The Marine Industries Science & Technology (MIST) Cluster is a regional group of organizations involved in the development and implementation of applied technologies for operating in, working around, and monitoring the marine and coastal environments. The MIST Cluster supports the growth of the marine economy (aka Blue Economy) in the northern Gulf of Mexico region.

Large and small business, federal, state and local agencies, universities, and nonprofits through their applied technology efforts support other related marine industries. These include commercial & recreational fishing, shipbuilding, defense, aqua-mariculture, off shore oil & gas, and environmental restoration and recovery to name a few. The MIST Cluster Program is where technology innovators come together with industry end-users to understand each other's capabilities and needs and collaborate to foster expanded business and address shared issues. 

Established in part by a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Innovation Cluster contract, the University of Southern Mississippi, and their cluster program Team Members provide Direct Services and Linking Services to assist MIST Cluster members. These services address the 3 Cs of Counseling, Capital access, and Contracting -with the government and primes. This includes aiding government agencies and large businesses identify local companies to assist them in meeting small business goals and connecting with the innovative culture of these small high-tech firms.