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Blue Bio Bootcamps

Dive into the Future: Unlock the Potential of the Blue Bioeconomy with Us!

Unlock the Potential of the Blue Bioeconomy

As part of BlueBioClusters, we’ve been catalysing the growth of the blue bioeconomy across EU coastal regions. In 2025, we introduced the Blue Bio Bootcamps – a series of one-day dynamic events tailored for innovators ready to tackle the unique challenges of our sector and drive a sustainable future forward.

From Research to Action

The Bootcamps were grounded in findings from a comprehensive study conducted by our partners across the Baltic, Nordic, and Atlantic basins. This research identified specific challenges faced by startups and SMEs in the blue bioeconomy – from navigating complex market access for innovative food products to pioneering new technologies for marine biomass. These insights shaped the foundation of each Bootcamp and ensured they directly addressed the needs of regional innovators.

A Launchpad for Scalable Ideas

Designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs with scalable, impactful business ideas, the Bootcamps offered a focused space for growth. Participants brought forward solutions to regional blue challenges, aiming to bring real change to their communities and beyond. The events provided a unique opportunity to test, refine, and strengthen these ideas with expert input and peer exchange.

  • Legal & Regulatory
  • Science
  • Technological Needs
  • Cooperation & Partnership
  • Communication & Marketing
  • Market & Consumer Demand
  • Funding & Investment
  • Cost of Operations & Infrastructures
  • Skills & Labour
  • Environmental

Belgium foodies are looking at blue bio producers for fresh and healthy menu items and sometimes have difficulty to convince the food market. In addition, other industries, such as agriculture, chemistry, textile and pharmacies, see opportunities within the Blue Bio to help their sectors forward in the transition to a more sustainable Flemish economy. However, Flemish startups and SMEs within the blue bioeconomy encounter problems with scaling their solutions to match the needed quantity. Clarity from public authorities, trust from investment companies, and investment risk reduction could facilitate the development of the Flemish Blue Bioeconomy further. Integrating side streams from other industries in the production of aquaculture biomass can be one of the solutions for Blue Bio Startups and SMEs not only as producers but also as technology providers.

– Blue Cluster

The coastline of Metropolitan France spans 4853 kilometers and includes 3 important littoral areas: the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to this key location, the country prioritizes the sustainable, resilient and profitable use of marine resources. The blue bioeconomy in France covers different sectors, such as fisheries, shellfish farming, marine biotechnologies and seaweed farming. However, there is a need for improved collaboration among stakeholders to increase the positive impact on marine resources management. Some examples of the value chains are: Microalgae for feed in aquaculture hatcheries and for use in cosmetics, food, nutraceuticals, wastewater treatment, biofertilisers, bioplastics and biofuels. Still, producers are facing challenges in scaling-up cultivation technologies and identifying potential markets to ensure the return of investment. Macroalgae for extraction of alginate for food, feed, cosmetics & nutraceuticals. Also, to produce vegan leather and textiles. Producers are working to improve product attractiveness and set competitive prices to validate the market. For fish & shellfish, the main challenge is to valorise co-products and use 80-100% of the resources, reduce waste, promote circular economy and develop new value chains.

– Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique

Evolving to a more sustainable and valuable sector with more efficient processing technologies and deliver of high value products is a trend nowadays in blue bio sector’s in Portugal.
Historically, the region embraces the fish sector at different levels. However, discards and byproducts are undervaluated. Companies working on harvesting and cultivating seaweed and microalgae experience uncertain market dynamics (B2B and B2C) and unpredictable preferences for food, cosmetics and nutraceuticals’ novel applications. Some challenges are related to the difficulty of penetrating existing value chains, creating new ones, and communicating the added value of the product to clients. Startups also struggle to scale up and often operate in a regulatory grey area that can hinder or slow growth and make businesses highly risky, with longer timeframes for returns that make them less attractive to investors.

– BlueBio Alliance (BBA)

Expert Support and Meaningful Connections

Throughout each Bootcamp, participants engaged with experts in business development, finance, marketing, and research – all deeply familiar with the blue bioeconomy landscape. Coaches and mentors offered targeted guidance on how to navigate regional constraints, develop viable business models, and scale innovations effectively. These connections laid the groundwork for lasting collaborations across sectors and geographies.

Visibility, Momentum, and Growth

The Bootcamps also served as powerful platforms for visibility. Entrepreneurs gained exposure to a Europe-wide network of blue clusters, caught the attention of potential investors, and were featured in media outlets highlighting the future of sustainable innovation in coastal regions. This visibility helped position their ventures for long-term success.

Discover our Regional Bootcamps

Bootcamp #1 – April 24, 2024

Our first Bootcamp was hosted by the project partners from the Baltic regions of Estonia and Lithuania and took place in Riga – the day before the 2nd Mission Arena!

Participants engaged in a full day of hands-on sessions, starting with insights into regional challenges and opportunities for blue biotech, followed by one-on-one coaching, expert talks on business development and financing, and an interactive pitch deck workshop.

Startups had the opportunity to present their business ideas, receive direct feedback from peers and mentors, and explore future matchmaking opportunities through the BlueBioMatch platform.

The event fostered valuable connections, practical learning, and a shared momentum toward building a more sustainable and innovative blue bioeconomy.

Bootcamp #2 – May 29, 2024

Bootcamp #3 – July 2, 2024

The third Blue Bio Bootcamp gathered startups and SMEs from Belgium, Portugal, and France for a dynamic day of regional and transnational activities.

Participants joined an online session featuring insights from BBC partners and blue bio investors, along with startup pitches and Q&A.

The bootcamp offered on one-on-one mentoring, networking, and hands-on workshops covering financing strategies and pitch deck development. An optional peer session allowed participants to test their value propositions and gather feedback.

Additionally, BlueBioMatch was introduced as the platform for continued mentoring and support.

Bootcamp #4 – April 9, 2025

For the final phase of the BlueBioClusters Bootcamps, a Transnational Bootcamp took place on 9 April 2025. This event brought together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and mentors to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore collaboration opportunities across the Blue Bio Cluster regions.

In addition, investors from both national and international organizations attended. They had the opportunity to hear startups pitch their companies, fostering a dynamic environment for networking and communication. The event created a space where knowledge exchange and collaboration could thrive, driving innovation and supporting the growth of the blue bioeconomy.

Key insights gathered from mentors and mentees throughout the bootcamp were shared, offering actionable lessons and sector-specific results to inspire the next generation of blue entrepreneurs.

In case you missed the Translational Bootcamp, you can now watch it here! 

The BlueBioClusters project is funded by the European Union under Grant agreement ID 101060703. 
The website content is the sole responsibility of BlueBioClusters project and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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