The Blue Economy is the formal term used when describing ocean-based sustainable development. Sustainability is at the heart of the Blue Economy. Knowledge co-production plays a pivotal role in supporting transformation and empowering decision-makers, entrepreneurs, business owners, practitioners and other users of the coastal and ocean space. It also allows the wider community to take an interest in decisions and practices that may impact the quality of this ‘blue’ space. Seychelles has embraced the opportunity provided by international recognition of the Blue Economy, and many locally-facilitated initiatives have evolved from this. One such initiative is the establishment of the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute at the University of Seychelles. This article describes the evolution and core focus of an academic research institute that aims to ensure that an active knowledge network supports an informed, fair and sustainable Blue Economy.