to support the Blue Economy.
• Secretary of Commerce must designate clusters within one year and set regional distribution and eligibility rules.
• Authorizes competitive grants for cluster operation with a per-grant cap of $10 million and two-year (renewable) terms.
• Authorizes $10 million per year for FY2026–2030 to fund the program (authorization; actual funding requires appropriation).