Blue W;)nk-E

2025

Join industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore circular solutions for a sustainable ocean economy. Be part of the change shaping the future of our oceans.

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JUN 06

Porto cruise terminal

PORTUGAL

About Blue Wink-E 2025

Blue Wink-E 2025, with the theme “Ocean in Loop,” centers the discussion on the circular economy in the ocean. At a time when preserving marine resources is critical, this event brings together experts, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers to explore innovative solutions that eliminate waste, maximize the sustainable reuse of ocean resources, and create new business opportunities and value chains.

Hosted at the iconic Porto Cruise Terminal in Portugal, Blue Wink-E 2025 will be a hub for disruptive ideas, emerging trends, and strategic partnerships, driving a genuinely circular and regenerative blue economy.

 

Objectives

Explore circular solutions

Reducing waste, optimising resource use, and fostering the regeneration of marine ecosystems.

Foster strategic partnerships

Uniting industry, academia, and the public sector to accelerate sustainable innovation and unlock opportunities.

Discuss trends and challenges

Shaping the blue bioeconomy and circular economy while driving the creation of business models and value chains.

Inspire action and impact

Connecting visionary minds to transform ideas into real-world solutions for a more sustainable ocean economy.

Keynote Speaker

Wayne Visser

 

  • Top 10 Global ESG Speaker
  • Top 100 in Sustainability and Social Responsibility
  • Winner of the Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Award
  • Author of 44 books, including the bestseller “Thriving”
  • Professor at the University of Cambridge and Católica Porto Business School
  • Inspired audiences in over 80 countries
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Meet our 2025 speakers

Vítor Vasconcelos
CIIMAR Director

Vítor Vasconcelos is Director of CIIMAR – the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research – and Full Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto. Also serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Agriculture at Fykia Biotech and leads the Blue Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology (BBE) team at CIIMAR.

With a PhD in Biology from the University of Porto, has built a distinguished career focused on biotechnology and environmental innovation. Author of over 490 scientific publications and responsible for one of Europe’s largest collections of cyanobacteria and microalgae.

Has coordinated major international projects, including Horizon 2020 RISE and ERA Chair, and directs the Doctoral Programme in Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture, run jointly by the Universities of Porto and Minho.

Breixo Ventoso
R&D Global Director Frinsa

Breixo Ventoso Garcia is the Global Director of Research and Development at Grupo Frinsa, a leading European canning group that includes the Portuguese company A Poveira. With a strong academic and professional background in nutrition, pharmacology and public health, he holds a PhD in Nutrition and Health from Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), and has completed extensive training in Pharmacy (University of Santiago de Compostela), Experimental Pharmacology (Cardiff University), Environmental Engineering, and several specialisations in dietetics, public health, and clinical nutrition.

His work has focused on the development of functional foods, particularly products enriched with omega-3 fatty acids derived from Thunnus albacares, with proven benefits for cardiovascular health.

José Maria Costa
Former Secretary of State for the Sea
of Portugal

With a background in chemical engineering, José Maria Costa served as Secretary of State for the Sea (2022-2024), promoting innovation and sustainability in the blue economy. With a career deeply connected to the sea, the professional path began at the Viana do Castelo Shipyards, leading strategic initiatives such as the Northern Coastal Local Action Group and the Gil Eannes Foundation.

As a government official, advocacy for ocean protection was a key focus in international forums such as COP28, alongside efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation between Portugal and other countries. During the term in office, projects like the Smart Ocean – Open Labs building were spearheaded, reinforcing the commitment to research and the sustainable development of the marine economy.

Maria Coelho
B2E CoLAB Coordinator

Maria Coelho’s career is defined by innovation and the sea. With a PhD in Health Sciences and international experience in Innovation Management and Consultancy, leading the coordination of B2E CoLAB, driving the blue bioeconomy forward.

Overseeing projects that integrate science and innovation to transform the ocean economy, connecting researchers, businesses, and policymakers while promoting sustainable solutions.

Committed to bridging the gap between knowledge and innovative business models, firmly believing that the ocean holds the key to a sustainable future.

Nuno Lourenço
Coordinator of the European consortium One Water

Nuno Vilhena Lourenço holds a PhD in Marine Sciences from the University of Algarve. Formerly coordinator of the R&D office of the Continental Platform Mission Structure and Board Member of IPMA. 

Currently President of the Board of CoLAB +ATLANTIC and Director of the Ocean Area at CEiiA. Leads the European consortium ONE WATER, preparing a proposal for the EIT KIC WMM

Ricardo Arroja
AICEP President

Holds a degree in Management from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto, a specialization in Finance, Banking, and Insurance, and a PhD in Administrative Sciences from the School of Economics and Management at the University of Minho.

