What are the main results of your work in the area of ​​blue bioeconomy?

INESC TEC is a private, non-profit association with public interest status, dedicated to scientific research and technological development, technology transfer, advanced consulting and training, and pre-incubation of new technology-based companies. As an institution that operates at the interface between the academic world and the business world, bringing together academia, companies, public administration, and society, INESC TEC typically applies the knowledge and results generated within its research to technology transfer projects, seeking to create value and immediate social relevance.

The institution presents its expertise to the blue bioeconomy sectors through TEC4SEA, whose mission is to induce market dynamics in R&D activities aimed at the challenges of the sea and deep sea, with a view to a sustainable maritime economy. TEC4SEA is an INESC TEC initiative that brings together R&D institutions, companies, and associations, increasing synergies and critical mass to address real-world challenges related to the maritime economy. It creates a network of excellence in ocean engineering based in the North, capable of stimulating industries and acting as a leading international counterpart.

A project on the blue bioeconomy in which you participated and of which you are proud:

Fortunately, we have been working in this sector for years and have good projects that we are proud of. The SCAN Project (“SCAN – AQUACULTURE CALIBRATION SYSTEM”) is an interesting case. This is a research contract developed for an SME located in the Northern Region. This project began in January 2014 and ended in June 2015, with the objective of developing an autonomous system to calibrate and estimate the biomass in flatfish (Senegalese sole) tanks. The system should be able to function underwater and cause as little stress as possible to the species.

The ambition of the project and the time pressure were considerable challenges that we all faced. However, the project achieved some progress and the final results were very promising (including a patent). It is quite interesting to mention this project in 2022, almost 7 years after its completion, as only recently have we felt that the market is becoming ready for solutions similar to those developed in this project.

The best blue bioeconomy tip you follow in your daily life

I try not to forget the blue bioeconomy, as I always try to balance my diet and never forget seafood-related foods in my weekly diet.

A course, an event, a meeting, a person who had an impact and changed or reinforced your ideas/methods/work procedures – good practices

Engineering courses prepare students to deal with problems/challenges in a very pragmatic way; “1 and 0”, “black and white”, etc. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate in two very interesting courses that added “new colors to the world” and to the way I deal with challenges. These were the MIET and EMBA courses. At different times and in a complementary way, both courses provided me with new tools in technological innovation and management that I use quite frequently.

How do you envision the blue bioeconomy in 30 years? Prediction

Technology is always improving and increasingly penetrating our lives. In 30 years, we should have a more sustainable blue bioeconomy sector, with less human involvement in different activities, more automated and supported by value-added data related to products, solutions and processes.

The best thing about working with B2E

A very dynamic team from whom we are always learning. Fortunately, INESC TEC is a founding member of B2E and we have been following and supporting this growth from the beginning.

An idea to improve working with B2E

Working with B2E is challenging, they are always improving and innovation is in their blood. We need more close collaboration programs to learn more 😊

When you’re not working, you’re:

Volunteering or enjoying nature.