The Blue Wink-E 2023 Conference, organized by B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy, brought together experts and industry leaders to discuss innovative financing strategies, highlighting the crucial role of sustainability in this rapidly growing area. Held at the Infante D. Henrique Auditorium in Matosinhos on November 30, the event provided a comprehensive overview of “How to finance the blue bioeconomy.”

By organizing the Blue Wink-E 2023 Conference, B2E CoLAB reinforced its commitment to leading meaningful discussions and driving initiatives that strengthen the blue bioeconomy, promoting a sustainable and innovative future. This was reinforced by the vice-chairman of the board of B2E CoLAB, António Isidoro, in his opening speech at the conference.

High-level round tables explored topics such as “Financial Innovation: Instruments and Strategies,” with the participation of Filipe Grilo, consultant at Porto Business School, Gonçalo Faria, coordinator of Hub Azul Portugal, and João Pereira, investment director at Portugal Ventures. Another crucial moment was the debate on “Financing Challenges and Opportunities: Case Studies,” attended by Hermano Rodrigues, director at Ernst & Young, Tânia Ferreira, from Sea4us, innovation manager at Sea4Us, and Nuno Mangas, president of Compete 2030.

With the central theme “How to finance the blue bioeconomy,” the conference featured Carlos Zorrinho, Member of the European Parliament, who shared his thoughts on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the search for sustainable financing for blue projects.

In addition, Blue Wink-E 2023 presented “Blue Connect,” a space highlighting innovative startups in the Blue Bioeconomy. Six pioneering companies, such as Aquaponics Iberia, Fykia Biotech, Bluman, PinkTech, Seaentia, and Inclita SeaWeedSolutions, presented innovative solutions and projects, contributing to a practical dialogue on the sustainable future of marine resources.

The closing session of the conference was led by Marta Pontes, Councilor for Economic Activities at Matosinhos City Council, who highlighted the position that the municipality is taking in the area of the marine economy, both nationally and internationally.

Photos of the event can be found on the B2E CoLAB LinkedIn page.