About This Event

The ocean economy has been growing faster than the global economy for more than two decades. Today, it is entering a new phase.

Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are rapidly transforming how we monitor the ocean, manage marine resources, scale innovation and make investment decisions.

Blue Wink-E 2026 | Ocean AI Futures brings together leading voices from science, business and innovation to explore how AI is shaping the next chapter of the blue bioeconomy.

From aquaculture and fisheries to marine biotechnology and environmental monitoring, the event looks at how data and digital systems are becoming a new infrastructure for the ocean economy.

Hosted at the iconic Porto Cruise Terminal, Blue Wink-E is a space where ideas meet practice and where new collaborations can emerge across sectors.

Programme

09:15 — Welcome & Registration

09:45 — Welcome Session

Ana Paula Mucha
President, B2E Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB

Luísa Salgueiro
Mayor of Matosinhos

10:00 — International Keynote Speaker

Daniela V. Fernandez
Founder, Sustainable Ocean Alliance

A global perspective on how technology, capital and leadership are shaping the next phase of the ocean economy.

11:00 — Blue AI Splash

A moment where science meets humour, exploring artificial intelligence and the ocean through intelligent and critical reflection.

A special session led by João Cruz, bringing a fresh and critical perspective on artificial intelligence and the ocean. Complex topics explained with clarity, intelligence and a touch of humour.

11:15 — Coffee Break & Networking

11:45 — Roundtable Discussion

AI at SEA: Strategies to Scale Blue Innovation

A strategic conversation on how artificial intelligence can move from experimentation to real impact across ocean sectors.

João Claro
Chairman, INESC TEC
Research capacity and digital infrastructure for ocean innovation.

Kelwin Fernandes
CEO, NILG.AI
Artificial intelligence applications and technology transfer.

Álvaro Sardinha
CEO, C2EA
Leadership, training and skills for the future of the ocean economy.

Guilherme Beleza Vaz
CEO, blueOasis
Engineering and AI in aquaculture systems.

Moderator
Patrícia Gonçalves, B2E Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB

13:00 — Closing Session

13:30 — Networking Lunch

Join the conversation

Participants from research, industry and policy will gather in Porto to discuss the future of Ocean AI.

Find out more about this event by clicking here.