The ninth edition of BlueInvest Day returned to Brussels on 2-3 March 2026, bringing together leading innovators, investors, corporates, and public‑sector actors shaping the future of the sustainable blue economy. Over two days, participants explored new financing paradigms, emerging technologies, and investment opportunities driving ocean‑positive growth across Europe and beyond.

The first day, held exclusively for investors, focused on unlocking new sources of capital for the blue economy. Discussions opened with an exploration of innovative financial vehicles capable of scaling ocean investment, with particular attention to debt instruments and blended finance models. Leading LPs and asset owners shared their perspectives on the drivers and barriers influencing their allocations to ocean‑related opportunities, while the European Investment Bank provided insights into the evolving role of public finance in accelerating blue innovation. A dedicated session highlighted how corporate capital, from maritime transport to marine engineering and industrial players, is increasingly shaping demand for blue technologies and partnering with start‑ups. The afternoon concluded with a collaborative brainstorming session on next‑generation financing instruments, followed by an Investor Night offering a relaxed setting for dealmaking and peer exchange.

The second day opened with a keynote from the European Commission, setting the stage for the release of the BlueInvest Investor Report 2026, which outlined the next wave of blue growth opportunities. A panel on balancing return, risk, and impact brought together global asset owners and impact‑driven investors to discuss strategies for mobilising private wealth toward sustainable ocean initiatives.

Innovation took centre stage with the BlueInvest Awards 2026, featuring three categories that reflect the evolving landscape of the blue economy:

• Ocean Tech - spotlighting digital, automation, and engineering solutions modernising maritime industries.

• Ocean Bioresources - showcasing breakthroughs in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and sustainable bioresource use.

• Ocean Resilience - recognising technologies that protect ecosystems, enhance climate resilience, and restore ocean health.

Across these categories, 15 finalists presented cutting‑edge solutions to a jury of leading venture capital and impact investors.

The afternoon was dedicated to Investor Café sessions, enabling structured one‑to‑one meetings between investors and blue innovators.

The event concluded with the BlueInvest Awards Ceremony and networking drinks, celebrating the achievements of the finalists and strengthening connections across the ecosystem.

 

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BlueInvest Award Categories 

During BlueInvest Day 2026, four companies per category pitched on stage:

This category recognises technological innovations that improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of ocean operations. It includes smart systems for maritime transport, shipbuilding, renewable energy, and ocean observation, leveraging digital tools and automation to modernise ocean industries. Sectors covered: Blue Tech and Ocean Observation, Shipping and Ports, Shipbuilding and Refit, Blue Renewable Energy   Winner:  GBM Works   Finalists: AlongRoute Aquahub BuyCo SEA.AI Jury Panel: Rita SOUSA, Partner, Faber Andre DE ALMEIDA SANTOS, Partner, Indico Capital Partners Mélanie LE GUEN, Investment Director, SWEN Capital Partners Inkeri HUTTU, RDI funding, Partnerships, Compliance, ABB Marine & Ports Damien JOUANNEAU, Investment Director, Go Capital	This category focuses on innovations that harness marine bioresources in a sustainable way. These include new methods for aquaculture, fisheries, marine biotechnology, and circular systems that contribute to food security, health, and ecological balance. Sectors covered: Aquaculture, Fisheries, Blue Biotechnology   Winners:  Decameal & Mediterranean Algae   Finalists: BlueCare discovery FICOSTERRA Zeefier Jury Panel: Jon Trygve BERG, Partner, Sarsia Willemijn DE BOER, Senior Investment Associate, Convent Capital Sol PARK, Principle, Hatch Blue Monica PUCCETTI, Head of Impact / ESG, Investment Manager, Infinity Recycling Clementine PECASTAING, Investment Director, Go Capital Jean-François TRECCO, Co-Founder & General Partner, BluKap VC
This category highlights solutions that protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems while improving resilience to climate change. It includes approaches that reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, promote responsible water use, and advance ocean health and conservation. Sectors covered: Environmental Protection and Regeneration, Water Management, Coastal and Maritime Tourism   Winner:  Desolenator   Finalists: B'ZEOS Oyster Heaven Ozoreon SEAWARDS Jury Panel: Johan KOSTVEIT, Investment Manager, Bluefront Equity Jonas SKATTUM SVEGAARDEN, CEO, Katapult Ocean Hilde STØLE PETTERSEN, Managing Partner, Momentum Partners Michael WHITE, Partner, Planet Ocean Fund Luca ZERBINI, CEO, Una Terra	The audience will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice category through an online voting system. A QR code for accessing the vote will be displayed after all the pitches have concluded.   Winner: Mediterranean Algae