Flatlantic

Renata Serradeiro, CEO of Flatlantic and founder of Riasearch, is one of the most influential figures in the field of aquaculture in Portugal. Flatlantic is the largest flatfish production unit in Europe. Adhering to high standards of animal welfare and sustainability, it produces over 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. A graduate 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

Sensory Analysis Specialist Célia Rocha leads the Research and Development team at Sense Test. With a solid background in Nutritional Sciences, and having completed her doctorate in this area, 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 support for the development of new products, working with various companies in the food industry to ensure that products launched on the market meet consumer expectations.

Marketing and Communication B2E CoLAB

Com mais de 20 anos de experiência, Patrícia Gonçalves exerce a função de Gestora de Marketing e Comunicação no B2E CoLAB. A sua missão consiste em interligar ciência, inovação e negócios na esfera da Bioeconomia Azul. Elabora campanhas estratégicas que não apenas destacam os projetos do CoLAB, mas também promovem a interação eficaz entre parceiros, colaboradores e o público. O seu principal desafio é transformar conceitos complexos em narrativas acessíveis e impactantes, envolvendo o público e os consumidores.

Chef

Chef Arnaldo Azevedo, with one Michelin star, began his career at his family's restaurant in Ermesinde, where he developed a passion for cooking from 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 led the kitchen at the Vila Foz restaurant, where he earned his first Michelin star in 2022. His cuisine is a tribute to fresh and sustainable seafood.

PEDRO SILVA

TMG Textiles

Pedro Silva, Director of Research and Development at TMG Textiles, holds a Master's degree in Textile Engineering from the University of Minho, specializing in advanced structures. Throughout his career, Pedro has distinguished himself in the development of new products and processes in the textile sector, focusing on sustainability and innovation. At TMG Textiles, he leads the creation of new fibers and fabrics, with applications in various sectors, including technical clothing and the automotive industry, promoting the circular economy in the sector.

Sonae MC

Currently leading Continente Food Lab, Leonor Almeida Garrett is an innovation manager with extensive experience in the food retail sector. Since 2014, she has been part of the Sonae MC team, where she 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. She transitioned from academia to business by co-founding 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. Currently, she seeks to drive the development of the sector, promoting literacy and bridging 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.