Discovering Blue Innovation: A Journey Through Peniche's Blue Economy

On May 20, Ocean Community had the pleasure of arranging the annual Blue Economy Field Trip for our valued associate, the Stockholm University Business School, with Professor Ian Richardsson, Director of Executive Education, in collaboration with CLS/Swedish-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. This event brought participants from the Executive Education Program to experience the Blue Economy in Peniche, one of Portugal’s emerging Blue Hubs.

Exploring the Heart of Blue Innovation

With its strong connection to the Atlantic, active maritime ecosystem, and growing focus on sustainable aquaculture and blue biotechnology, Peniche offered an inspiring setting. Here, we explored how coastal regions can become living laboratories for blue innovation. The visit provided participants with first-hand insights into Portugal’s evolving blue economy landscape. It highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, entrepreneurs, and local communities in shaping sustainable ocean-based solutions.

The day was divided into four distinct parts, seamlessly connecting academic research with boots-on-the-ground aquaculture practices.

MARE-Politécnico de Leiria: The Scientific Backbone

The first three sessions of our trip were hosted at the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), part of a multipolar RD&I center spread across Portugal. MARE operates as the scientific backbone for the region's blue economy.

Sara Novais explained what makes the Leiria pole remarkable through its highly specialized infrastructure. It is the only facility in Portugal’s West Region dedicated exclusively to marine science and technology. As a first step of our trip, we explored their practices, which focus heavily on the emerging sectors of the blue economy:

• Marine Biotechnology: Unlocking new applications from marine biological resources.

• Marine Biology & Aquaculture: Advancing how we cultivate marine life sustainably.

• Marine Food Resources: Developing sustainable technologies to provide food and biotic resources to society.

  
  

Bridging the Missing Link in Ocean Innovation

To frame the field trip within a broader strategic context, Susanne Wedin-Schildt, CEO and Founder of Ocean Community, delivered a presentation on blue economy innovation. She discussed the outlook for the blue economy in Portugal and Sweden, and the systemic gaps that still prevent ocean solutions from reaching their full potential.

While scientific progress in areas such as sustainable aquaculture, marine biotechnology, ocean data, and regenerative coastal solutions is advancing rapidly, a critical “missing link” remains. This gap exists between research, entrepreneurship, investment, and market adoption.

Too often, promising innovators struggle to commercialize. Researchers lack structured pathways into entrepreneurship. Investors face a fragmented landscape where viable ocean solutions are difficult to identify, validate, and scale.

The presentation highlighted the need for stronger innovation bridges. We must connect universities, startups, industry, policymakers, investors, and coastal communities through more intentional ecosystems. In this sense, the field trip to Peniche became more than a study visit. It served as a live example of how place-based blue innovation hubs can break down silos. They connect knowledge with action and demonstrate how countries such as Portugal and Sweden can contribute complementary strengths to a more regenerative and globally relevant blue economy.

Smarter Aquaculture with Fish n Greens

The final presentation at the institute shifted the focus to practical application. João Cotter, CEO of FishnGreens, introduced their transformative approach to sustainable urban food production using advanced aquaponics.

FishnGreens has engineered a modular symbiosis between aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water), creating a sustainable closed-loop system for densely populated areas.

• A 100% Closed Loop: Fish waste is processed by beneficial aerobic bacteria, converting it into a natural fertilizer. The plants absorb these nutrients, naturally filtering and purifying the water before it loops back to the fish tanks.

• Zero Discharges: The system wastes virtually no water and has absolutely no effluent discharges, protecting local marine biodiversity from agricultural runoff.

• Chemical-Free: The ecosystem thrives without the need for pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or antibiotics.

  
  

This solution fits for smaller-scale and decentralized production. FishnGreens aims to reduce the heavy carbon emissions associated with transporting food, proving that high-yield agriculture doesn't have to degrade the environment.

Boots on the Ground: The SEAentia RAS Facility Tour

For the final part of the trip, we left the lecture hall for a hands-on guided tour of the SEAentia facilities, led by team member Nuno Leite.

Founded in 2017, SEAentia is a pioneering Portuguese startup redefining sustainable aquaculture. Their specific focus is the corvina (meagre). They selected this species for its rapid growth rate, highly efficient feed conversion, and excellent nutritional profile.

During the tour, João and Nuno broke down their Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).

Because commercial-scale corvina cultivation in an RAS environment is entirely unprecedented, SEAentia launched a highly monitored pilot project in 2021. They have now successfully secured funding to develop a full-scale production unit.

The tour highlighted their operational practices. Seeing SEAentia's system in action was a powerful conclusion to the trip. It proved that with rigorous science, innovative engineering, and cross-border collaboration, a truly regenerative blue economy is well within our reach.

The Future of Blue Innovation

As we wrapped up our day in Peniche, I felt a surge of excitement about the future of ocean innovation. The collaboration between academia, industry, and local communities is vital. Together, we can tackle the challenges facing our oceans and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Join us in fostering a collaborative network where ideas turn into sustainable solutions for ocean challenges. Together, we can drive a prosperous blue regenerative economy! 🌊💙

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