Team
We're a team of seasoned professionals with expertise in innovation, business development, digital transformation, communications and start-up ventures.
Our diverse academic backgrounds range from marine sciences to international business and finance. United by our passion for the ocean, we're dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for a better planet
Founder & Partnerships
Presidente da Direcção
Susanne Wedin-Schildt
Susanne brings extensive experience in leading teams across diverse markets and industries. With a career spanning large enterprises and top Global Management Consulting firms, she has served as a trusted advisor to CxOs on strategic assignments. Susanne is passionate about harnessing IT to drive sustainable business growth and is currently focused on sustainable and regenerative innovation.
She is actively involved in various business, advisory, and jury boards within the green and blue sectors. A dedicated advocate for the environment, Susanne moved from Sweden to Portugal in 2020 with a mission to protect and sustainably utilize the ocean. She is also a sailor and enjoys surfing and hiking along the Portuguese Silver Coast. Beyond her professional achievements, Susanne is a devoted animal lover and a champion of plant-based living, committed to creating a sustainable future for all.
Christina Friberg
Co-Founder &
Secretário da Direcção
Christina has extensive experience in management roles and leadership positions in the finance industry and global consulting firms, specializing in business and product development, innovation, corporate strategy, and change management. A thought leader and expert in the payments industry, she has held various CxO positions. A lifelong resident near the Swedish coastline, Christina is passionate about ocean sports, particularly sailing. Her primary focus is on addressing environmental and food challenges through innovative solutions and sustainable, circular economic models. Christina is dedicated to tackling the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by identifying promising start-up ideas and creating compelling business cases for investors.
Mafalda de Freitas
Chief Marine Scientist
Mafalda is a Marine Biologist with degrees in Marine Biology from University of St Andrews in Scotland and a Master in Marine Acoustics from Aarhus University in Denmark. She has worked in a number of research projects that used innovative technologies to study marine mammals. Mafalda has worked as Project Manager for Peniche Ocean Watch where exciting projects for fishing net recycling and ocean tech amongst others were developed and deployed. Mafalda now holds the position as Environmental Scientist at Hawaii Pacific University. Mafalda is passionate about translating science into applied innovation in the Ocean space.
Vanessa Domingos
Chief Knowledge Officer,
Presidente, Conselho Fiscal
Vanessa, born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, finds energy and inspiration in the ocean, enjoying water sports like swimming and surfing and holding a coastal boat license. She holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering - Quality & Environment and a Postgraduate Degree in Integrated Quality, Environment Management Systems. With 14 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Vanessa focuses on project management and laboratory team supervision. Passionate about sustainability and Blue Circular Economy projects, she is committed to sharing ocean knowledge to inspire ocean-friendly decisions.
Sanne Persson
Chief Social Media Officer
Born and raised in a small seaport in the south of Sweden, the ocean has been constant in Sanne's life; both as a place for recreation as well as a creator of livelihood for the community. Sanne holds a B.A in Media and Communication Studies and a B.S.c in Business and Economics with a major in Business Administration. She has completed a communications internship in Lisbon at the Swedish-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, worked as communications officer and her day time job is now as marketing coordinator for a Swedish' knowledge company.
Rimmie Duraisamy
Chief Web Officer
and Community Lead
Rimmie comes from the western coast of India and has been living in Sweden since 2015. She has a background in Mechanical engineering and has experience from working in the automotive industry. Rimmie is currently pursuing her PhD in the field of Wave Energy Harvesting systems at KTH, Stockholm. Through her work, she aims at solving the challenges involved in the design and development of ocean energy harvesting.
Rimmie can’t resist the charm of the Scandinavian outdoors, enjoys long hikes and loves to be around animals. Having recently taken diving lessons, she is looking forward to true blue underwater adventures.
Frida was born in the northern part of Swedish Lapland. She has always enjoyed spending time in nature, and the ocean and rivers of the north will always hold a special place in her heart. Frida is studying a Degree of Master of Science in International Business at Umeå University in Sweden. She studied one year in the California Bay Area and one exchange semester at NOVA School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal. Frida is passionate about sustainable business growth, management and marketing and is committed to being a part of the solution - for our blue planet.
Frida Olovsson
Chief Communications Lead
Karen is a recent bachelor graduate in International Studies and Economics from the University of Oslo. While she grew up around the Trondheimsfjord, Norway, she has spent 1.5 years of her life in Eastern Canada, studying and working as an intern at the Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa. Her love for the ocean and ocean sports has been with her throughout her life, and she has competed nationally in flat water kayaking. During her exchange semester at NOVA SBE, Lisbon, this interest was revitalized through surfing. Karen is passionate about bringing forward blue and green solutions through supporting innovative and sustainable business ideas and promoting the circular economy principles.
Karen R. Østgaard
OC Innovate Program Lead
Manaar Saedimajd is a professional with experience in marketing, sales, and business development. Hailing from Tehran, Iran, Manaar has faced numerous challenges related to water and ocean conservation, fueling a deep commitment to these issues. As the Ocean Ambassador Lead and Business Associate Lead, Manaar is dedicated to promoting sustainability. Manaar is also involved in a food waste recycling project in Portugal, aimed at reducing waste and supporting environmental efforts. Passionate about nature and the ocean, Manaar enjoys spending time at beaches and natural settings. Believing that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant global change, Manaar is committed to creating a sustainable future.
Manaar Saedi Majd
Business Associate Program Lead