The sixth edition of BlueInvest Day in Brussels brought together over 230 innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and stakeholders, and another 270 online viewers. During the BlueInvest Investor Capacity Building session on Day 1 of the event, investors discussed ways to boost the inflow of private capital into the sustainable blue economy. In parallel, a workshop explored critical enablers that motivate corporations to collaborate with start-ups and SMEs. Participants were also coached in creating compelling narratives to get the attention of investors. Networking and deals drove the activities of Day 2, which included a Dealmakers Breakfast and an exhibition showcasing 32 blue innovations. 54 investors attended the event, engaging in business discussions with the more than 110 blue companies that participated.
The theme around the sixth edition of the BlueInvest Day focused on the role of the EU blue economy and private investment in boosting competitiveness, particularly to close the innovation gap. The European Investment Bank launched its new report on “European Blue Champions – Charting the course for innovation finance”, and a panel discussion on boosting competitiveness and private investment looked into next steps, scenarios for the medium to long-term, and opportunities. This was complemented by 5 Blue Champion companies presenting their innovative technologies. In a parallel session, the EIB partnering with Global Seaweed Coalition presented its report on financing opportunities in support of sustainable seaweed and bivalve sectors in the EU, followed by discussion with investors on how to best scale up this high-potential blue economy sector. As every year, the BlueInvest Day also featured the popular BlueInvest Awards, a showcase of some of the top companies in the BlueInvest Project Pipeline: 12 finalists competed across 4 categories: Net Zero and Ocean Sustainability, Sustainable Bioresources from the Ocean, Ocean Intelligence & Autonomous Systems, People’s Choice Award.
Click here to download the flash reports of BlueInvest Day 2025:
For the pictures of BlueInvest Day 2025, you can visit the gallery.
BlueInvest Award Categories
This category covers innovative technologies and practices that promote green shipping, shipyard operations, and port management. It includes advancements in ocean renewable energy - from offshore wind to wave energy and hydrogen solutions - as well as effective water management strategies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing ocean health.
Winner:
Finalists:
Universal Plastic (winner of the People's Choice Awards)
Jury Panel:
Simon DENT, Managing Director, Outrigger Impact
Jérôme GUERET, CEO, GO Capital
Jeroen KELDER, Managing Partner, Infinity Recycling | Circular Plastics Fund
Olivier RAYBAUD, Managing Director, SWEN Capital Partners
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This category highlights innovations in sustainable bioresources sourced from the ocean, including food, feed, biotechnology, and algae. It encompasses initiatives that promote responsible harvesting, cultivation, and utilisation of marine resources, ensuring ecological balance and supporting a diverse range of applications for sustainable development.
Winner:
Finalists
Jury Panel:
Markus BOEHM, Partner, Planet Ocean Fund
Jon Trygve BERG, Partner Technology, Energy and Sustainability, Sarsia
Sol PARK, Principal, Hatch Blue
Flo SCHEPERS, Investment Analyst, Convent Capital | Agri Food Growth Fund
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This category focuses on smart technologies and AI-driven solutions that enhance our understanding of the ocean. It includes advancements in measurement, observation, and forecasting related to the ocean and human activities, leveraging cutting-edge research and data analytics to support sustainable ocean management.
Winner:
Finalists
Jury Panel:
Andre DE ALMEIDA SANTOS, Partner, Indico Capital Partners
Nityen LAL, Founding Partner, Icos Capital
Ingrid MAURSTAD, Impact Director, Katapult Ocean
Carlos ESTEBAN, Partner, Faber Ocean / Climate Tech
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TIME |
INVESTORS PROGRAMME |
STARTUP/SCALE-UP PROGRAMME |
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INVESTOR CAPACITY BUILDING SESSION VI: INNOVATIVE INVESTMENT APPROACH FOR VCS This session will focus on exploring innovative strategies for venture capitalists (VCs) to thrive in the blue economy. We will examine two key stages: fundraising and investment. The goal is to gain insights from experts and peers on best practices to enhance fundraising efforts and reduce risks in investment decisions.
14:00 – 14:10 | Welcome Daniela CEDOLA, Partner, PwC Luxembourg 14:10 – 15:10 | Fundraising Stage: Aligning Investment Approach to Trends in LPs Requirements This session will explore the latest trends in LP requirements for EU VC funds and provide guidance for both first-time funds and established funds seeking capital.
