The Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC) and the Blue Economy Competence Centre (C2EA) are launching the 3rd edition of the Postgraduate Programme in Sustainable Blue Economy Leadership. The programme comprises 210 hours and 30 ECTS across eight modules, and aims to train leaders with a multidisciplinary view of the blue economy.

B2E CoLAB is once again part of the teaching team and is responsible for Module 7, Aquaculture and Blue Biotechnology. The 28-hour module combines online after-work classes with an in-person session in Viana do Castelo.

The content covers three areas:

• Bioeconomy and blue biotechnology: concepts and framework, markets, value chains, opportunities and challenges, with case studies.
• Aquaculture: types of production, the global, European and national landscape, value chains, and the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
• Seaweed economy: production, markets and applications, the role of seaweed in ecosystem regeneration, and challenges and opportunities.

Aquaculture, blue biotechnology and seaweed are among the areas with the greatest growth potential in the blue economy. Through this module, B2E CoLAB brings into the classroom its experience in research, innovation and technology transfer across these value chains.

The programme starts in January 2027, with an online welcome session on 7 January. Álvaro Sardinha, founder of C2EA, continues as coordinator.

Applications: IPVC website.