Inspiring industry plenary sessions, informative workshops, exciting company pitching competitions, and targeted 1:1 meetings promises knowledge gain and new business contacts on 24-25 of April!
The Better-Off-Blue Business & Matchmaking event brings together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors from Blue Bioeconomy sectors in the Baltic Sea Region and beyond. With the aim to bring new blue innovative and sustainable solutions to the market that solve both global and regional challenges, this event connects innovators to resources and expertise to accelerate product development and technology transfer. In addition, through industry-led panel discussions and roundtables we will mark the trends and needs for products and solutions in the Baltic Sea Region and discuss how innovation and entrepreneurship can be better supported.
Central role in this event will be played by our established community of partners, mentors, investors, current and alumni cases, and other supporters that have significantly contributed to the development, piloting and operationalisation of the Blue Growth Mentoring Programme & Accelerator since 2016, previously known as the Baltic Blue Biotech Alliance (co-financed by the Interreg BSR).
Topics addressed?
- Innovation acceleration
- tech transfer
- mentoring startups
- blue biotech, sustainable aquaculture, algae, mussels
- marine litter
- auxiliary technologies
- blue bioeconomy, blue growth, biocircular economy
Why participate?
- As investor – find good leads among 12 pitching companies & and through 1:1 meetings
- As product developer – meet partners to discuss new technology and innovative solutions
- As researcher – find interesting companies to get involved and benefit society
- As mentor/service provider – discover your next project/client
- ALL – participate in industry-led panel discussions on product development within in blue bioeconomy and technology transfer.
How can you benefit from this event?
- Publish and showcase your products, projects, services or business needs to event participants
- Initiate and arrange promising pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings at the event
- Generate fresh leads and meet new contacts in a time and cost-efficient way
- Stay one step ahead of your competitors by being seen and visibly present at the event
Contact: SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG/ Efthalia Arvaniti ea@submariner-network.eu
The Baltic Sea Region has favorable conditions to become an example of clean shipping in the global context. There is no lack of ambition in this area, region has well-developed competencies and the necessary infrastructure. Are we making the most of it?
Our region is a front runner in terms of the established environmental standards, so the technological development should be adequate.
As countries and regions are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions, businesses seek to adapt and respond to these circumstances, while gaining a competitive advantage by offering innovative technologies in the field of alternative fuels.
It is clear that in the upcoming decade industry will be in a search for a most relevant energy source to address the environmental challenges and will be using different energy sources, possibly even on one vessel. There fore the integration of the value chains is a crucial aspect for the future of the maritime industry.
Opportunities to modernize shipping with the use of LNG, LBG, ammonia, hydrogen and to make processes integrated, are increasingly being explored. When LNG/LBG infrastructure is gaining the momentum for a deep-sea shipping and short sea shipping industries should look into possibilities how this development can technologically contribute to the application of hydrogen and liquid ammonia.
The Cool Gas as an Energy Source for Shipping event which will take place online on April 8, invites to review the topic of alternative fuels both from a broader perspective and by discussing the challenges related to this industry, which are important for Lithuania and especially for the Klaipeda region.
The event is organized within the framework of the project Liquid Energy by the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster, which is a member of a Lithuanian Hydrogen Platform, in cooperation with the Norvegian Shipping & Offshore Network.
Representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania and energy sector, foreign experts, shipbuilding and other industries will give presentations, answer your questions and provide an interactive platform for discussions and further cooperation.
Online workshop “Financing Blue Bioeconomy 2.0” will bring together startups, SMes, innovators and academia. Reaching financial assistance mechanisms, attracting investors, exploring the benefits of the #BlueGrowthAccelerator – on 10 March we will discuss it all! Join us and get your package of the most relevant information.
