B2E CoLAB Hosts Conference: “Funding the Blue Bioeconomy”
The B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy is set to organize the 2023 Blue Wink-E Conference on November 30th at the Infante D. Henrique Auditorium in Matosinhos. This year’s event focuses on “Funding the Blue Bioeconomy” and brings together experts and stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Among the forum’s invited guests are MEP Carlos Zorrinho, Secretary-General of the Ocean Forum, Ruben Eiras, and consultants from Portugal Ventures and Ernst & Young.
The B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy will organize the Blue Wink-E 2023 Conference on November 30th at the Infante D. Henrique Auditorium in Matosinhos. This year’s event focuses on the central topic of “How to Finance the Blue Bioeconomy” and features the participation of experts and stakeholders from the public and private sectors. European Parliament member Carlos Zorrinho, the Secretary-General of the Ocean Forum, Ruben Eiras, and consultants from Portugal Ventures and Ernst & Young are among the forum’s invited guests.
“This conference is a significant milestone for all those with a direct interest in the sustainability of our oceans and sustainable economic growth. The blue bioeconomy addresses critical environmental concerns while also offering significant economic opportunities,” emphasizes the Executive Coordinator of B2E CoLAB, Maria Coelho, adding, “As we face global challenges, the need to explore funding options for innovative blue bioeconomy becomes imperative.”
The Blue Wink-E 2023 Conference aims to discuss various funding avenues, including private and public investments. The goal is to drive sustainable development in the blue bioeconomy, fostering strategic partnerships through networking and sharing successful case studies.
According to Maria Coelho, “Funding is a crucial pillar of innovation and sustainability in the blue bioeconomy,” making this year’s chosen theme “current and pressing.” She hopes that it will generate “widespread discussion” on “how appropriate funding can boost economic resilience, innovation, and sustainability in blue bioeconomy projects.”
The conference will feature European Parliament member Carlos Zorrinho as the keynote speaker. Two roundtable discussions will also take place. The first will focus on “Financial Innovation: Instruments and Strategies” with Filipe Grilo from Porto Business School, Rúben Eiras from the Ocean Forum, and João Pereira from Portugal Ventures. The second will address “Challenges and Funding Opportunities: Practical Cases” with the participation of Nuno Mangas, Compete 2030, Hermano Rodrigues from Ernst & Young, Tânia Ferreira from Sea4us, and the Ocean Blue Foundation.
The “How to Finance the Blue Bioeconomy” Conference will begin at 9:00 AM on November 30th and is supported by APDL – Administration of the Ports of Douro, Leixões, and Viana do Castelo, S.A. Registration is free and mandatory and can be done here.
