The SEACAMS initiative encourages collaboration between the private sector and universities to develop coastal and marine businesses.
The project aims to turn cutting edge research ideas into new processes, services and technologies to encourage businesses to grow, create new high-tech jobs and win contracts.
The project is being led by Bangor University and is supported by 12.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
The First Minister will attend an event in Cardiff Bay aboard the projects research ship RV Prince Madog. Businesses will have access to the vessel to focus studies on tackling the impact of climate change, such as coastal erosion, flooding, water quality and offshore energy generation.
Mr Jones said: The marine science sector is playing an increasingly important part in the Welsh economy and this exciting project will help push forward this growth with the aim of creating jobs and generating investment.
Better links between our Universities and the private sector will allow them to fully exploit their commercial potential and make the best of the opportunities available. I want to see Wales taking a lead in these emerging areas, such as renewable energy, he concluded.
Dr Gay Mitchelson-Jacob, SEACAMS Project Manager, also commented: This prestigious project in the Marine sector provides the potential for businesses in Wales to spearhead profitable enterprise, capitalising on emerging opportunities in renewable energy, climate change and associated markets. We welcome businesses across Wales aboard the RV Prince Madog to discuss working together for a profitable future.
Minister Launches Marine Science Drive
WALES - The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has launched a major 23.6 million project, The Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors (SEACAMS), to develop Wales marine sector.
