The Unclaimed Opportunity of the Ocean | Matthew Classen | TEDxEncinitas Blvd

Matthew Classen, Executive Director of TMA BlueTech, argues that humanity has been overlooking a large opportunity in the ocean. He compares its potential with the opportunity the Internet offered in the 1990s, pointing to what he describes as nearly endless possibilities. The talk was given at TEDxEncinitas Blvd, an independently organized TEDx event.

• Speaker: Matthew Classen, Executive Director of TMA BlueTech
• Comparison between the untapped ocean opportunity and the Internet boom of the 1990s
• Focus on the blue economy and overlooked possibilities in ocean-related fields

This talk from Matthew Classen at TEDxEncinitasBlvd explores the opportunity that humanity has been overlooking. With nearly endless possibilities, Matthew compares this opportunity to the opportunity the Internet provided in the 1990's. TEDxEncinitasBlvd was made possible by Executive Producer, Lead Organizer, and Editor Rohan Phadnis, WayZero, and BAAIRS. Matt Classen serves as the Executive Director of TMA BlueTech, where he has strengthened TMA's position as a leading blue economy cluster in Southern California. Under his leadership, TMA has expanded its influence through international trade missions and global dialogues, promoting both economic growth and positive environmental impact. A sought-after speaker at global forums, Matt has cultivated strong relationships with policymakers and academic institutions, driving efforts to forge strategic partnerships across the Pacific Rim and North Atlantic. His work advances key initiatives in defense readiness, decarbonization technologies, and ocean science. Through collaboration with regional partners and flagship events like BlueTech Week, Matt is helping transform Southern California into a global hub for maritime defense, ocean resilience, and climate innovation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx