Blue Economy:

Shaping Coastal Futures at Smart City Expo World Congress 2026

Building resilient, sustainable ocean-based cities

Critical infrastructure in and around the ocean is essential not only in terms of global trade but also to absorb human-caused carbon dioxide, thus counteracting global warming. As blue financing solutions mature, the tide is turning for the blue economy.

However, cities still struggle with policy and investment barriers. In what ways can cities leverage the potential of the regenerative blue economy to drive sustainable progress both for residents and the marine ecosystem?

Engage with marine innovation, coastal sustainability and smart port solutions

Learn from ocean-tech pioneers, policymakers and urban coastal leaders

Access premier networking to gain valuable connections and partnerships

The Global Platform to Accelerate the Blue Economy

Tomorrow.Blue Economy Wold Congress is the global summit dedicated to promoting and developing the potential of the Blue Economy.

With a focus on innovation, industry leadership, education, and real-world impact, it explores how we can scale solutions that serve the planet while driving economic renewal — from ports and shipping to blue food, biodiversity, finance, tourism, and ocean data.

Strategic partners driving the Blue Economy program

Highlights from Blue Economy Discussions

Smart port infrastructure and logistics

Coastal resilience and climate adaptation strategies

Blue tech and marine renewable energy

Urban waterfront regeneration and governance

Ocean data, biodiversity and sustainable tourism

The urban ecosystem in motion

1000 +

ATTENDEES

500 +

EXHIBITORS

50 +

SPEAKERS

50 +

CITIES

20 +

COUNTRIES

Join the BLUE ECONOMY Program at the Smart City Expo 2026

Key issues at the center of the debate

Blue Economic Activity

Blue Economic Activity
Circularity // Start-up Ecosystem // Innovation Hubs // Ocean-based Industries // Eco-friendly Services // Economy Diversification // Innovation and Technology // Job Creation // Emerging Sectors // Bioeconomy // PPP Partnership // Gender Gap // Reskilling and Upskilling // Talent Attraction // Education and Research // Production Innovation

Marine Environmental Challenges

Marine Environmental Challenges
Marine Ecosystem and Resources // Conservation // Pollution // Climate Change Mitigation // Resilience // Renewable Energy Generation // Water Treatment // Rising Sea // Temperatures and Levels // Acidification // Ecosystem Management // Blue Carbon

Openess to Civil Society

Openess to Civil Society
Cultural Activities // Outreach Activities // Marine Culture // Sports and Leisure // Coastal Public Space for People // Tourism // Civic Engagement and Participation // Local Promotion

All You Need to Know About the Blue Economy Program

2026 CONGRESS

Meet some of the experts taking the stage at SCEWC26:

Adrià Jover
—

President, International Electric Maritime Association

Alice Schroeder
—

CEO, Unu Oceano

Hoa Doan
—

Head of Impact and Sustainability, Notpla

Emma Cobos
—

Director of Innovation and Blue Economy, Port de Barcelona

Leila Ben Hassen
—

Founder and CEO, Blue Jay Catalyst

Chris Ninnes
—

CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Eugene Montoya
—

Founder & Principal, Sandmont Natural Capital

Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy
—

CEO & Managing Director, World Ocean Council

Xavier Rubio Franch
—

Founder, The Ocean Connections & Old Surfer

2026 CONGRESS

Meet some of the experts taking the stage at SCEWC26:

Adrià Jover
—

President, International Electric Maritime Association

Alice Schroeder
—

CEO, Unu Oceano

Hoa Doan
—

Head of Impact and Sustainability, Notpla

Emma Cobos
—

Director of Innovation and Blue Economy, Port de Barcelona

Leila Ben Hassen
—

Founder and CEO, Blue Jay Catalyst

Chris Ninnes
—

CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Eugene Montoya
—

Founder & Principal, Sandmont Natural Capital

Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy
—

CEO & Managing Director, World Ocean Council / Co-Founder, Okhtapus

Xavier Rubio Franch
—

Founder, The Ocean Connections & Old Surfer

2026 EXPO

Some of the Blue Economy organizations exhibiting this year in our Exhibition Area include:

AJUNTAMENT DE BARCELONA
BARCELONA CAPITAL NÁUTICA
CDXI SOLUTIONS P.C.
DELOITTE
ESGEO S.R.L.
GATEIN.AI
GFE – GENERAL FLOATING EQUIPMENT
HEYPORT
KOAI
LINSOL
MARINACHAIN
METHANOL REFORMER
MINDDOOR TECHNOLOGY
NOTPLA
PHARADAY
PORT DE BARCELONA
SMART PORTS – PIERS OF THE FUTURE
THE GREAT BUBBLE BARRIER
WORLD OCEAN COUNCIL

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

A selection from the extensive program of Breakout Sessions related to this track that took place at SCEWC25.

Shore Power Solutions: Powering the Future of Clean Port Operations

Discover the latest innovations and implementations of shore power systems (cold ironing). Experts will discuss infrastructure readiness, policy incentives, and how electrifying ships at berth is helping to reduce air pollution and improve sustainability.

Ocean Capital Markets: Why Oceans Still Struggle to Scale

Why isn’t the ocean part of mainstream portfolios? This session examines the disconnect between capital markets and ocean sectors, and highlights the products, metrics, and regulatory tools needed to unlock institutional flows.

Oceannovation Plenary. Ocean x Cities x Capital: New Coalitions for a Blue Urban Future

From cities and climate to capital and coastlines — ocean innovation is reshaping how we build, live, and invest.

DCC - UNESCO

Discover how Barcelona, the first city selected to host a UNESCO Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC), is at the forefront of advancing a sustainable blue economy worldwide. This roundtable will unveil the strategic pillars of the new DCC, showcase its key activities, and explore its potential impact within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.