During the month of June, Oeiras will host an international initiative organised by Fórum Oceano, the Municipality of Oeiras and the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency, bringing together policymakers, companies, investors, scientific institutions, diplomats, clusters, startups and representatives from several strategic ecosystems connected to the blue economy.

As ports evolve into increasingly complex and multifunctional hubs, innovation is no longer confined to operational efficiency but extends across energy, industry, mobility and sustainability. In this article, Manuel Melo, Innovation Manager of the Hub Azul network, explores how open innovation is emerging as a strategic approach for ports to navigate this transformation—enabling them to remain competitive while embracing new roles through collaboration with startups, industry and research ecosystems.

At its General Assembly held on 7 April at the Port of Lisbon Auditorium, in the Rocha Conde de Óbidos Maritime Terminal, Lisbon, Fórum Oceano approved the 2025 Activity Report and Financial Statements, the 2026 Activity Plan and Budget, and the election of its Strategic Council.

As global seafood demand accelerates and aquaculture becomes central to feeding a growing population, the sector faces a pivotal challenge: how to scale production while safeguarding fish welfare, environmental integrity and economic viability. In this article, Iris Silva, Molecular Biology and Genomics Researcher at S2AquaCoLAB, explores how personalized nutrition is reshaping aquaculture through precision science. By aligning feeding strategies with the specific biological needs of fish, this emerging approach offers a pathway to improve performance, reduce environmental impact and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the blue economy.

This conversation with João Rito, Founding Partner of SEAentia, was carried out within the framework of the Blue Compass project, an initiative of the Hub Azul Portugal Network, drawing on insights from the Hub Azul Dealroom, your leading digital platform connecting blue innovation stakeholders.

Pedro Pousão’s perspective, S2Aqua CoLAB This interview was conducted with Pedro Pousão, IPMA Researcher and Chairman of the Board of S2AQUAcoLAB, as part of the Blue Compass project, promoted by the Hub Azul Portugal Network, based on insights from the Hub Azul Dealroom, the leading digital matchmaking platform for blue innovation.