Blue Tech Europe 2026: Marine Observing Technologies
Session 2: New technology and academia-to-industry transfer (software)
Session 4: Industry and society as drivers of ocean observation
Aligned with the European Union’s Ocean Pact and the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the Blue Tech Europe Conference will showcase technological developments from the academic sector. The conference will focus on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, while identifying pathways to support local growth and reinforce Europe’s competitiveness in blue technologies.
Reliable and high-quality ocean data is increasingly critical for society, industry, and the scientific community. While existing infrastructures and emerging initiatives have begun deploying Marine Observation Systems across a range of platforms, significant gaps remain in coverage and technological capabilities, hindering progress towards robust modelling and predictability of marine systems.
Addressing these challenges, the Blue Tech Europe Conference aims to catalyse a sensor industry in Europe by fostering constructive dialogue between government, industry, research, and investment actors. The conference will highlight key challenges and showcase innovations that can contribute to a competitive and innovative sensor industry on the continent.
Establish European autonomy in sensor and marine technology development.
Showcase EU-designed technologies for scalable, autonomous observation systems.
Discuss how industry can integrate, standardise, and scale observation and data services.
- Session 1: Establishing European autonomy in sensors and marine technology development
Day 1, 21 April 2026
Coordinator: Nicolas Pade, European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC)
Presentations & Panel discussion
- Emina Mamaca, Directorate General – Research and Innovation (DG RTD)
- Ralph Rayner, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Louis Demargne, FUGRO – TBC
- Jan-Stefan Fritz, Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung (KDM)
Session 2: New technology and academia-to-industry transfer (software)
Day 1, 21 April 2026
Coordinator: Jacob Carstensen, Aarhus University
Presentations
- Hege Gundersen, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
- Kasper Hancke, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
- Melilotus Thyssen, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (CNRS-MIO)
- Hans Jakobsen, Aarhus University
- João Galante, Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI)
- Adam Leslie Koziol, Aarhus University
- Jacob Carstensen, Aarhus University
Panel discussion
- Kate Larkin, SeaScape Belgium
- Lilian Brewer Lisboa, Cytobuoy
- Thanos Gkritzalis, Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
- João Galante, Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI)
- Jacob Carstensen, Aarhus University
- Session 3: New technology and academia-to-industry transfer (hardware)
Day 2, 22 April 2026
Coordinator: Nicolas Pade, European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC)
Presentations
- Manuel Fernández Giráldez, University of Seville
- Patrizio Mariani, DTU Aqua National Institute of Aquatic Resources
- Julie Robidart, National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
- Carmem-Lara Manes, Sorbonne Université
Panel discussion
- To come
- Session 4: Industry and society as drivers of ocean observation
Day 2, 22 April 2026
Coordinator: Toste Tanhua, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Presentations & Panel discussion
- Emma Heslop, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
- Mathieu Belbéoch, OceansX
- Lucy Hunt, The Ocean Race
- Verena Meraldi, HX Expeditions
- Viviana Piermattei, Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC)
- Jessica Gier, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
The event is moderated by Kristin Recke.
EMBRC HQ
Seascape Belgium
GEOMAR
EMBRC HQ
Aarhus University
