tomorrow.blue economy world congress
WHERE THE GLOBAL BLUE ECONOMY MEETS
3 - 5 NOVEMBER 2026
INNOVATION. INVESTMENT. INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Tomorrow.BlueEconomy brings together the innovators, investors, corporates, cities, and policymakers shaping the future of the ocean economy.
Hosted in Barcelona from 3–5 November, the platform explores how we can accelerate solutions that strengthen ocean industries while protecting the ecosystems they depend on.
From port decarbonisation and maritime digitalisation to blue finance, ocean technology, biodiversity, and coastal resilience — Tomorrow.BlueEconomy connects the people and ideas driving the next phase of the blue economy.
Part of Smart City Expo World Congress, the event places the ocean economy at the centre of global conversations on cities, infrastructure, and climate innovation.
As political, economic, and climate challenges reshape our world, the need to accelerate a sustainable and resilient blue economy has never been more urgent. The Blue Economy —built on the vast, yet vulnerable ocean— must undergo a profound transformation to remain viable and deliver long-term value.
Tomorrow.Blue Economy unites the entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and experts leading this transformation.
With a focus on innovation, industry leadership, education, and real-world impact, it explores how we can scale solutions that serve the planet while driving economic renewal — from ports and shipping to blue food, biodiversity, finance, tourism, and ocean data.
Led by a Strategic Coalition of Partners
Hosted by the City of Barcelona, with the Port of Barcelona as Global Partner and the World Ocean Council and OCEANOVATION as Strategic Partners, Tomorrow.Blue Economy builds a unique bridge between ocean industries, urban transformation, and global climate action.
A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY
The ocean economy is entering a new phase — driven by innovation, investment, and collaboration across industries.
Tomorrow.BlueEconomy connects the organisations shaping this transformation:
- Ocean industries
- Ports and maritime leaders
- Startups and innovators
- Investors and financial institutions
- Policymakers and city leaders
Together, they explore how to scale practical solutions that drive economic growth while strengthening ocean sustainability.
Connected to the Global Cities Ecosystem
Tomorrow.BlueEconomy takes place within Smart City Expo World Congress, the world’s leading event on urban innovation.
This unique setting connects the blue economy with a global audience of:
- City leaders
- Infrastructure developers
- Technology innovators
- Climate and sustainability experts
- Investors exploring future industries
3 Days | 4 Platforms | One Blue Economy Ecosystem
Key Programmes
Smart Ports: Piers of the Future
Sustainable Ocean Summit - SOS
Global Blue Finance Summit - BlueFIN
Ocean Innovation Showcase
A global platform for port authorities, logistics leaders, and technology innovators exploring the future of port infrastructure.
Topics include port decarbonisation, digitalisation, automation, and port-city integration.
The leading global forum for ocean industry leadership and sustainability.
SOS convenes CEOs, policymakers, and sustainability experts to align business growth with ocean stewardship and climate goals.
A curated investment programme connecting capital with scalable blue economy opportunities.
Sessions explore ocean innovation investment, blue infrastructure finance, biodiversity markets, and blended finance strategies.
A vibrant platform for startups and ocean technology innovators presenting breakthrough solutions for a sustainable ocean economy.
Featuring startup showcases, pitch sessions, and investor engagement.
Discover the Next Generation of Ocean Solutions
Tomorrow.BlueEconomy features a curated selection of ocean startups and technology innovators developing solutions across sectors including:
- Maritime decarbonisation
- Ocean data and digital technologies
- Marine biotechnology
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Blue carbon and biodiversity
- Coastal resilience technologies
Ocean Innovation Hub
A vibrant platform for breakthrough start-ups and ocean tech pioneers building solutions for the future.
Who attends?
Maritime and shipping companies
Ports and infrastructure developers
Seafood and aquaculture innovators
Ocean technology startups
Venture capital and impact investors
Policymakers and city leaders
NGOs and research organisations
Why participate?
Targeted access with global reach
Benefit from global exposure to decision-makers and investors exploring maritime, climate, and coastal solutions within the framework of Smart City Expo.
Cross-sector opportunity
Engage with a curated ecosystem at the intersection of shipping, ports, marine energy, blue food, biodiversity, ocean data, and blue finance.
From ideas to action
Discover cutting-edge solutions, meet strategic partners, and shape the next generation of resilient, regenerative blue economy initiatives.
Visibility where it matters
Connect with innovators, investors, and public-sector leaders driving blue economy impact —reaching 25,000+ attendees and 850+ exhibitors at SCEWC25.
Featured
Speakers
Experts from industries including renewable energies, tourism, fisheries and maritime transport shared their insights at TBEWC25.

