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The Hub Azul Portugal Network took a decisive step in strengthening the national ecosystem of innovation linked to the sea with the presentation of Smart Ocean Peniche, a structuring project for the Blue Economy in Portugal.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, accompanied by Secretary of State for the Sea Lídia Bulcão and Secretary of State for Fisheries Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, visited the research centre at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria in Peniche, where the future Science and Technology Park was presented, a strategic infrastructure for the enhancement of knowledge and innovation in the maritime sector.
Smart Ocean Peniche incubator under construction
One of the highlights of the visit was the progress made on the Smart Ocean Peniche business incubator, a €6.1 million investment currently under construction in the fishing port of Peniche. This project represents a milestone in the consolidation of the Peniche Blue Hub as a centre of excellence in research, entrepreneurship and technological development related to the ocean.
The Smart Ocean Peniche incubator’s mission is to boost the creation and growth of new companies and innovative projects, promoting solutions aligned with the challenges of decarbonisation and the digital transformation of the Blue Economy.
Innovation, research and blue entrepreneurship
As part of the Hub Azul Portugal Network strategy, the incubator will stimulate research and entrepreneurship in key areas such as:
- Marine biology;
- Marine biotechnology;
- Aquaculture;
- Fisheries resources.
This investment will contribute to strengthening the local innovation ecosystem, enhancing scientific and technological knowledge, and promoting the sustainable development of Portugal’s maritime economy.
A national network with international ambition
The Rede Hub Azul Portugal currently comprises seven innovation hubs spread across various ports in the country, playing a central role in creating a collaborative ecosystem geared towards sustainability, competitiveness, and attracting strategic investment.
With structural projects such as Smart Ocean Peniche, the Rede Hub Azul Portugal is progressively establishing itself as a national and international benchmark in the Blue Economy sector, with a direct impact on the economy, innovation and the sustainability of the oceans.