Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress 2026 – Barcelona, Spain

What to expect

Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress is an international professional congress focused on the sustainable transformation of the ocean economy. It brings together maritime companies, ports, investors, policymakers, cities, startups, researchers, technology providers and environmental organizations to examine how ocean-related industries can grow while protecting marine ecosystems.

The congress is designed as a meeting point between industry, investment, innovation and public policy. Its focus extends beyond traditional maritime activity to include blue finance, marine technology, biodiversity, ocean data, sustainable food systems, coastal resilience, decarbonisation and the digital transformation of ports.

The event is co-located with Smart City Expo World Congress, creating a connection between ocean industries and the wider smart-city ecosystem. This gives participants an opportunity to examine how ports, coastal cities, infrastructure developers and technology companies can work together on sustainable urban and maritime development.

Key attractions

• International blue economy congress and exhibition
• Smart Ports: Piers of the Future programme
• Sustainable Ocean Summit
• Global Blue Finance Summit
• Ocean Innovation Hub
• Startup pitch sessions
• Blue technology showcases
• Investor and business networking
• Port and maritime innovation discussions
• Blue finance and investment opportunities
• Ocean sustainability and biodiversity sessions
• Participation from governments, cities and major maritime organizations

The organizers currently present the congress as a platform with more than 1,000 attendees, more than 500 exhibitors across its wider ecosystem, participants from more than 10 countries and more than 50 speakers. The wider setting also provides access to the large international audience attending Smart City Expo World Congress.

Event dates

Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress 2026 will take place from 3–5 November 2026 at the Gran Via Venue in Barcelona, Spain.

The event runs across three days and forms part of the wider Smart City Expo World Congress ecosystem. The official programme is organized around four major platforms: Smart Ports: Piers of the Future, Sustainable Ocean Summit, Global Blue Finance Summit and the Ocean Innovation Hub.

Visitors interested in specific sessions should consult the official programme before attending because individual stages, sessions and networking activities can have different access requirements.

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Venue & exhibition site

Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress is held at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, one of Europe’s major exhibition and congress venues.

The official Gran Via address is:

Fira Barcelona Gran Via
Av. Joan Carles I, 64
08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat
Barcelona, Spain

Fira Barcelona describes the Gran Via complex as having approximately 240,000 square metres of gross exhibition area, multiple exhibition halls, restaurants, parking facilities, transport connections and dedicated convention infrastructure.

The location is particularly appropriate for a blue economy event because Barcelona has a major international port and a strong maritime innovation ecosystem. The congress is also supported by the City of Barcelona, Port of Barcelona, World Ocean Council and other strategic partners.

The event uses the exhibition infrastructure of Gran Via as part of the wider Smart City Expo environment, allowing attendees to combine blue economy content with urban technology, infrastructure and climate innovation.

Full event programme

The full programme is built around four principal platforms that address different aspects of the blue economy.

Smart Ports: Piers of the Future

This programme focuses on ports as engines of innovation, trade and sustainability. Topics include port decarbonisation, digitalisation, automation, connectivity, infrastructure, logistics and the relationship between ports and cities.

Sustainable Ocean Summit

The Sustainable Ocean Summit brings together business leaders, policymakers and sustainability specialists to consider how ocean industries can combine commercial activity with responsible environmental management.

Global Blue Finance Summit

BlueFIN focuses on investment and financing for the ocean economy. Sessions examine areas such as ocean innovation investment, blue infrastructure finance, biodiversity markets and blended finance.

Ocean Innovation Hub

The innovation platform gives startups and emerging companies a space to present technologies and solutions covering areas such as blue biotechnology, aquaculture, renewable energy, ocean data, biodiversity and coastal resilience.

The programme therefore moves from high-level policy and investment discussions to practical technologies and startup solutions.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

The congress features a large international speaker community representing ports, investment firms, governments, research institutions, sustainability organizations, maritime businesses and technology companies.