Jenny Cornuelle
Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles

Andrea Tinagli
Head of Division and Principal Advisor, European Investment Bank

Susana Lopez
Senior Advisor, New Ventures

Jason Hardy Giffen
Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer, Port of San Diego

Ann Carpenter
CEO, Braid Theory

Ja-rim KOO
Vice President, Global Division, Busan Port Authority

Noelia Ortega
Director, Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar

Olivier Raybaud
Managing Director, SWEN Blue Capital

Lucy Holmes
Senior Director, Ocean markets and Finance, WWF

José Alberto Carbonell
President, Port of Barcelona

Jordi Torrent
Head of Strategy of the Port of Barcelona and General Secretary of MedPorts

Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy
CEO, World Ocean Council

Ana Santos
Head of Innovation Programmes, BCN Port Innovation

Erick Martell
Director of Economic Infrastructure – Ports, City of Los Angeles - Mayor's Office

Patrik Benrick
Head of Strategic Development & Innovation, Port of Gothenburg

Rita Sousa
Partner, Faber

Christopher Chase
Assistant Director of Marketing, Port of Los Angeles

Jens Meier
Chief Executive Officer, Hamburg Port Authority
Secure your spot at TBEWC26
VISITOR
PASS
The gateway to a world of sustainable ocean solutions.
€200
This pass grants 3-day access to:
-Two-hall exhibition area featuring 1,100+ exhibitors.
-Conference program taking place on all open stages, including Smart Ports: Piers of the Future.
-Startups Pitch sessions.
-Ocean Innovation Hub with over 50 exhibiting startups.
SOS / BlueFIN
INVESTOR PASS
Priority access package tailored for blue investment specialists.
€500
This pass grants 3-day access to:
-Sustainable Ocean Summit and Global Blue Finance Summit: full program of keynote talks, roundtables, and high-level discussions.
-Conference program taking place on all open stages, including Smart Ports: Piers of the Future.
-VIP networking area including coffee breaks, lunches and drinks receptions all 3 days.
-Exclusive Partner & Side Event.
-Startups Pitch sessions.
-Ocean Innovation Hub with over 50 exhibiting startups.
-Two-hall exhibition area featuring 1,100+ exhibitors.
-B2B Networking Tool.
SOS / BlueFIN
CONFERENCE PASS
Premium unlimited entrance for blue economy leaders and experts.
€750
This pass grants 3-day access to:
-Sustainable Ocean Summit and Global Blue Finance Summit: full program of keynote talks, roundtables, and high-level discussions.
-Conference program taking place on all open stages, including Smart Ports: Piers of the Future.
-VIP networking area including coffee breaks, lunches and drinks receptions all 3 days.
-Exclusive Partner & Side Event.
-Startups Pitch sessions.
-Ocean Innovation Hub with over 50 exhibiting startups.
-Two-hall exhibition area featuring 1,100+ exhibitors.
-B2B Networking Tool.
Join the Global Blue Economy Community
Whether you are an industry leader, investor, policymaker, entrepreneur, or innovator, Tomorrow.BlueEconomy offers a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of ocean industries.
Be part of the community turning innovation into implementation and ambition into impact.
Innovation beyond borders
Tomorrow.Blue Economy Niterói
The third edition of Tomorrow.Blue Economy Niterói, our international spin-off event, will take place on 25-26 November 2026.
Held in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the summit reinforces the commitment to advancing this essential sector in a new strategic scenario, bringing the discussion to the Brazilian ecosystem.
Led by a Strategic Coalition of Partners
Tomorrow.BlueEconomy is hosted by the City of Barcelona, with the Port of Barcelona as Global Partner, and the World Ocean Council and OCEANOVATION as Strategic Partners.
Together these organisations connect global ocean industries, innovation ecosystems, and public leadership to accelerate the sustainable blue economy.