Blue Bio Value – 3rd Edition

BLUE BIO VALUE ACCELERATION PROGRAMME

 

– 15 projects selected from more than 120 applicants
– Prize for the most outstanding startups, up to the amount of €45,000
– This edition takes place online

 

The third edition of the Blue Bio Value started its startups acceleration programme linked to the blue bioeconomy on September 29, with 15 projects from eight countries – Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

This programme, organised by the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, received more than 120 applications from more than 30 countries, the largest number since its inception in 2018. Of the total number of applications, 10 international and five Portuguese projects were selected, which demonstrates the growing relevance of this programme and the greater dynamic of this sector, both in Portugal and internationally.

The Blue Bio Value programme lasts for eight weeks and culminates in a final pitch of the startups taking part in this edition at an event broadcast online.

The most outstanding startups during the acceleration will be awarded an amount of up to €45,000, to be invested in the development of projects.

 

For the Oceano Azul Foundation, “This programme is unique and essential in the national context. More than ever, it is essential that economic development be based on environmental sustainability. While promoting conservation of the ocean, the blue bioeconomy, helps generate wealth based on sustainable solutions and the talent and knowledge that we want to retain in Portugal”, says Miguel Herédia, consultant at the Oceano Azul Foundation. “This partnership with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the scope we have achieved, both in Portugal and abroad, fills us with pride and motivation to continue along this path.

 

Filipa Saldanha, deputy director of the Gulbenkian Sustainable Development Programme, points out that the cooperation between the two foundations “had a very relevant impact on the path of more than 100 entrepreneurs, putting science, talent and blue biotechnology at the service of sustainable development. The number and quality of the applications we have received show that the commitment to the blue bioeconomy is contributing to the consolidation of a new economic model that will be a key element in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient society.”

 

Launched in 2018, the Blue Bio Value Programme has already accelerated 28 companies, and these are now joined by the 15 new ones, of eight nationalities, under the guidance of more than 50 mentors from the most varied areas.

For more information visit www.bluebiovalue.pt