Salmon skin transformed into luxury leather. Fish heads converted into ready meals. Waste from the canning industry that now feeds dogs—and the circular economy. These are just some of the stories that the public will be able to learn about at Blue Connect, the space for innovation, entrepreneurship, and networking integrated into Blue Wink-E 2025, which will take place on June 6 at the Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal in Matosinhos.

Blue Wink-E 2025, promoted by B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB, will bring together policy makers, researchers, companies, and startups for a day of dialogue, inspiration, and action. With debates, keynotes, and showcases, the event is a living showcase for the most daring solutions in the blue bioeconomy—and a privileged stage to learn about the companies that are transforming waste into economic and ecological value.

Innovation with impact: the stories that will be talked about

In Finland, Hailia Nordic Oy has developed pioneering technology that transforms fish bones, heads, and skins into tasty and healthy food products, without the need for additional fishing or farming. In just one year, the startup has already launched eight products on the European market, proving that innovation can go hand in hand with sustainability and flavor.

From the Netherlands comes Searious Fish, a company that transforms salmon skins discarded by the food industry into high-quality leather. The process, which uses no hazardous chemicals, wastewater, or fossil fuels, is an example of circularity applied to fashion and design—and a case study in sustainable industrial practices.

In Portugal, Bake My Dog Happy is conquering the pet sector with organic and healthy snacks produced from marine by-products. In addition, the company is developing a line of dermatological care products based on invasive coastal plants and seaweed extracts, showing how the blue bioeconomy can extend to animal welfare.

Digital platforms and applied science

Portuguese innovation is also evident with the presentation of Fish Matter, a smart digital platform developed by B2E CoLAB, which will enable the matching of those who generate marine by-products (such as viscera, heads, or shells) with those who can transform them into new products in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or biotechnology sectors.

The Leather Industries Technology Center (CTIC) presents, at Blue Connect, a paradigmatic example of the integration of the blue bioeconomy into the leather industry: the transformation of fish skin into innovative, resistant, and sustainable materials, with potential applications in fashion and industrial design.

CIIMAR, one of the most renowned marine research centers in the Iberian Peninsula, will present the European Blue Shuttle project at the event, which focuses on digitization as a driver of efficiency and competitiveness in the blue bioeconomy. The institution aims to show how data and technology can drive more sustainable and practical solutions in the field.