The Government has officially recognized that the activities carried out by B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB justify the granting of Scientific Patronage beneficiary status. The decision, published in the Official Gazette through Order No. 11946/2025, allows donations made to the institution between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2026, to enjoy the tax benefits provided for in the Tax Benefits Statute.

“This recognition is a milestone for B2E CoLAB. It reinforces the importance of science and innovation in the blue bioeconomy and creates conditions for companies and citizens to support this mission with tax advantages. It is an opportunity to join forces for a more sustainable and competitive future for Portugal and Europe,” emphasizes Maria Coelho, coordinator of B2E CoLAB.

The blue bioeconomy is a strategic area that integrates science, technology, and innovation to enhance marine resources in a sustainable way. This sector is aligned with the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), which calls for global mobilization to protect the oceans and promote solutions based on scientific knowledge.

Although CoLABs were created with a scientific and technological vocation, the Scientific Patronage Law did not initially provide for their inclusion as eligible entities, since they did not exist at the time of its creation. Thus, B2E CoLAB had to undergo the formal recognition process provided for in the law itself, which now confirms its status as a beneficiary.

For patrons, this distinction represents a unique opportunity to contribute to blue innovation and, at the same time, benefit from significant tax deductions, both in terms of corporate income tax and personal income tax.

Donations will be applied to specific projects, with a direct impact not only on the activities of B2E CoLAB, but also on the patron itself, promoting partnerships of shared value.

The types of Scientific Patronage cover different forms of support:

• Research – support for the development of scientific projects;
• Scientific infrastructure – financing the acquisition or renovation of facilities and equipment;
• Human resources – promoting the transfer of researchers or specialists between entities;
• Scientific dissemination – support for communication and dissemination activities, such as events, fairs, or campaigns;
• Innovation and industrial application – enabling the demonstration of R&D results and technology transfer in an industrial context

With this recognition, B2E CoLAB reinforces its role as a bridge between science, innovation, and the market, fostering new forms of collaboration that promote the sustainable development of the blue bioeconomy.

About B2E CoLAB

Portugal, with its strong connection to the sea, is in a privileged position to lead this transformation. B2E CoLAB acts as a link between universities, research centers, companies, government, and society, developing projects that connect science and the market and drive national and international consortia.

B2E CoLAB is a private non-profit association dedicated to aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and the valorization of living marine resources. Its mission is to help create new businesses, emerging value chains, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative products, harnessing the vast potential of marine resources and promoting sustainability.