President of the Board of Directors of AICEP – Portugal’s Trade & Investment Agency since 4 June 2024.

A professional career spanning executive and non-executive board roles, as well as consultancy. Lecturer in higher education in the fields of banking, international trade, and corporate finance, and a public policy consultant for international organizations, with experience across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

Marlos Silva
Sonae MC R&D and Innovation Director

Graduated in Business Administration from the University of Pernambuco (Brazil) and holding a Master’s degree in Accounting and Auditing from the University of Aveiro (Portugal), Marlos Silva has over 20 years of experience in the field of innovation. The career spans leadership roles in government agencies, universities, startups, large corporations, and cluster associations. Also includes the founding of successful businesses and consultancy work.

Currently leading the R&D and Innovation Department at MC Sonae, managing around €35 million annually in collaborative projects covering areas such as biomaterials, food innovation, robotics, smart logistics, clean energy, and digital transformation.

Actively involved in various national and European forums, including the Supervisory Board of EIT Manufacturing.

Hermano Rodrigues
Principal EY-Parthenon

Hermano Rodrigues is currently Principal at EY-Parthenon, following a long career in economic consultancy. Between 2003 and 2017, worked at Augusto Mateus & Associados (AM&A), first as a consultant and later as a partner. Co-founded Sigma Team Consulting in 2001.

Academic activity includes collaborations with several universities in northern Portugal. Holds a degree in Management and a Master’s in Economics (Economic Policy).

Professional experience spans a wide range of meso- and microeconomic studies, focusing on competitiveness, innovation, internationalisation, and business sustainability. Also brings extensive knowledge in collective business efficiency, particularly in the context of clustering strategies and upgrading of global value chains.

BLUE CONNECT

Blue Connect is a dedicated space for pioneering companies shaping the future of marine sustainability.

At Blue Wink-E 2025, innovation takes centre stage at Blue Connect – an exclusive exhibition space designed for companies that are transforming marine resources into sustainable solutions.

A Dutch company turning salmon skins into premium, eco-friendly leather: no toxins, no wastewater, no waste. Circular, clean, and seriously sustainable!
A Finnish foodtech turning overlooked seafood by-products into delicious, ready-to-eat creations, recreating the feel of cooked fish without more fishing.
This pet-loving brand crafts healthy, organic dog snacks from marine by-products with zero waste, no nasties, and even skincare from seaweed and coastal plants.
CIIMAR advances the blue bioeconomy with innovative science and tech, driving sustainability and efficiency in marine research and solutions.
A smart platform turning fish waste into value, matching by-products with tech to spark innovation in food, pharma, cosmetics, and more. Built for a circular, blue future!
CTIC brings fish leather to the spotlight, showcasing how tanning innovation meets bioeconomy by turning fish skin waste into sustainable, high-value material.
An association that drives Portugal's algae sector, fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability across markets like food, cosmetics, and agriculture.

Programme

Explore sustainable solutions and forge valuable partnerships!

 

09:30 – Check-in & Welcome Coffee

10:00 – Opening Session – Ana Paula Mucha (B2E CoLAB President) & Luísa Salgueiro (Matosinhos City Council President) 

10:30 – Wayne Visser (Keynote Speaker)

11:15 – Panel Discussion: Circular Solutions in the Blue Bioeconomy

12:15 – Pitch Session: National and International Companies

13:00 – Networking Lunch

14:45 – Panel Discussion: The Future of the Global Market and Sustainable Innovation

15:45 – Blue Splash Session – Hugo van der Ding (Host)

16:15 – Closing Session

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HOST

Hugo van der Ding

One of the most irreverent and provocative voices in contemporary culture, Hugo van der Ding joins Blue Wink-E as the event’s host — bringing not only energy and humour throughout the day, but also a sharp, unexpected perspective on the topics under discussion.

A multifaceted creator, he is known for his wit and the unique way he blends storytelling, visual art, and social commentary. In Blue Splash — the final session of the day — Hugo will deliver the closing word, offering his incisive and satirical take on the future of the blue and bio-based economy.

How to get here

Getting to the Porto Cruise Terminal is easy and convenient! Choose the transportation option that best suits you.

Car
The park has a capacity for 100 cars. When you arrive, all you have to do is park next to the building.

Subway
Line A (Blue).

Bus
Lines 500, 501, 502, 506 and 507.

Institutional Support

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