Among the listed speakers are:

• Adrià Jover, President of the International Electric Maritime Association
• Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
• Emma Cobos, Director of Innovation and Blue Economy at the Port of Barcelona
• Francisco Saraiva Gomes, Founding Partner and CIO of Ocean 14 Capital
• Esther Badiola, Principal Climate Advisor at the European Investment Bank
• Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority
• José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona
• Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, CEO and Managing Director of the World Ocean Council
• Patricia Purcell, Senior Adviser at the UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub
• Dale Galvin, Managing Director of Global Fund for Coral Reefs Investment
• Cate Lamb, Co-Executive Director of Blue Bond Accelerator
• Ignasi Ferrer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ocean Ecostructures
• Aisha Stenning, Business Action Lead for Plastics at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
• Nourie Boraie, SVP Global Affairs & Oversight at Einride Autonomous Technologies
• Alejandro Martí, CEO and Co-Founder of Mitiga Solutions
• Miquel Canals, Director of the Sustainable Blue Economy Chair at the University of Barcelona
• Valentí Sallarès, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the Spanish Research Council

The official speaker list includes experts from organizations such as the European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation, World Ocean Council, Port of Barcelona, Port of Gothenburg, Hamburg Port Authority, Port of Los Angeles, UNESCO-IOC and European Space Agency.

Conference sessions & tracks

The conference content covers the principal industries and investment areas associated with the modern blue economy.

Port innovation

Sessions explore smart ports, digital infrastructure, automation, connectivity, energy transition and port-city integration.

Maritime decarbonisation

The programme examines cleaner shipping, alternative fuels, electrification, shore power and other technologies aimed at reducing maritime emissions.

Blue finance

Investment discussions focus on mobilising capital for ocean-based solutions, blue infrastructure, biodiversity and sustainable businesses.

Ocean innovation

Startups and technology developers showcase solutions involving data, marine biotechnology, autonomous systems, ocean monitoring and environmental restoration.

Biodiversity and nature

The programme considers marine ecosystems, biodiversity protection, restoration and nature-positive business models.

Sustainable blue food

Aquaculture, fisheries and related food systems are considered from economic, technological and environmental perspectives.

Coastal resilience

The congress examines technologies and strategies that can help coastal communities respond to climate risks, environmental pressures and changing infrastructure requirements.

Ocean data and digital technologies

Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, monitoring systems and data platforms are increasingly important to maritime decision-making and environmental management.

Session times & schedule

The congress programme is divided between several platforms rather than operating as one single auditorium schedule.

Morning programming is generally structured around keynote presentations, strategic discussions, investment sessions and specialist panels. Later sessions can move toward technical presentations, startup pitches, case studies and interactive discussions.

The official programme is designed so participants can choose between different areas of the blue economy according to their professional interests. This is particularly useful for visitors who want to combine conference sessions with meetings and exhibition visits.

Recommended planning approach

• Check the official programme before arrival.
• Identify priority keynote and panel sessions.
• Leave time between sessions for movement across the venue.
• Reserve time for startup demonstrations and exhibition visits.
• Use networking tools to arrange business meetings in advance.
• Recheck the official programme because speaker and session information can be updated.

The official website provides access to the programme and identifies the major platforms and content areas.

Ticket types & registration

The official website currently lists three main pass categories. The published prices have been converted to USD using the ECB reference rate of approximately US$1.1204 per euro.

Visitor Pass

The Visitor Pass is listed at approximately US$224.08. It provides access to the two-hall exhibition area, the conference programme available on open stages, startup pitch sessions and the Ocean Innovation Hub.

SOS / BlueFIN Investor Pass

The Investor Pass is listed at approximately US$560.20. It provides access to the Sustainable Ocean Summit and Global Blue Finance Summit programmes, open conference stages, VIP networking facilities, partner and side events, startup pitches, the Ocean Innovation Hub, the exhibition area and the B2B networking tool.

SOS / BlueFIN Conference Pass

The Conference Pass is listed at approximately US$840.30. It provides the broadest professional access among the published categories, including the full SOS and BlueFIN programmes, VIP networking facilities, open conference stages, startup pitches, the Ocean Innovation Hub, exhibition access and B2B networking.

The official site states that the Visitor Pass provides access to a two-hall exhibition area featuring more than 1,100 exhibitors across the connected event environment, while the Ocean Innovation Hub is expected to feature more than 50 exhibiting startups.

Registration deadlines

The official website does not currently publish a single final general registration deadline for all visitor categories.

