Vídeo do Evento
Porto cruise terminal
PORTUGAL
Keynote Speaker
• Real-time data for smarter decision-making
• Technology serving sustainability
• Blue innovation with economic and social impact
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we manage, protect and value marine resources. Blue Wink-E 2026 explores this new frontier by connecting technology, science, businesses and public policy to shape a more sustainable and competitive blue economy.
Discover Ocean AI Futures09:00 – Welcome & Registration
09:30 – Welcome Session
10:00 – International Keynote Speaker
10:50 – Coffee Break & Networking
11:10 – AI Challenge
11:30 – Roundtable Discussion
AI AT SEA: Strategies to Scale Blue Innovation
12:45 – Blue AI Splash
13:00 – Closing Session
13:30 – Networking Lunch
Meet the 2026 key participants
List updating. Stay tuned.
Chairman of the Board of Directors at INESC TEC and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), João Claro holds a PhD in Engineering Systems from MIT.
With a career dedicated to the intersection of technology, innovation, and management, this expert leads one of Portugal’s most prestigious research institutions in the development of digital infrastructure and advanced sensing for the ocean.
Recognised for his expertise in technology transfer and innovation ecosystems, João Claro plays a pivotal role in ensuring that scientific research in artificial intelligence and robotics translates into scalable solutions for the blue economy.
Ana Paula Mucha’s career is grounded in scientific excellence and a sustained commitment to environmental sustainability.
Holding a PhD in Aquatic Sciences and a research position at the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) of the University of Porto, contributing as a member of its Board of Directors and leading the ECOBIOTEC-BMS team dedicated to bioremediation and ecosystem recovery.
A recognised specialist in microbe–contaminant interactions and nature‑based solutions, contributing to extensive scientific output and to European initiatives such as BIOSYSMO and MAR2POTET.
Since 2025, serving as President of the Board of Directors of B2E CoLAB, guiding collaboration between academia, industry and civil society to strengthen Portugal’s blue bioeconomy.
Kelwin Fernandes’ career is shaped by a commitment to artificial intelligence and its power to transform the way organisations create value.
As co‑founder and CEO of NILG.AI, combining a PhD in AI with over 15 years of experience connecting research with business impact, driving the strategic adoption of AI to optimise processes and accelerate innovation.
With work spanning more than 25 sectors – from healthcare and real estate to transport and finance – and direct support provided to over 100 companies, the trajectory brings together scientific research, consultancy and digital transformation.
More than 30 published scientific papers reinforce the practical application of AI as a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Guilherme Beleza Vaz’s career bridges aerospace engineering, marine science and advanced digital technologies applied to the ocean.
With a PhD in marine propellers, cavitation and underwater noise, and extensive experience at MARIN (Netherlands), specialising in CFD, High-Performance Computing, turbulence, acoustics and renewable energy systems.
Founder of the open-source CFD code ReFRESCO, former coordinator of CFD developments at MARIN, and former CSO of WavEC, leading HPC and Data Science activities.
Founder and CEO of blueOASIS, focusing on Industry 4.0 solutions for ocean protection, underwater acoustics and digital twins, and currently developing the world’s first underwater acoustics Digital Twin.
Dedicated to bridging the skills gap within the blue economy, Álvaro Sardinha is a leading figure in professional training and ocean literacy in Portugal.
As the founder of the Blue Economy Competence Centre (C2EA) and the mentor behind the PLEA (Specialisation and Leadership in Blue Economy) programme, his work focuses on preparing the next generation of leaders for the challenges of the ocean sector.
Combining a background in Marine Engineering with a Master’s in Law and Economy of the Sea, this specialist is the author of reference works such as Maximum Blue and Law and Economy of the Sea.
Álvaro Sardinha is widely recognised for his commitment to ocean education and for developing the human capital necessary for a sustainable and innovative blue future.
Luísa Salgueiro’s career is defined by public service, legal expertise and a strong commitment to sustainable territorial development.
A law graduate with postgraduate studies in Environmental Law, has served as Mayor of Matosinhos since 2017, leading policies focused on sustainability, social cohesion and local innovation.
Former President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities and Vice-President of RETE – Association for the Collaboration between Ports and Cities, contributes to national and international dialogue on coastal governance and urban development.
Under this leadership, Matosinhos has strengthened its position within Portugal’s blue economy ecosystem, reinforcing the connection between city, port and sea.
Patrícia Gonçalves’ career is defined by people-centred communication, strategic facilitation and a strong focus on results.
With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communication across diverse sectors, currently serves as Marketing & Communication Manager at B2E CoLAB, contributing to the positioning of the blue bioeconomy in Portugal.
Holds a postgraduate qualification in Leadership in Sustainable Blue Economy and designs and moderates dialogues that translate research and innovation into accessible narratives, connecting science, industry and policy.
With a background in journalism and solid expertise in branding, digital marketing and PR, brings clarity and engagement to discussions on the future of the ocean.
• Real-time data for smarter decision-making • Technology serving sustainability • Blue innovation with economic and social impact
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we manage, protect and value marine resources. Blue Wink-E 2026 explores this new frontier by connecting technology, science, businesses and public policy to shape a more sustainable and competitive blue economy.
Discover Ocean AI Futures09:00 – Welcome & Registration
09:30 – Welcome Session
10:00 – International Keynote Speaker
10:50 – Coffee Break & Networking
11:10 – AI Challenge
11:30 – Roundtable Discussion
AI AT SEA: Strategies to Scale Blue Innovation
12:45 – Blue AI Splash
13:00 – Closing Session
13:30 – Networking Lunch
Institutional Support
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