Program
9:00 – 9:15 ‘INTRO: SUBMARINER Network’s Blue Growth Accelerator current status and vision’, Efthalia Arvaniti, SUBMARINER Network
9:15 – 9:40 ‘Early-stage startup funding sources: which to choose and how to get it’, Donatas Jonikas, Klaipeda Science and Technology Park representative
9:40 – 10:15 ‘Eurostars – Opportunities for R&D Intensive SMEs’, Joost Haugmark Jensen, Nordic Innovators
10:15 – 10:40 ‘Third-party/cascade funding, how does it support my startup or SME?’, Vitor Vieira, INOVA+
After each presentation, there is a short Q&A session.
Please register for the event here: https://forms.gle/v58AxpkmLZdLfwd2A
Event webiste with presenters bios can be found here
https://biopark.ee/events/financing-blue-bioeconomy-2-0?lang=en
The use of the blockchain in recent years has been largely associated with the fintech and cryptocurrencies. However, such technologies are full of potential for integration in other sectors as well.
Klaipeda Science and Technology Park together with its partners explored and evaluated application of the distributed ledger technology (DLT) possibilities in the manufacturing business. Innovative approach may transform processes fundamentally. Both the business model and technical specification for the development and implementation of the DLT-based solution have already been prepared.
Broad consortium in action
Digitalization, which has already led to huge changes in production, also brings new perspectives in the management of various processes. “These tendencies are clearly seen by our business partners from Klaipeda Free Economic Zone, and also technology experts and developers, representing “Omega Technology” and “cloudyBoss”. Our consortium seeks to be at the forefront of major changes. We have a big trust that the use of DLT technology would give positive impact for the manufacturing business, creating virtual supply chains, enabling companies to purchase services and necessary resources globally”, – says Andrius Sutnikas, Development Manager at Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP).
There is no coincidence that 3D printing appeared in the spotlight of the DLT experts – both technologies go hand in hand with the AI, IoT, AR, Big Data, robotics and automation solutions that transform and production and logistics processes all around the world.
Platform for competencies and resources
Manufacturing businesses face a variety of challenges so far when it comes to printing certain objects using 3D technology or when companies need to provide specific details for their customers which probably are based in the other part of the world. In the long run, companies need to consider investing in expensive technologies and deploy them next to their production bases. Other option is looking for subcontractors, but it is also time consuming, and the logistics of the printed parts often prove to be complicated and expensive.
DLT technology can be used implementing Factory-as-a-Service and Machine-as-a-Service business models. The execution and management of production processes would become decentralized, creating certain ecosystems composed of independent but closely and purposefully interacting actors.
“The innovative platform would bring together competencies and resources on a global scale. It would be able to provide all the important aspects related with 3D printing: from engineering or design – to testing the materials needed for 3D printing”, – A. Sutnikas said.
Companies could purchase 3D printing services according to their needs, choosing the particular location, considering most convenient logistic routes. Special supervision for the 3D printing process would become unnecessary – service providers would ensure that the final product fully represents drawings or specifications submitted by the client. DLT-based solution would be very useful in optimizing design, testing and production processes and shortening the route of printed parts from the manufacturer to the customer.
FEZs may become flagships
Innovative model might be very perspective for the integration in the free economic zones (FEZ) as there are many manufacturing plants operating in these particular areas. By being able to offer a 3D printing service to their local customers, as well as for the manufacturing businesses operating anywhere in the world, FEZs could gain extra competitive advantage, helping the entrepreneurs to reduce their production costs and avoid a variety of risks.
The business model and technical specification (SRS) for the enabling of the DLT technology-based solution Industry 4.5 were developed within the framework of the international project INforM. The next development stage will involve working with potential investors in order to continue with the design, programming and testing this DLT-based solution in real conditions.
Klaipeda Science and Technology Park is responsible for the content of the article. Under no circumstances can it be considered to reflect the views of the EU.
The Event Series ‘Better Off Blue‘ Event Series will comprise input presentations from key actors in the Baltic Blue Bioeconomy along with interactive sessions to discuss the current, mid- and longer-term goals of the Baltic Blue Bioeconomy in 2021 and the specific actions needed to achieve them. And that’s not all – there will also be tailored networking opportunities for each stakeholder group. Curious? Take a look at the newly launched Baltic Blue Bioeconomy Actors Map here to see how many new connections you could make!
