From November 3rd to 5th, the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona will be the stage for the Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress (TBEWC). This international gathering will bring together representatives from major city ports, public administrations, international organizations, research centers, companies, and startups to analyze how oceans can become a driver of sustainable economic development.
In an international context marked by energy dependence and geopolitical tensions, the blue economy emerges as a strategic alternative for more resilient and sustainable growth, based on innovation and resource diversification. The congress will be structured around three main programs: Smart Ports, Piers of the Future; Global Blue Finance Summit; and Sustainable Ocean Summit.
The Smart Ports section will focus on challenges in the port and maritime sector, driving innovative solutions and linking with initiatives from the Port of Barcelona such as the Lighthouse and New Latitude acceleration programs. The Global Blue Finance Summit and the Sustainable Ocean Summit, organized by the World Ocean Council (WOC), will connect investors with blue economy opportunities and serve as a forum for cross-sector collaboration for ocean protection.
The Barcelona City Council, through Barcelona Activa, will organize activities within its Blue Economy Strategy, fostering open innovation, exploring emerging skills, and facilitating connections between talent and companies. The exhibition area will feature startups from the Barcelona ecosystem.
The Ocean Innovation Hub, managed by Oceanovation, will host 50 international emerging companies specializing in the blue economy. The TBEWC is supported by the Barcelona City Council, the Port of Barcelona, the World Ocean Council, Oceanovation, and Smart Ports: Piers of the Future.
According to United Nations, the blue economy generates $1.5 trillion annually worldwide and over 30 million jobs. In Barcelona, it encompasses over 1,600 operators, generates approximately 51,000 jobs, and an annual turnover exceeding 11 billion euros. In the European Union, it employs 4.82 million people and generates 250.7 billion euros in gross value added.
The congress is held concurrently with other events such as the Smart City Expo World Congress, the Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress, the Barcelona Deep Tech Summit, and the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, transforming Fira de Barcelona into a hub of urban innovation.