Registration remains subject to the availability of the relevant pass category and any participation limits established by the organizers. Separate application processes may apply to startups, exhibitors, partners and speakers.

Visitor registration

Visitors should register through the official event website and select the pass that corresponds with their intended level of access.

Startup applications

Startups interested in appearing within the Ocean Innovation Hub have a separate application route. The organizers invite startups and scaleups to apply to showcase their solutions.

Business participation

Companies interested in partnership, sponsorship or exhibition opportunities should use the official participation channels rather than treating general visitor registration as an exhibitor application.

Exhibitor list & major companies

The event’s exhibition and innovation environment brings together organizations involved in maritime technology, ports, ocean science, sustainability, finance and environmental solutions.

The official 2026 speaker and programme material identifies participation from organizations including:

• Port of Barcelona
• Port of Gothenburg
• Hamburg Port Authority
• Port of Los Angeles
• Port of Rotterdam
• Port of Seattle
• Aquaculture Stewardship Council
• European Investment Bank
• International Finance Corporation
• World Ocean Council
• UNESCO-IOC
• European Space Agency
• DNV
• RINA
• Lloyd’s Register Foundation
• Ocean 14 Capital
• Equinor Ventures
• Fidelity
• SWEN Capital Partners
• EIT Urban Mobility
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation
• Ocean Ecostructures
• Mitiga Solutions
• Einride Autonomous Technologies
• Notpla
• ECOncrete
• Blue Cluster

The event also features a dedicated Ocean Innovation Hub for startups and scaleups developing technologies for the ocean economy.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

The official event website describes the Visitor Pass as providing access to a two-hall exhibition area within the wider Gran Via venue.

Fira Barcelona Gran Via itself is considerably larger, with halls ranging from approximately 12,700 to 43,000 square metres depending on the individual hall. The venue’s official floorplan documentation shows halls numbered 1 through 8, including 8.0 and 8.1.

Visitors should distinguish between the complete Fira Barcelona Gran Via floorplan and the specific event areas assigned to Tomorrow.Blue Economy.

Ocean Innovation Hub

This area is particularly important for startup discovery. It brings entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, ports and policymakers together around new ocean technologies and scalable solutions.

Conference areas

Conference stages are positioned within the wider exhibition environment, allowing attendees to move between content sessions, exhibition stands and networking opportunities.

The official programme and venue signage should be used to locate specific stages and exhibitors.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is a central part of Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress. The event is designed not only as a conference but as a business ecosystem where investors, startups, corporations, ports and policymakers can establish partnerships.

The Investor Pass includes access to the B2B Networking Tool, giving participants an organized way to identify and connect with relevant business contacts.

Investor meetings

Blue finance professionals can meet startups, investment organizations, infrastructure developers and companies seeking capital.

Startup connections

The Ocean Innovation Hub creates opportunities for emerging companies to meet investors, corporate partners and public-sector organizations.

Port and industry connections

Port authorities and maritime businesses can use the event to discuss digitalisation, decarbonisation, infrastructure, logistics and technology deployment.

Policy connections

Government and city representatives provide opportunities for companies and research organizations to understand public-sector priorities and identify potential pilot projects.

The cross-sector structure is one of the event’s strongest advantages because participants can meet people working across finance, technology, shipping, ports, environmental protection and public policy.

Industry sectors & highlights

Tomorrow.Blue Economy covers a wide range of industries connected to ocean resources and maritime infrastructure.

Shipping and maritime transport

The event explores cleaner propulsion, digital shipping, autonomous technologies and operational efficiency.

Ports and logistics

Smart ports, port-city integration, automation, infrastructure and sustainable logistics are major areas of interest.

Aquaculture and blue food

Sustainable aquaculture and seafood systems are included within the wider blue economy discussion.

Marine biotechnology

Biotechnology companies can showcase technologies using marine resources and biological processes in sustainable applications.

Ocean data

Digital platforms, monitoring systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics support improved understanding of marine environments.

Blue finance

Investment is treated as a central mechanism for moving blue economy technologies from demonstration to commercial scale.

Biodiversity

Marine restoration, biodiversity markets, ecosystem protection and nature-positive business models are increasingly important parts of the programme.

Coastal resilience

The event addresses solutions for coastal areas dealing with climate, infrastructure and environmental challenges.

