Center For Innovation Grand Opening
Last week, many of you joined us for the ribbon cutting of the Center for Innovation at Berth 58 – a monumental milestone for AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles. The Center for Innovation is part of AltaSea’s $35 million transformation of three 100+ year old historic warehouses at the Port of Los Angeles into modern spaces for cutting-edge research, education, workforce development, and innovation around ocean-based solutions to climate change.
We were grateful to be joined by LA Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, Councilmember Tim McOsker, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles Gene Seroka, Harbor Commission Board President Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Harbor Commissioner Vice President Diane Middleton for the ribbon-cutting and press conference.
“AltaSea is the latest example of Los Angeles expanding the horizon of innovation, growth and sustainability. This center will serve as a hub to protect our ocean, drive economic expansion and help our climate all at the same time – a momentous investment in the blue economy unlike anywhere else in the country,” said Mayor Bass.
Additionally, May 29th was proclaimed “AltaSea Blue Economy Day” in the City of Los Angeles through a resolution introduced by LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker. Terry Tamminen, Jenny Krusoe, and Robin Aube received the certificate last Tuesday at LA City Hall.
The event signified a giant leap forward in AltaSea’s history and doubles down on our commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions for ocean health. The Center for Innovation will foster collaboration between researchers and businesses, drive economic growth through job creation, spearhead advancements in marine science and technology, and most importantly, inspire the next generation to seek careers in the Blue Economy.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially Mayor Bass, Congresswoman Barragán, Councilmember Tim McOsker, former Councilmember Joe Buscaino, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles Gene Seroka, Harbor Commission President Roybal-Allard, and Harbor Commission Vice President Middleton for their attendance and support over the years.
And also, a special shoutout to those that couldn’t make it for the ribbon-cutting but have played a critical role in getting AltaSea to where we are today: Senator Alex Padilla, CA State Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblymember Mike Gipson, and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
We also want to thank all our supporters and our architect Gensler, whose renderings and concepts served as the blueprint to ensure our ocean focused entrepreneurs have a place to thrive.
This event marks only the beginning of our collective effort to explore and harness the potential of our oceans. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future that is not only sustainable but also brimming with innovation and opportunity.
Our future is blue, and with your continued involvement, we will turn the tides towards a brighter, more prosperous world for all.