Since its launch in 2018,BlueInvestDayhas become the flagship event for the European Union's Blue Economy community. In 2026, we are proud to host the 9th edition of BlueInvest Dayacrosstwo dynamic days, showcasing the best of innovation, investment, and sustainability in the Blue Economy.
Day 1 - Investor Day
Exclusively for investors, Day 1 is dedicated to private networking and peer exchange. Investors will engage in capacity building workshops and closed-door networking opportunities designed to foster strategic connections and insights.
Programme
TIME
INDICATIVE PROGRAMME
13:30 – 14:00
Welcome Coffee
14:00 - 14:15
Opening Speech by Marie EKELAND, Founder & CEO, 2050
14:15 – 15:00
Reinventing Financial Vehicles to Scale Up Ocean Innovation
This session will examine how innovative investment vehicles canmobilisepublic and private capital to finance ocean ventures, addressing the current underfunding of the blue economy, particularly through debt instruments.
Moderated by: Martin POULSEN, Business Owner, Acacia Sustainable Business Advisors
LP & Asset Owner Perspectives: Investing in the Ocean Economy
This panel gathers leading LPs and asset owners to share their views on ocean‑related investments. They will discuss the drivers and barriers shaping their decisions and what is needed to unlock larger‑scale capital for high‑quality, ocean‑positive investments.
Confirmed Speakers:
Andrew GIDDINGS, Partner, PwC
David BUYCK, Head of Advisory, Buyck Family Advisory Office
Ana PIMENTA, Chief Impact Strategist, Blink Family Office
Lars GROENVELD, Senior Investment Manager, Invest-NL
15:45 - 16:15
Networking Break
16:15 - 16:30
Public Financing Perspective: EIB and the Blue Economy
Confirmed Speaker:
Franck JÉSUS, Senior Department Climate Advisor, European Investment Bank
16:30 - 17:00
Corporate Capital for Blue Innovation
This session will bring the corporate perspective as a key additional source of capital and/or demand for blue innovators.
Anton GIGOV, Partner, Aquamarine Impact Investment Bank
Gwen SALLEY,Marfret Ventures
Inkeri HUTTU, Global Technology Manager, ABB Marine & Ports
Lars ØSTERÅS, SVP Strategy & Business Development, Kongsberg Discovery
17:00 - 18:00
Brainstorming Session on Innovative Instruments
18:00 – 21:00
Investor Night
Exclusive evening for investors featuring a walking dinner and informal networking, offering a relaxed setting to connect with fellow investors and key ecosystem stakeholders.
Day 2 - BlueInvest Day
The BlueInvest Day is designed exclusively for startups and investors. Expect a dynamic format featuring:
Curatedpanel discussions
High-impactstartup pitch sessions
Enhancednetworking opportunitiestailored for deal-making
The day aims to foster quality 1:1 connections that drive real investment outcomes.
Programme
DAY 2 | 03 MARCH - BLUEINVEST DAY
TIME
INDICATIVE PROGRAMME
08:00 – 09:00
Welcome Breakfast
09:00 – 09:20
Opening Session
Keynote Speech by Charlina VITCHEVA, Director-General, DG for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission
09:20 – 10:00
Investor Report 2026: The Next Wave of Blue Growth
A concise reveal of the latest BlueInvest Investor Report, featuring an interview‑style conversation, highlighting key insights and emerging opportunities in the blue economy.
Christelle SAPATA, Senior Manager, PwC
10:00 – 10:45
Balancing Return, Risk and Impact
Key insights from the Investor Day, followed by a discussion with leading asset owners, family offices, and LPs on mobilising capital for sustainable ocean initiatives, highlighting global insights, outcome‑driven investment strategies, and the role of private wealth in advancing the blue economy.
Moderated by:Antje BIBER, Impact Financing Expert
Romain CIARLET, Prince Albert Foundation
Jonas SKATTUM SVEGAARDEN, CEO, Katapult Ocean
10:45 – 11:15
Break
11:15 – 12:05
BlueInvest Awards 2026 | Category I: Ocean Tech
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.
Finalists:
Benjamin KOOI,CFO, GBM Works
Geoffroy WILLAUME, CFO & Co-Founder, BuyCo
Georgia KALANTZI, CEO & Co-Founder, AlongRoute
Karol MASZTALERZ, CRO & Co-Founder, AquaHub
Marcus WARRELMANN, CEO, SEA.AI
Confirmed Jury Members:
Andre DE ALMEIDA SANTOS, Parnter, Indico Capital Partners
Inkeri HUTTU, Global Technology Manager, ABB Marine & Ports
Damien JOUANNEAU, Investment Director, Go Capital
Mélanie LE GUEN, Investment Director, Swen Capital Partners
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.
Finalists:
Benoît SERIVE, CEO & Founder, BlueCare
Leander HESSNER, Co-Founder, Decameal
Luis LOMBANA, CEO, FICOSTERRA
Yago SIERRAS PERAL, CEO, Mediterranean Algae
Anne BOERMANS, CEO, Zeefier
Confirmed Jury Members:
Jon Trygve BERG, Partner, Sarsia
Willemijn DE BOER, Senior Investment Associate, Convent Capital
Monica PUCCETTI, Head of Impact / ESG, Investment Manager, Infinity Recycling
Sol PARK, Principle, Hatch Blue
Clementine PECASTAING, Investment Director, Go Capital
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.
Finalists:
Guy MAURICE, CEO & Founder, B'ZEOS
Martijn VAN NOORDENNEN, CCO, Desolenator
George BIRCH, Founder, Oyster Heaven
John NYBERG , CEO & Founder, Ozoreon
Hervé DE LANVERSIN, Co-Founder, Seawards
Confirmed Jury Members:
Robert CARLEKE, Innovation Ventures Manager, IKEA
Johan KOSTVEIT, Investment Manager, Bluefront Equity
Pre‑arranged one‑to‑one meetings and spontaneous networking opportunities connecting investors with innovative companies.
16:30 – 17:00
BlueInvest Awards Ceremony
The BlueInvest Awards shall be conferred by the Ms. Charlina VITCHEVA, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, to the 3 top technologies of BlueInvest Day, based on the 3 pitch sessions conducted over the course of the day. The audience can also vote for a People’s Choice category via an online vote.