Following an open forum approach, participants will be encouraged to actively participate in the discussions, synergizing innovative and creative ideas to promote, accelerate and shape the future of the Blue Bioeconomy in the Baltic Sea Region.
The Event Series will take place online in light of COVID-19 regulations. Where possible and appropriate, in-person events may also be organised later in the year.
Specific dates and topics are TBC.
25 February 2021 – Roundtable with Funding Programmes
18 March 2021 – Launch of the Baltic Sustainable Aquaculture Working Group
24-25 March 2021 – Alliance+ presents Better Off Blue – Baltic Blue Biotechnology
8-9 or 15-16 April 2021 – GRASS presents Better Off Blue – Baltic Macro-Algae
27 April 2021 – Maritime Spatial Planning and the Baltic Blue Bioeconomy
20 April 2021 – Technology for the Baltic Blue Bioeconomy
4 May 2021 – Baltic Marine Litter
11 May 2021 – Baltic Ocean Literacy
20-21 May 2021 – Blue Bioresources in the Baltic for Food
8 June 2021 – Baltic Blue Bioeconomy and the SDGs
8, 10, 15 or 17 June 2021 – Baltic Blue Bioeconomy Legislation and Regulation
TBD – Ecosystem Restoration
TBD – Multi-Use
Target Audience
The Event Series will bring together a wide range of actors from across Blue Bioeconomy sectors, including those from the public, private and research domain throughout the Baltic Sea Region to showcase advances, create synergies and stimulate active cooperation between the multitude of ongoing projects and initiatives in the region. Actors include but are not limited to:
Policy-makers: including EU, Baltic as well as national and regional
Academia: including universities and research institutions
Industry: including large-scale companies as well as SMEs, start-ups, practitioners, entrepreneurs, micro-companies, business support organisations and clusters
NGOs: including EU, Baltic level as well as smaller organisations
Youth: including students and younger change-makers
General public
The Event Series will focus on all topics relevant to the Baltic Blue Bioeconomy:
Macroalgae
Innovative aquaculture technologies and products for food and feed
Sustainable mussel harvesting for feed and food
Maritime Spatial Planning and optimal siting for the Blue Bioeconomy
Multi-Use
Blue Bioeconomy Legislation and Regulation
Novel products
Environmental Services and Benefits
Start-up pitching and the Alliance+ Blue Growth Accelerator
Marine Litter
Blue Biotechnology
Ocean Literacy
Youth in the Blue Bioeconomy
Would you like to know more?
If you would like to be involved in the Better Off Blue Event Series and are keen to further develop the Baltic Blue Bioeconomy, there are opportunities to join the Events as a panellist, speaker, note-taker or as a general participant. To ensure active participation and real discussions, registration is on a confirmation-basis. For any questions about Better Off Blue contact Lisa Simone de Grunt: lsdg@submariner-network.eu
Learn more: https://submariner-network.eu/better-off-blue-2021
The ‘Better Off Blue‘ Event Series is organised and co-financed by the Interreg BSR projects: Blue Platform (Advancing Blue Bioeconomy Capacities in the Baltic Sea Region), GRASS (Growing Algae Sustainably in the Baltic Sea) and Alliance+ (Baltic Blue Biotechnology Alliance)
Klaipėda Science and Technology Park together with the partners of the international project Connect 2 Small Ports introduces the online course “Blockchain, IoT, Converging Technology”. Do not miss an opportunity to get knowledge and valuable insights from Giovanni di Noto, an expert at Omega Technology and cloudyBoss!
Target audience: representatives of the maritime, IT sectors and other specialists interested in blockchain and IoT.
Course volume: 5 training modules.
Module 1: DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) – Blockchain technology
Module 2: DLT – Blockchain Use Cases
Module 3: A. I. and DI
Module 4 – Technology Convergence
Module 5: DLT, AI and IoT ports and supply chains
How to join: the videos are hosted online at the projets’website. You can watch them at a time that is convenient for you.
Registration required https://connect2smallports.eu/courses/
Participation is free of charge.
