Port Olímpic Living Lab

Building the future of blue economy

The Port Olímpic Living Lab is a pioneering initiative that aims to transform Barcelona's Port Olímpic into a living laboratory for blue economy innovation. This space for connection and exchange is designed to foster dialogue and collaboration between companies, administrations, researchers and local communities, with the aim of identifying challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions for the future.

The Port Olímpic Living Lab cycle of sessions includes participatory workshops, co-creation activities, expert presentations and open dialogue spaces.

Join the participatory sessions of the Port Olímpic Living Lab to foster dialogue, identify challenges and find innovative solutions for the maritime and port sector.

Sign up and be part of the change!

 

Registration is now open
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Who is the Port Olímpic Living Lab aimed at?

 

Port Olímpic Living Lab is a space for collaboration and innovation open to various groups that want to transform the port into a sustainable and dynamic model:

  • Companies and entrepreneurs - Explore new business opportunities and drive innovative solutions.

  • Public administration - Developing policies and tools for a more efficient and sustainable management.

  • Scientists and researchers - Validate and apply scientific knowledge in real projects.

  • Citizenship and local communities - Actively participate in building a more open and inclusive port.

Do you want to be part of this change? Join the Port Olímpic Living Lab!

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Blue Capital: Financing projects with impact

How to connect blue projects with public, private and mixed funding to grow blue economy in a sustainable way

Despite growing interest in blue economy, many initiatives are stranded due to lack of access to adequate funding. This session aims to open the debate on how to activate blue capital - public, private and philanthropic - to promote projects with environmental, social and economic value. Instruments such as European funds, sustainable venture capital, entrepreneurship grants, public-private partnerships or co-investment models will be addressed. The requirements, barriers and criteria that must be met to access them will also be discussed. An opportunity to connect projects, investors, administrations and entities that can grow together a more robust blue ecosystem.

 

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Espai Mestral, Port Olímpic

 

Don't miss out!

 

Register here
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A space for connection and exchange in blue economy

 

Discover the topics that will be addressed in this series of sessions:

The blue economy is creating new job opportunities in sectors such as marine biotechnology, smart port management, ocean renewable energies, nautical or sustainable tourism. In this event we will explore and discuss how professionals can prepare for these new demands.

The port as a living space: between biodiversity, nautical activity and the connection with the city.

The regeneration of ports is to improve marine biodiversity, reduce the impact of their infrastructures and ensure a more balanced relationship between human activity and the natural environment. In this meeting we will explore the solutions already incorporated by Port Olímpic and discuss how new practical solutions can make marinas a model of sustainability.

Digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability and port experience

Advanced digital technologies (Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, Augmented Reality...) are transforming the management of all economic sectors, enabling much more efficient and sustainable operations. In this meeting we will explore solutions that can be incorporated into the Blue Economy sector and discuss how marinas can integrate advanced digital solutions to improve their management and services.

Towards a model of tourism that regenerates rather than consumes: culture, sustainability and local economy

Sun and beach tourism has dominated the coast for decades, but is it possible to promote a blue tourism model that has a positive impact on the territory? This meeting will discuss how the Port Olímpic can be a reference in regenerative tourism, favoring the connection with the sea, culture and sustainability.

The port as a space for the citizens: open, accessible and alive all year round

The Port Olímpic has the opportunity to redefine itself as a living, open and useful space for citizens. The challenge is to turn it into a place where sport, health, culture and environmental education coexist and generate social value beyond traditional uses. In this session we will discuss how to make the port an inclusive and accessible environment, where nautical activities are promoted for all audiences, events that connect with the local community and educational initiatives that bring the sea closer to children and young people.

The Port as a Model of Sustainable Transformation: Shared Vision and Values

Port Olímpic is entering a new phase with sustainability at the core of its transformation process. This is the time to make this commitment visible through elements that inform, engage, and connect with everyone who visits and lives around the port.

In this session, we will explore how to shape initiatives that clearly and attractively showcase the ongoing sustainable actions, drawing inspiration from examples of other ports, facilities, and projects that have already integrated sustainability into their narrative.

From idea to impact: how to support emerging blue economy initiatives

Although there has been growth in blue economy, many startups and innovative projects have difficulty accessing funding. This meeting will analyze the different sources of funding available and how to facilitate access to investment for projects linked to the Port Olímpic.

Conclusions and shared visions to write together the future of the Port Olímpic Living Lab

The Port Olímpic is at a key moment to define its future as a blue economy innovation space. This meeting will serve to consolidate the conclusions of the previous debates and define the strategic lines of the Living Lab, establishing the priorities, alliances and methodologies necessary for its implementation. The objective is to co-create an applicable and scalable Living Lab model, which allows testing innovative solutions in sustainability, digitalization and port management.

Solutions to reduce waste, reuse resources and transform activities linked to the sea

The circular economy offers a clear way to reduce the environmental impact of activities on the coast and generate new business opportunities. This session will address how to rethink the design, use and end of cycle of sea-related products and services – from sustainable materials for boats or tourist activities, to waste, water and energy management. It will also discuss how to encourage collaboration between companies, innovators and administration to create replicable models that generate local and environmental value. A session to discover inspiring initiatives, identify barriers and imagine new circular flows in blue economy.

How to connect blue projects with public, private and mixed funding to grow blue economy in a sustainable way

Despite growing interest in blue economy, many initiatives are stranded due to lack of access to adequate funding. This session aims to open the debate on how to activate blue capital - public, private and philanthropic - to promote projects with environmental, social and economic value. Instruments such as European funds, sustainable venture capital, entrepreneurship grants, public-private partnerships or co-investment models will be addressed. The requirements, barriers and criteria that must be met to access them will also be discussed. An opportunity to connect projects, investors, administrations and entities that can grow together a more robust blue ecosystem.

A partnership for innovation and sustainability

 

The Port Olímpic Living Lab is a joint initiative between the Port Olímpic de Barcelona and Abordo.PRO, with more than 10 years of experience in the creation of Living Labs and multi-stakeholder projects.

This alliance will energize the blue economy sector, fostering innovation, collaboration and co-creation for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

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