CEO of Flatlantic and founder of Riasearch, Renata Serradeiro is one of the most influential figures in the field of aquaculture in Portugal. Flatlantic is the largest flatfish producer in Europe. In accordance with high standards of animal welfare and sustainability, it produces more than 3,500 tons of fish per year using water from the Atlantic Ocean.

Sumol + Compal

With over 30 years of experience at Sumol+Compal, Maria João Alegria currently holds the position of Applied Research Manager in the company’s Research and Development Department. With a degree in Technological Chemistry from the University of Lisbon, she has played a key role in bridging the gap between academia and the business sector, promoting innovation in the FMCG industry.

Sense Test

A specialist in Sensory Analysis, Célia Rocha leads the Research and Development team at Sense Test. With a solid background in Nutrition Sciences and a PhD in this field, Célia is dedicated to understanding consumers’ sensory preferences and perceptions. Sense Test, where she has worked since 2019, is a pioneer in sensory testing and new product development support, working with various companies in the food industry to ensure that products launched on the market meet consumer expectations.

Marketing e Comunicação B2E CoLAB

With over 20 years of experience, Patrícia Gonçalves is the Marketing and Communications Manager at B2E CoLAB. Her mission is to connect science, innovation, and business in the field of Blue Bioeconomy. She develops strategic campaigns that not only highlight CoLAB’s projects but also promote effective interaction between partners, employees, and the public. Her main challenge is to transform complex concepts into accessible and impactful narratives that engage the public and consumers.

Chef

A Michelin-starred chef, Arnaldo Azevedo began his career at his family’s restaurant in Ermesinde, where he fell in love with cooking at an early age. After completing his culinary studies at the Santa Maria da Feira Hotel School, he gained experience in Porto and the Algarve, which shaped his creative approach to gastronomy. Since 2019, he has been head chef at the Vila Foz restaurant, where he earned his first Michelin star in 2022. His cuisine pays homage to fresh, sustainable seafood.

PEDRO SILVA

TMG Textiles

Director of Research and Development at TMG Textiles, Pedro Silva holds a master’s degree in Textile Engineering from the University of Minho, specializing in advanced structures. Throughout his career, Pedro has excelled in the development of new products and processes in the textile sector, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. At TMG Textiles, he leads the creation of new fibers and fabrics for use in various sectors, including technical clothing and the automotive industry, driving the circular economy in the sector.

Sonae MC

Currently at the helm of Continente Food Lab, Leonor Almeida Garrett is an innovation manager with extensive experience in the food retail sector. She has been part of the Sonae MC team since 2014, where she has held category management positions and now leads food innovation projects. At Continente Food Lab, Leonor Almeida Garrett is at the forefront of identifying new consumer trends and implementing sustainable development strategies, aligning business objectives with social impact.

International Seaweed Association (ISA)

Helena Abreu, President of the International Seaweed Association (ISA) and Member of the Strategic Advisory Board of the Global Seaweed Coalition, is a marine biologist specializing in seaweed who moved from academia to business when she co-founded ALGAplus in 2011, a pioneering IMTA farm in Portugal, with organic certification, focused on the sustainable production of seaweed for food and cosmetics, which she led until 2022. She is currently seeking to boost the development of the sector by promoting literacy and filling gaps in the seaweed value chain, matching species, farmers, and end users. As president of ISA, a non-profit organization, Helena leads its mission to promote applied phycology worldwide, fostering collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, and other entities involved in seaweed-related activities. Part of her initiatives includes organizing the International Seaweed Symposium since 1952.