The Hub Azul Portugal platform, promoted by Fórum Oceano, has been officially mentioned as a source of reference in the European Commission’s Blue Economy Report 2024, marking a significant milestone for Portugal’s position within the European blue economy landscape. The report highlights the role of the Hub Azul Dealroom, a digital tool developed to map and monitor innovation, investment, and employment trends in the ocean economy, with particular emphasis on the rapidly growing blue biotechnology sector.
According to the report, Hub Azul Portugal is emerging as a key player in providing data and insights that support informed decision-making in policy, investment, and business development. This recognition reinforces the value of platforms that integrate economic intelligence with strategic connections across the sector.
The Blue Economy Report 2024 includes data sourced from Hub Azul, which reveals a dynamic and expanding ecosystem: in 2023, the blue biotechnology sector in Europe accounted for 163 registered startups and scale-ups, generated an estimated €1.1 billion in economic value, and employed nearly 4,000 professionals, primarily within small and emerging companies. These figures underscore the sector’s importance as a driver of innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness.
For Fórum Oceano, this acknowledgment reflects not only the impact of the Hub Azul initiative but also the strategic commitment of Portugal to strengthen its leadership in ocean-based industries. By bridging the gap between science, business, and investment, Hub Azul is contributing to the transformation of the blue economy into a pillar of sustainable growth at both national and European levels.
The full Blue Economy Report 2024 is available via the European Commission, and the Hub Azul Dealroom remains open to all stakeholders seeking to explore the evolving opportunities within the blue economy.