Programme

The Welcome Dinner will take place at the Glasshouse Lounge Restaurant, Adams Beach Hotel
Photo exhibition ‘From Sky to Seafloor: Discover Cyprus Marine environments‘ with contributions from the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute and Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence.

Opening of the exhibition area with project booths.

Opening remarks welcoming participants and setting the stage for discussions on ocean governance, marine science and blue innovation.

High-level opening addresses highlighting Europe’s ocean priorities and the strategic importance of strengthening the science–policy interface.

The European Ocean Pact calls for stronger integration of science, data, and innovation into policymaking to safeguard ocean health while strengthening Europe’s blue economy. This keynote session will explore how Europe’s ocean knowledge system—from large-scale observation infrastructures to scientific advisory bodies—can effectively support the implementation of the Pact and the upcoming Ocean R&I Strategy. Speakers will discuss the role of ocean observation, digital tools and scientific cooperation in informing governance, improving policy coherence, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. The discussion will also highlight how initiatives such as EMODnet, Mercator Ocean and European research networks contribute to transforming marine knowledge into operational services, strategic foresight and policy guidance at European and global levels.

Achieving effective ocean governance under the EU Ocean Pact requires stronger integration between scientific knowledge, research infrastructures, societal perspectives and policy implementation. This session will explore how marine science, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration can support more coherent decision-making across Europe’s seas, including through strengthened science-to-governance mechanisms and improved access to marine data, services and biological resources. Particular attention will be given to the role of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as a strategic tool to balance environmental protection, economic activities and long-term resilience in increasingly crowded maritime spaces. Speakers will also highlight how European marine research infrastructures and long-term observation systems contribute to evidence-based policymaking, ecosystem-based management and policy implementation, while social sciences and stakeholder engagement can strengthen governance frameworks by incorporating societal values, improving policy legitimacy and supporting more inclusive and adaptive ocean management across European sea basins.

Restoring marine ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity are central ambitions of the EU Ocean Pact and the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”. This session will explore how scientific knowledge, research infrastructures and innovative solutions can better support effective restoration policies and regulatory frameworks. Speakers will discuss emerging practices for ecosystem restoration, approaches to reducing marine pollution, sustainable aquaculture approaches and the role of biodiversity-positive strategies such as nature-based solutions. The discussion will also highlight how collaboration between research institutions, technology providers and policymakers can accelerate implementation, while strengthening public engagement and ocean stewardship through improved ocean literacy and societal awareness.

The EU Ocean Pact recognises the ocean as a key ally in achieving climate neutrality, notably through the protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems. This workshop will explore how coastal and marine nature-based solutions—such as seagrasses, saltmarshes and other carbon-sequestering habitats—can contribute to climate mitigation while strengthening ecosystem resilience. Experts will discuss emerging approaches to blue carbon accounting, the role of science in supporting credible carbon markets, and the policy frameworks needed to integrate ocean-based climate solutions into European and regional strategies. Particular attention will be given to Mediterranean dynamics and coastal pressures, highlighting how research and monitoring can inform practical pathways for scaling blue carbon initiatives across European sea basins.

Decarbonising maritime transport is a central pillar of Europe’s climate strategy and a key objective of the EU Ocean Pact. This workshop will examine how innovation, regulation and market incentives can accelerate the transition towards low- and zero-emission shipping. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and research organisations, the session will explore emerging decarbonisation solutions, including carbon capture, digital optimisation and new propulsion pathways, while ensuring robust assessment of their real climate impact, environmental implications and long-term sustainability. Discussions will also address the evolving EU regulatory framework, the role of emissions pricing and incentive mechanisms, and the importance of safety and operational standards. Particular attention will be given to how collaboration between industry, technology developers and policymakers can support scalable solutions for a competitive and climate-neutral European maritime sector.

The Mediterranean Sea faces growing pressures from climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and competing maritime uses, placing both ecosystems and the region’s exceptionally rich cultural heritage at increasing risk. Safeguarding this shared legacy requires integrated sea-basin governance. In the context of the EU Ocean Pact and emerging Mediterranean initiatives, this workshop will explore how science, regional cooperation and policy coordination can address these interconnected challenges. Bringing together research institutions, regional initiatives and civil society, the discussion will examine pathways to strengthen science–policy interfaces, foster collaboration between northern and southern Mediterranean partners, and promote sustainable and culturally aware blue economy solutions across the basin.

This high-level closing session will reflect on the key messages emerging from the conference and their relevance for advancing Europe’s ocean agenda in the context of the EU Ocean Pact and the forthcoming EU Ocean R&I Strategy. The session will also mark the symbolic handover to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, underlining the continuity of European leadership in ocean governance. This moment will reaffirm a shared commitment to strengthening science–policy cooperation, advancing sustainable blue economy pathways and ensuring coordinated action across European sea basins.
In presence of Ambassadors and Delegations from EU Member States

This extended networking session in the exhibition area will offer participants a relaxed and engaging environment to continue discussions and build connections around showcased innovations and initiatives. Through curated interactions and light cultural touches inspired by Mediterranean heritage and hospitality, participants will be invited to explore synergies, exchange ideas and deepen collaborations. The activity aims to foster informal exchanges among participants while maintaining a vibrant link to the cultural dimension of coastal communities and their connection to the sea. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen personal and professional relationships in a welcoming, Mediterranean-inspired setting.

