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 meeting focuses on “How to Finance the Blue Bioeconomy” and will feature the participation of experts and stakeholders from the public and private sectors. MEP Carlos Zorrinho, the Secretary-General of the Ocean Forum, Ruben Eiras, and the consulting firms Portugal Ventures and Ernst & Young are among the forum’s guests.

“This conference is an important milestone for all those who have a direct interest in the sustainability of our oceans and sustainable economic growth. The blue bioeconomy addresses critical environmental concerns, but also offers significant economic opportunities,” emphasizes the executive coordinator of the B2E CoLAB, Maria Coelho, adding: “As we face global challenges, the need to explore financing options for an innovative blue bioeconomy becomes imperative.”

The Blue Wink-E 2023 Conference aims to discuss various funding avenues, including private and public investments. The objective is to boost the sustainable development of 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,” which is why this year’s chosen theme “is current and pressing,” hoping to generate “a broad discussion” around “how adequate funding can boost economic resilience, innovation, and sustainability in blue bioeconomy projects.”

The conference will feature a keynote speaker, Carlos Zorrinho, a Member of the European Parliament. Two roundtables will also be held. The first, on the theme “Financial Innovation: Instruments and Strategies,” will include Filipe Grilo from Porto Business School, Ruben Eiras from Fórum Oceano, and João Pereira from Portugal Ventures. The second session, themed “Funding Challenges and Opportunities: Practical Cases,” will feature Nuno Mangas from Compete 2030, Hermano Rodrigues from Ernst & Young, Tânia Ferreira from Sea4us, and representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation.

The conference “How to Finance the Blue Bioeconomy” will take place from 9:00 AM on November 30th, with the support of APDL – Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo, S.A. Registration is free and mandatory and can be done here.