Oeiras initiatives for technological advancements
In the heart of Oeiras, Portugal, the Ocean Forum recently convened, bringing together ten financial institutions, nine private investment funds, the European Investment Bank, and five national public entities. This gathering was a significant step towards unlocking the potential of Portugal's blue economy, with a mission to accelerate innovation and internationalisation.
The Ocean Forum, a driving force behind Portugal's maritime sectors, is dedicated to advocating for sustainable growth and competitiveness. It encourages collaboration among government, research, and industry to promote Portugal’s position in the global blue economy.
Future plans for the Ocean Forum include supporting innovation and international cooperation through partnerships like the NOVA Oeiras Ocean Analytics Lab. This lab applies data science and AI to sustainable ocean management and environmental monitoring, contributing to global ocean sustainability goals.
The Ocean Forum also promotes collaborative networks that enhance the entire value chain of marine biotechnology and other blue economy sectors. Additionally, it advocates for stronger engagement in international blue economy initiatives, such as cooperating with transatlantic partnerships to shape a greener, more resilient maritime future.
The forum also facilitates the integration of advanced oceanographic technologies and sustainable maritime practices to meet strategic development goals like those in Portugal's National Strategy for the Sea (ENM), aiming for intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive blue growth.
Eleven investment workshops were held, focusing on the various blue value chains and the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal. IPIM provided financial support for this initiative to enable the participation of member Portuguese companies.
Approximately 300 national and international participants attended the forum, including business leaders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and ambassadors. The Hub Azul team presented analytical briefings based on its platform, providing strategic intelligence to enhance the financial value and sustainability of maritime-related activities.
The certification of the Oeiras Nautical Station was marked by a symbolic signing of a letter of intent between Platform Zero, EVI, InspireXchange, and ENIDH. Three international delegations participated: China, the Netherlands, and Morocco, each sharing expertise and collaborative efforts related to new port development and various areas within the blue economy.
Notable speakers included Ambrose So, João Rui Ferreira, Mário Pinho, Pedro Patacho, Ambassador António Martins da Cruz, Zhao Bentang, Margriet Leemhuis, and João Fonseca Santos. China emphasised inter-cluster dialogue, focusing on the application of artificial intelligence and the alignment of industrial and product certification systems.
The full integration of Oeiras into the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal was reinforced. The Netherlands introduced seven sustainable startups from the port and maritime sectors, which may later become part of the upcoming incubator at the Infante D. Henrique Higher Nautical School.
The final day of the event focused on certification standards for technologies and products, with a focus on internationalization and facilitating exchanges between the Chinese and Portuguese markets. The Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oeiras Viva, Rui Daniel Mourinha, were present at the inaugural ceremony.
These stakeholders outlined their investment priorities and engaged in matchmaking sessions, connecting funding opportunities with 19 startups and innovative projects. The presentation of the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal took place during the inaugural ceremony. The Oeiras Nautical Station was officially certified by Forum Oceano.
Preparations for the first edition of the Macau Bluetech Ocean Forum, on October 17, 2025, are underway, in partnership with Macau Expo, IFCE-Macao, and with the support of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency. The Ocean Forum is strategically focused on fostering innovation, driving international partnerships, and applying advanced technologies to position Portugal as a global leader in the blue economy, with ongoing efforts to support sustainable growth across maritime industries and enhance Portugal's international visibility and competitiveness.
- The Ocean Forum, in Portugal, aims to accelerate innovation and internationalisation in the blue economy, focusing on sustainable growth and competitiveness.
- Future endeavors of the Ocean Forum involve supporting innovation and international cooperation, including partnerships like the NOVA Oeiras Ocean Analytics Lab, which applies data science and AI to ocean management and monitoring.
- The Ocean Forum also encourages collaboration among government, research, and industry to promote Portugal’s position in the global blue economy, focusing on sectors such as marine biotechnology.
- In addition, the Ocean Forum advocates for stronger engagement in international blue economy initiatives, such as transatlantic partnerships, to shape a greener, more resilient maritime future.
- The Ocean Forum facilitates the integration of advanced oceanographic technologies and sustainable maritime practices to meet strategic development goals, like those in Portugal's National Strategy for the Sea (ENM), aiming for intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive blue growth.
