TOMORROW.BLUE ECONOMY

Welcome and Opening session of Tomorrow.BlueEconomy, with Fira Barcelona, Barcelona City Council, World Ocean Council, and Smart Ports.

The America’s Cup has already arrived in Barcelona. What lasting urban and infrastructure developments can be attributed to hosting the America's Cup? How can sustainability initiatives tied to the America's Cup enhance a city's environmental legacy, green practices, and community benefits? And how can a top global sport event become a sustainability leader?

As the pressure rises for energy companies to transform and transition to renewable energy, their environmental effects are both positive and negative. What are the those impacts of offshore renewables, e.g. seafood, fisheries, biodiversity, noise, coastal communities, etc.? How can the various interests and concerns of stakeholders (energy industry, NGOs, local communities, policymakers) be balanced in the development and implementation of offshore projects? And what is the role of technology, innovation, and data in providing solutions to the impacts and concerns related to offshore renewable energy?

Devastating marine biodiversity loss, coastal eutrophication, ocean acidification,… How can digitalization, technology, innovation and data help conserve and regenerate nearshore marine biodiversity and ecosystems in and around cities? How can the business of coastal and marine ecosystem regeneration create a healthy environment, create jobs and contribute to sustainable coastal cities? And what are the Blue Carbon, Blue Bonds, Natural Capital and Biodiversity Credits opportunities for coastal municipalities and how can these be developed?

We will delve into the intersection of technology and sustainability for coastal cities. How can the digital ocean, ocean data and the Internet of Things help coastal cities address sustainability? What is the role of AI in advancing smart, sustainable coastal cities and their Blue Economy? How can ocean data and monitoring improve marine spatial planning around coastal cities?

We will talk about how to get more investors support blue economy projects. What innovative financing models show promise in supporting ocean-related projects and industries? How can we attract more impact investors to contribute to projects aimed at ocean conservation and blue economy development? And in what ways can technological advancements, such as blockchain, enhance transparency and accountability in ocean-focused funding efforts?

Pitch contest organized by Tech Tour, one of the largest investor-oriented communities in Europe connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners from across the world.

Topic: Oceans & Climate (Clean Ocean; Blue Biotechnology; Maritime transport; Marine living resource; Marine non-living resources; Infrastructure and Robotics; Shipbuilding & repair; Coastal tourism; Port Activities; Ocean energy; Marine Renewable Energy; GHG reduction and CCU; Desalination; Aquaculture; Environmental & Pollution solutions; Maritime defence; New sources of ocean harvest).

The exciting opportunity for professionals and innovators to showcase their latest ideas and solutions for improving the Oceans and Climate industry. This contest seeks to recognize and reward the most innovative and impactful ideas related to clean ocean, ocean energy, marine renewable energy, aquaculture, and sustainability. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box and propose creative solutions that can drive the industry forwa Hall 2 | Tomorrow.Blue Economy Plaza

This session focuses on the significant challenges faced by cargo owners, shipping enterprises, and port authorities within the current landscape. This interactive discussion aims to delve into the complexities of these challenges and shed light on avenues for collaborative issue resolution. Join us to uncover how these key players can synergize efforts and identify shared resolutions.

In the face of growing environmental concerns and the need for greater efficiency, the maritime industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable and intelligent transport solutions. This session will delve into the latest advancements in technology and practices that contribute to sustainable and intelligent maritime transport. Join industry experts as they discuss innovative technologies, alternative fuels, and digitalization's role in optimizing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Discover collaborative initiatives and regulatory frameworks driving change in the maritime industry.

Dive into the dynamic realm of urban development in ports, unveiling innovative models that are shaping the future of these vibrant cityscapes and explore the symbiotic relationship between port activities and urban growth, examining how large events can significantly impact port-cities. Navigate the exciting intersection of port activities, urban growth, and large events, envisioning the future of port city renaissance with a focus on economic prosperity and social cohesion.

As the world embraces digital transformation, innovation's role becomes central to global development. The Blue Economy is pivotal in smartly, efficiently, and sustainably transforming ports. New ICT infrastructures like 5G, IoT, and AI drive this change. The session delves into port innovation, unveiling fresh maritime solutions. Explore cutting-edge technologies reshaping the industry, empowering ports in the digital era. Discover AI's varied applications, optimizing logistics, enhancing supply chain visibility, and improving safety.

Pitch contest organized by Tech Tour, one of the largest investor-oriented communities in Europe connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners from across the world.

Topic: Maritime Supply Chain / Smart Ports (Maritime; Rail ; Track & Trace; Logistic systems; Smart storage; Cold chain tech; Autonomous trucks; Digital twin & cybersecurity; AI & Analytics; IOT & Blockchain; AR/VR/XR systems; Robotics and handling; Safety and security; Reskilling and upskilling; Hiring, training & skills).

The exciting opportunity for port industry professionals and innovators to showcase their latest ideas and solutions for improving the port industry. This contest seeks to recognize and reward the most innovative and impactful ideas related to port operations, logistics, and sustainability. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box and propose creative solutions that can drive the industry forward. The contest is open to individuals, startups, and established companies. Join us in this ex Hall 2 | Tomorrow.Blue Economy Plaza

How are communities reshaping urban landscapes? Cities are adopting collaborative governance models, such as participatory budgeting and co-creation initiatives, to enhance citizen engagement. This involvement in policymaking and city-building holds transformative potential, essential for creating inclusive, sustainable, and responsive urban environments.

Modern cities should aim to foster inclusivity and address disparities among their citizens. Urban leaders are implementing projects to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities and to promote vibrant and inclusive communities. However, social and labor integration challenges persist. How can cities amplify their commitment and promote equality, and empowerment for all?

This session will investigate strategies for making coastal cities and their environments strong in the face of climate challenges. How can coastal cities and habitats be resilient to future climate shocks? How can the sustainable Blue Economy assist coastal cities to respond to climate change? And what digital, data and AI solutions can best assist coastal cities with climate change?

The world urgently needs impactful blue economy solutions, both local and scalable ones. How can collaborative networks accelerate innovative solutions within the blue economy and what are the challenges of scaling up blue economy start-ups? How is impact being measured, communicated and invested in? Come and listen to the global alliance BEGIN – the Blue Economy Innovation Network.

Water and Waste Management is key to a smart sustainable city policy. What are current best practices to manage plastics, nutrients and other marine pollution in coastal urban areas? How can digitalization, monitoring, technology, innovation and data help municipalities manage waste and nearshore water pollution? And what synergies can and should be developed between ports and their host cities to manage waste and water pollution?

Are you interested in a Blue Careers? Join a talk not only about green upskilling, but about blue upskilling and job creation. What are the Blue Economy job opportunities for smart and sustainable coastal cities and what can municipalities do to accelerate and optimize blue economy job development? What is the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology in creating and sustaining blue economy jobs? And how do we best address the needs and opportunities for professional training in the sustainable blue economy?