Track: 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?

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. The exciting opportunity is for professionals and innovators to showcase their latest ideas and solutions for improving the Oceans and Climate industry. Investors such as Alexander Kotchoubey (Ocean Born Impact), Carlos Esteban (Faber), Jon Berg (Sarsia Seed), Joris Kil (Rotterdam Port Fund), Mehran Zaker (Emerald Technology Ventures AG), Onur Canlitepe (Atlas Ventures) and many more have selected the top-rated companies to present, such as MicroHarvest, Vienna Textile Lab, Blue Lion Labs, Gazelle Wind Power Limited, and many more. 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.

Check the agenda HERE.

Hall 2 | Plaza: Tomorrow.BlueEconomy

This engaging roundtable discussion unites top executives of major ports and mayors from port cities to explore the evolving relationship between these crucial entities. Focusing on real-world examples, the conversation centers on how innovation is reshaping this dynamic partnership.

We will delve into topics like digitalization, sustainability, and collaborative initiatives, showcasing how innovation can foster growth, sustainability, and prosperity for both ports and cities. This discussion offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of innovation in our global port communities.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are fast arriving in ports. The talk will introduce the challenges arising for port authorities in introducing drones into their airspace / U-Space. We will also touch on emerging solution approaches. Given the essential role that port authorities attribute to drone use, chainPORT has formed a dedicated group of experts to explore its potential and take the lead in safety and efficient implementation.

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. The exciting opportunity for port industry professionals and innovators to showcase their latest ideas and solutions for improving the port and maritime supply chain industries. This contest seeks to recognize and reward the most innovative and impactful ideas related to port operations, logistics, autonomous trucks, 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 seeking Seed or Series A investments. Join us in this exciting journey towards a more innovative and sustainable future for the Maritime Supply Chain & Smart Ports industry.

Check the agenda HERE.

  Hall 2 | Plaza: Tomorrow.BlueEconomy

In this emerging urban era, the sea surrounding our coasts has a crucial role in the development of our cities. The protection of the Ocean and the opportunities that come from a sustainable and innovative Blue Economy are critical for the future and indispensable to solving pressing challenges at local and global levels. What do cities really need for their Blue Economy growth? What can digitalization, blue tech, conservation, restoration, and ocean innovation provide and what is the role of the corporate ocean sectors?

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?