The work on EXOPRODIGI project was officially kicked off on 13 January 2021 as the project consortium gathered together for an online meeting to discuss the plans and objectives for the next nine months. The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the work and results of ECOPRODIGI project on which EXOPRODIGI will continue to build. The intention is to further improve the efficient use of maritime industry resources with the help of digital tools and solutions which support decision making, create transparency, reduce working hours and decrease waste, emissions and energy consumption.
As reminded by EXOPRODIGI’s project manager Ms Elisa Aro from the University of Turku, the challenge addressed in the project is threefold. Firstly, there is the state of the environment, and the Baltic Sea in particular, which requires immediate action and regulatory measures affecting maritime industry actors. Secondly, the ever-increasing global competition means that maritime industry in the Baltic Sea region is under pressure to come up with competitive advantages and ways to stand out in a positive light. Finally, there is an industry-wide need for new technologies and the digitalisation of processes. All in all, there is a clear need for smarter use of resources which encourages the industry to co-create and innovate economically sustainable – eco-efficient – processes and tools.
The outputs of the project will be somewhat varied but the overarching aim is the same for all the outputs: to enhance the institutional capacity of maritime industry end-users at various stages of vessel life-cycle; i.e. during voyages, stowage operations and at the assembly processes at shipyards. With this in mind, EXOPRODIGI’s partners presented their plans to use the next nine months on:
- developing an enriched on-board solution for eco-efficiency
- developing a validated monitoring tool for engine fuel efficiency
- implementing a “Proof-of-Concept” for cargo stowage optimisation
- preparing guidelines for creating virtual production facilities
- developing a digital supply chain solution
All this should keep the project consortium very busy until the end of September 2021 so stay tuned for updates!
http://ecoprodigi.eu/exoprodigi
Local authorities, young professionals, aquaculture students are welcome to join webinar “Innovative Technologies in Aquaculture”, an online event on the 17thof November, 9:00-15:30 (CET).
As aquaculture has become one of the most promising sectors of the region’s maritime economy in terms of growth and job potential in the Baltic Sea Region, Blue Platform is organizing its second workshop with the aim to showcase new trends in innovative aquaculture (with the focus on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, algae and aquaponics) and to support the development of more innovative technologies.
During the event, divided into three sessions: State of play: innovative technologies in aquaculture in different Baltic Sea Region countries, InnoAquaTech project products, possibilities of development of RAS and aquaponics in BSR, and Good practices, problems to be solved, actions to be taken experts will try to showcase new trends in innovative aquaculture and identify gaps to enable innovative aquaculture development in the BSR.
The event is organized by the University of Gdansk & SUBMARINER Network.
The registration is available through the following links and draft agenda also can be found there: https://www.submariner-network.eu/events/406-blue-platform-workshop-innovative-technologies-in-aquaculture-2-1
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the CTCC Consortium will be able to present the results as a conference in a digital format on 12 January 2021.
The main project achievements are the following:
1. 34 implemented innovation pilots with traditional industry SMEs in the frame of Creative Auditing Process & Cross-Innovation Prototyping – product, service, organisational innovations and business models.
2. Creative Broker Network and Creative Brokering Tools – Creative Auditing for Innovation Development in SMEs, Creative Brokering Platform with Future Capacity Building & Exploitation Actions).
3. Value Added for Participating Regions & Innovation Capacity Enhanced.
4. Future Insights toward Design & Creativity-Driven Innovation.
The online workshop will take place on 26 November 2020 from 10:00-12:30 and feature input presentations from all three Baltic States, while focusing on moderating engaging discussions on the current and future state of the blue bioeconomy in the Baltic Sea States. The aim is to identify success factors and to find common gaps and barriers, while at the same time brainstorming possible solutions. Ideas for new generation of projects and recommendations for next programming period (where appropriate) are the outcome of the workshop.
The event is organised by the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LIAE) and a draft agenda is available.
The time indicated in the agenda is EET (time zone Helsinki, Vilnius, Tallinn, Riga)!