15:10 – 15:30 | Coffee Break
15:30 – 17:00 | Investment Stage: Innovation & Risk Mitigation The session will start with a keynote on boosting investments in clean tech, followed by a panel discussion on applying these recommendations to the blue economy. Industry experts will explore challenges VC funds face in mobilising capital, strategies to de-risk investments, and new funding instruments. Finally, an interactive brainstorming session will develop innovative solutions to de-risk investments, encouraging participant collaboration. |
14:00 – 14:15 | Welcome
14:15 - 15:15 | WORKSHOP 1: Corporate-SME Collaboration: Strategy for Success
In this workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key performance indicators that drive corporate decision-making. They will explore the critical enablers that motivate corporations to collaborate with SMEs and learn how to identify the right stakeholders to approach. Additionally, the workshop will provide valuable insights on how SMEs can effectively present their ideas, needs, and expectations, while also addressing important considerations such as go/no-go decisions and termination criteria.
15:15 - 15:45 | Coffee Break
15:45 - 17:00 | WORKSHOP 2: Visual Storytelling: How to Communicate Technical Innovations to Investors
In this session, participants will learn how to create a compelling narrative that unfolds naturally, allowing the story to reveal itself through actions, dialogue, and emotion, rather than relying on explicit narration. The focus will be on crafting engaging, dynamic storytelling that draws investors in and allows the plot to develop organically.
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17:10 – 19:00 NETWORKING SESSION: VENTURE VIBES FLOW Dynamic networking event where entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators come together in a relaxed, social atmosphere. |
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| 19:00 CLOSE OF DAY 1 | ||
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08:30 – 09:30 | DEALMAKERS’ BREAKFAST Networking event where investors and promising companies gather for meaningful conversations over breakfast. |
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09:30 – 10:30 | OPENING SESSION & WELCOME BY KEYNOTE
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10:30 – 10:45 | SURFING THE WAVE OF EUROPEAN BLUE CHAMPIONS: A NEW COURSE FOR THE FINANCING OF INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN BLUE ECONOMY
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10:45 – 11:45 | PANEL DISCUSSION: BOOSTING COMPETITIVENESS AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN THE EU BLUE ECONOMY Moderated panel discussion exploring the role of the EU blue economy in strengthening European competitiveness and fostering private investment.
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11:45 – 13:30 | NETWORKING LUNCH |
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13:30 – 14:10 | BLUEINVEST AWARDS 2025 DEBATE BATTLE | CATEGORY I: NET ZERO AND OCEAN SUSTAINABILITY This category covers innovative technologies and practices that promote green shipping, shipyard operations, and port management. It includes advancements in ocean renewable energy - from offshore wind to wave energy and hydrogen solutions - as well as effective water management strategies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing ocean health. Finalists:
Jury Panel:
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14:10 – 14:50 | BLUEINVEST AWARDS 2025 DEBATE BATTLE | CATEGORY II: SUSTAINABLE BIORESOURCES FROM THE OCEAN This category highlights innovations in sustainable bioresources sourced from the ocean, including food, feed, biotechnology, and algae. It encompasses initiatives that promote responsible harvesting, cultivation, and utilisation of marine resources, ensuring ecological balance and supporting a diverse range of applications for sustainable development. Finalists:
Jury Panel
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14:50 – 15:30 | BLUEINVEST AWARDS 2025 DEBATE BATTLE | CATEGORY III: OCEAN INTELLIGENCE & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS This category focuses on smart technologies and AI-driven solutions that enhance our understanding of the ocean. It includes advancements in measurement, observation, and forecasting related to the ocean and human activities, leveraging cutting-edge research and data analytics to support sustainable ocean management. Finalists:
Jury Panel:
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15:30 – 16:00 | COFFEE BREAK |
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16:00 – 16:30 | SHOWCASE OF BLUE CHAMPIONS Five Blue Champions will present their innovative technologies/projects. Moderator: Dr. Christelle SAPATA, Senior Manager, PwC Luxembourg
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16:30 – 17:00 | BLUEINVEST AWARDS CEREMONY AND CONCLUSION The BlueInvest Awards shall be conferred by Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and |
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17:00 | CLOSE OF THE EVENT |
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Day 1 |
1:1 business meetings |
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Day 2 |
Exhibition: Showcase of Innovations |
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Day 2 (14:00 - 15:00) |
EIB Workshop: Financing Opportunities in Support of Sustainable Seaweed and Bivalve Sectors in the EU |
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Day 1 + 2 |
Art exhibition from EU Ocean Days |