Daniela V. Fernandez joins the programme at a moment when digitalisation and data‑driven tools are increasingly influencing environmental monitoring, blue biotechnology, aquaculture and public policy. Ocean AI Futures aims to examine how emerging technologies can move beyond potential and become operational solutions, ensuring that the blue economy evolves at the pace of digital innovation.

Daniela: A leader who sparked a global movement

Daniela V. Fernandez founded the Sustainable Ocean Alliance at age 19, a platform that has since grown into one of the most recognised global networks supporting young innovators and technology‑driven ocean solutions. According to the organisation’s 2023 Impact Report, SOA has backed 376 initiatives across 83 countries, including 56 companies and 320 funded projects, mobilising USD 4.66 million since 2018. In 2023 alone, SOA allocated USD 1.08 million, supplemented by USD 694,000 via its affiliated fund, Seabird Ventures.

Her trajectory has earned her international recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30, and she is frequently invited to high‑level forums dedicated to science, policy and climate action.

A perspective focused on innovation in practice

At Ocean AI Futures, Daniela V. Fernandez is expected to outline how artificial intelligence and advanced technologies can support sustainable economic models linked to the sea. With more than a decade of collaboration with entrepreneurs, researchers and technical teams, she brings a grounded view of the practical challenges that influence whether innovation succeeds on the ground.

Her remarks are likely to address recurring themes from her international work: the need for credible impact metrics, the importance of robust data systems, the growing requirement for rapid responses to extreme events and the persistent gap between technological development and real‑world implementation capacity.

Daniela V. Fernandez has expanded this perspective through the creation of Velamar, an initiative designed to address structural barriers that often prevent ocean‑related technologies from reaching maturity. The project reflects her stance that long‑term viability requires not just innovation but financial and operational mechanisms capable of sustaining it.

Portugal at the centre of the ocean’s digital future

Blue Wink E 2026 | Ocean AI Futures, organised by B2E CoLAB, will bring together specialists, companies, researchers and policymakers to analyse trends, case studies and challenges associated with the adoption of AI across the blue and bioeconomy.

This year’s edition also gains additional international relevance: Blue Wink E 2026 has been officially endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade, placing it among a select group of initiatives recognised for contributing to global goals for a healthier, more resilient and productive ocean between 2021 and 2030.

The event further benefits from the institutional support of the Portuguese National Committee for the Ocean Decade and the Portuguese Committee of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), reinforcing its strategic alignment within national and international ocean agendas.

The full programme is available on the B2E CoLAB website.

Registration is free but mandatory, and the event will be held in Portuguese and English.