The “Blue Horizons” Gala Dinner offers an opportunity for reflection, inspiration and high-level networking at the intersection of science, innovation and policy. Bringing together leaders from EU institutions, research organisations, centres of excellence and industry, the evening will celebrate Europe’s commitment to advancing ocean knowledge and sustainable blue innovation. The keynote address will highlight the strategic role of research and technological excellence in shaping solutions for ocean sustainability and competitiveness. Through dialogue and artistic expression inspired by the ocean’s vastness and fragility, the evening will reaffirm a shared responsibility to explore, understand and protect our seas for future generations while strengthening collaboration across Europe’s ocean community. Artistic interlude themed on “The Ocean: an immensity to discover and protect”

Blue Tech Showcase Opens

Achieving a sustainable and competitive blue economy requires mobilising significant public and private investment to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative ocean solutions. This keynote session will explore the strategic role of finance in advancing Europe’s ocean agenda, highlighting how investment institutions, philanthropic initiatives and global partnerships can support the scaling of blue technologies and sustainable maritime industries. Keynote speakers will discuss emerging investment trends, the role of development finance institutions and catalytic capital, and the importance of aligning financial flows with ocean sustainability goals. The session will set the stage for the day’s discussions on the blue investment ecosystem, illustrating how targeted investments can unlock innovation, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and support the transition towards a resilient and climate-neutral ocean economy.

Europe has built a growing ecosystem to support the development and scaling of ocean innovation, bringing together public institutions, foundations, mission initiatives and industry platforms. This panel will explore how these actors can work together to accelerate the transition from research to impact, while strengthening Europe’s leadership in the sustainable blue economy. Speakers will discuss the role of initiatives such as the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, philanthropic capital, innovation clusters and maritime economy networks in supporting blue innovation. The discussion will highlight current gaps and opportunities within the European investment ecosystem and examine how stronger partnerships can unlock funding, reduce risk for investors and help scale solutions that contribute to ocean restoration, climate action and sustainable economic growth.

Unlocking investment for ocean innovation is essential to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and competitive blue economy. This panel will examine how Europe’s financial ecosystem—from venture capital and impact funds to EU financial instruments—can better support the growth of ocean start-ups and scale promising technologies. Speakers will discuss the role of initiatives such as BlueInvest, the European Investment Bank and blended finance mechanisms in mobilising capital and reducing investment risk. The discussion will also explore regulatory frameworks and enabling policies that can facilitate the deployment of ocean technologies, while strengthening connections between investors, innovators and market opportunities. By bridging public and private finance, the session aims to identify practical pathways for driving investment into solutions that support climate neutrality, ocean sustainability and maritime innovation.

Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem is generating a growing portfolio of ocean technologies with strong potential to address environmental challenges and create new market opportunities. This session will showcase successful examples of “Made in EU” ocean innovations that have progressed from scientific research and technology development to real-world applications and commercial deployment. Speakers from leading research institutions, innovation centres and technology organisations will present concrete cases illustrating how advanced research infrastructures, space-based services, marine observation technologies and engineering solutions are being translated into scalable products and services. The discussion will highlight enabling factors such as cross-sector collaboration, innovation support mechanisms and partnerships with industry that help bridge the gap between research excellence and market impact in the blue economy.

Strategic foresight and horizon scanning are essential tools for identifying emerging technologies that can shape the future of the blue economy. This co-creation workshop will explore how foresight methodologies can support policymakers, investors and innovators in anticipating

Verimpact will deliver a workshop showcasing its next-generation sustainability intelligence platform, with a dedicated focus on the blue economy. The session will demonstrate how AI-enabled tools support organizations in assessing ecosystem values, managing non-financial risks, and creating AI-enabled, automatic sustainability reporting aligned with different, leading frameworks. Participants will gain practical insights into how the platform translates scientific, environmental, and compliance data into actionable intelligence, thus supporting investment decisions, regulatory alignment, and sustainable growth across marine and coastal sectors.

This interactive session will provide participants with a unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge ocean technologies through live demonstrations both onshore and at sea. Innovators and technology developers will showcase solutions designed to address key challenges in the blue economy, including clean maritime transport, marine observation, sustainable aquaculture and digital ocean services. Demonstrations will feature electric vessels, marine robotics, drones, smart sensors and analytical devices, illustrating how advanced technologies are supporting safer, more sustainable and efficient maritime activities. By bringing innovation directly into the operational environment, the session will highlight the practical applications and market potential of emerging ocean technologies while fostering dialogue between developers, investors, policymakers and end users.

This brief closing moment will mark the conclusion of the conference, offering an opportunity to thank participants and acknowledge the collective engagement of the European ocean community over the two days. It will symbolically highlight the shared commitment to advancing ocean science, innovation and investment in support of a sustainable and competitive blue economy. Following the closing, participants are invited to continue informal exchanges in a relaxed networking setting on the ‘Plaza’ of the Ayia Napa Marina. This final moment will provide an opportunity to connect, strengthen newly established contacts and explore potential collaborations in an open and welcoming atmosphere, bringing the conference to a close in the spirit of cooperation and shared ambition.