Renewable energy

Ocean-related renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy systems form another part of the broader blue economy ecosystem.

Event rules & visitor information

Visitors should follow the registration and access requirements supplied by the organizers. The congress is a professional business event, so attendees should keep their registration information and event credentials available when entering the venue.

The official website should be checked for the latest access instructions, programme updates and venue information before travelling.

Professional preparation

Because the congress includes several simultaneous platforms, visitors should plan their preferred sessions in advance.

Startup access

Startup showcases and pitch sessions may have specific participation arrangements, so interested attendees should consult the official programme.

Exhibition access

Pass holders should check exactly which exhibition and conference areas their selected pass includes.

Programme changes

Speakers, sessions, rooms and programme content can change. The official event website remains the most reliable source for the latest information.

How to get there

Fira Barcelona Gran Via is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, immediately southwest of central Barcelona.

The official venue address is Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona. The venue is connected to Barcelona Airport, the city centre and surrounding metropolitan areas by metro, rail and bus.

For international visitors, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the principal airport serving the city. Metro Line 9 South provides a direct connection toward the Fira Gran Via area.

Taxis are also available at dedicated ranks around the Fira Barcelona complex.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is one of the most convenient ways to reach Gran Via.

Metro

Metro Line 9 South serves the Fira and Europa/Fira stations, providing connections with Barcelona Airport and the city. Line 10 South also serves Foc station.

FGC

Europa/Fira is served by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya services, including several regional and metropolitan lines.

Bus

Fira Barcelona identifies H12, V1, 46, 65 and 79 among the main bus routes serving the Gran Via venue.

Taxi

Barcelona has an extensive taxi network, and Fira Barcelona provides taxi ranks to facilitate arrival and departure from the venue.

Parking

The Gran Via complex has approximately 4,580 parking spaces according to Fira Barcelona. Visitors driving to the event should check the latest venue parking information because access arrangements can vary according to event requirements.

Accommodation areas

Visitors have several practical accommodation options around the venue.

L’Hospitalet de Llobregat

Hotels in L’Hospitalet are among the most convenient options because they provide easy access to Gran Via while offering a wide range of business and mid-range accommodation.

Plaça d’Europa

The Plaça d’Europa area is particularly useful for congress visitors because of its rail and metro connections and proximity to the exhibition district.

Sants

The Sants area is convenient for visitors arriving by train and provides direct access to Barcelona’s wider transport network.

Eixample

Eixample is a good choice for attendees who want a central Barcelona location with restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions and strong transport connections.

City centre

Central Barcelona offers the largest selection of hotels and visitor services. Attendees staying farther from the venue should allow additional commuting time for morning sessions and business meetings.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition strengthened the congress’s position as a meeting point for ocean industries, ports, investors, startups and sustainability organizations.

According to Fira Barcelona, the event featured 120 national and international experts and 42 sessions distributed across Smart Ports: Piers of the Future, Global Blue Finance Summit and Sustainable Ocean Summit.

The programme examined fishing, aquaculture, port management, shipbuilding and other ocean-related activities as potential drivers of sustainable economic development.

Smart Ports content focused on issues including port resilience, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, port decarbonisation, shore power and port-city integration.

The previous edition also demonstrated the importance of startups and innovation. Official material reported more than 30 startups participating in the wider programme, while the event attracted more than 2,200 visitors.

Earlier editions had also featured dedicated startup and innovation areas. Official material highlighted companies such as AquaDrone, The Great Bubble Barrier, Zeabuz and Ocean Ecostructures as examples of emerging blue economy innovators.

Official registration & tickets

Official registration should be completed through the Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress website. The organizers currently provide separate pass categories for general visitors, investors and conference participants.

The Visitor Pass is intended for professionals who primarily want exhibition, open-stage and innovation access. The Investor and Conference Passes provide broader access to high-level Sustainable Ocean Summit and Global Blue Finance Summit content, VIP networking and B2B opportunities.

The event also provides dedicated routes for startups and partners. Startups interested in presenting solutions through the Ocean Innovation Hub can submit an application through the official website.

Visitors should use the official event website for registration rather than relying on unofficial ticket sellers. The official site is also the best source for programme changes, speaker updates, participation opportunities and access conditions.