A strong opening for collaboration and innovation

The event opened with institutional representatives from IPLeiria, the RUN-EU alliance, and the Municipality of Peniche, setting the tone for a week built on cooperation, vision and impact. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to strengthening the role of European universities as catalysts for regional innovation and transformation.

Keynote speakers from maritime policy, innovation ecosystems and industry brought valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing blue growth today, highlighting the need for stronger bridges between academia, public authorities and businesses.

One of the standout moments of the programme was the RUN-EU Technology Showcase, where research groups, companies and innovation projects presented cutting-edge solutions addressing challenges in marine biotechnology, sustainable tourism, aquaculture, environmental monitoring and circular economy.

Participants also visited Smart Ocean and several regional companies, gaining first-hand insight into Peniche’s thriving Blue Economy ecosystem.

The programme further encouraged knowledge exchange through workshops on European funding opportunities and research visibility. Thematic pitch sessions highlighted innovative projects from across the RUN-EU alliance, opening the door to new partnerships and future collaborative initiatives.

RUN-EU Conference on Blue Economy

Research driving sustainable growth

A major highlight of the week was the RUN-EU Conference on Blue Economy, which brought together experts and researchers to discuss the future of ocean-related innovation and sustainable development. The conference featured two workshops and inspiring keynote presentations on topics including marine biotechnology, sustainable tourism, aquaculture, seaweed valorisation, surf-driven regional development and innovation in food systems.

The sessions revealed the remarkable breadth of expertise within the RUN-EU alliance and reinforced the strategic role of applied research in supporting Europe’s sustainable transition. By connecting scientific knowledge with regional needs and industry perspectives, the conference created a powerful space for dialogue on how the Blue Economy can help build resilient, competitive and sustainable coastal regions.

Student Research Colloquium

Empowering the next generation of Researchers

Running in parallel, the RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium welcomed students from across the alliance, who presented their research through oral communications and poster sessions spanning a wide range of scientific disciplines. The colloquium offered an international platform for young researchers to exchange ideas, receive feedback and build meaningful academic networks.

The event encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue and gave students the opportunity to present work not only related to the Blue Economy, but also to sustainability, engineering, health, social sciences and digital innovation. Beyond showcasing research results, the colloquium helped participants strengthen their communication and presentation skills while engaging with real-world regional and European challenges.

This student-led dimension of the programme reflected RUN-EU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of European researchers and innovators, empowering them to actively contribute to a more sustainable and knowledge-driven future.

Biennial of the Sea

Connecting RUN-EU with the Regional Blue Economy ecosystem

The RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions event took place within the framework of the Peniche Biennial of the Sea, one of Portugal’s leading international initiatives dedicated to promoting the Blue Economy, marine innovation and sustainable ocean development. This strategic partnership enriched the programme by connecting RUN-EU participants with a broader ecosystem of researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and citizens engaged in shaping the future of ocean-related industries.

Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to attend exhibitions, technology demonstrations and public events organised as part of the Biennial, while also visiting key regional innovation hubs such as Smart Ocean and leading companies in the maritime sector. These activities highlighted Peniche’s growing role as a centre for marine research, blue biotechnology, sustainable fisheries, ocean technology and coastal tourism.

By aligning Innovation Meets Regions with the Biennial of the Sea, RUN-EU reinforced its commitment to bringing higher education closer to society, fostering dialogue between academia, industry and public institutions, and showing how regional ecosystems can become living laboratories for innovation and sustainable development.

RUN-EU Governance meetings reinforce strategic alignment

Alongside the scientific and outreach activities, RUN-EU also held key internal governance meetings in Peniche, including the Steering Group and the Executive Management Board (EMB) meetings.

These sessions offered an important opportunity for alliance leaders and institutional representatives to review progress, align strategic priorities and discuss future actions to further strengthen cooperation across the partnership.

Their presence alongside the public programme highlighted the integrated nature of RUN-EU, where strategic decision-making, academic collaboration and regional engagement move forward together with purpose and momentum.

A lasting legacy for Peniche and the Oeste Region

Beyond the scientific programme, participants experienced the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region through social activities, including visits to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve and surf experiences, showcasing Peniche as a living laboratory where research, innovation, sustainability and community are deeply interconnected.

The success of RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions on Blue Economy demonstrated the strength of collaboration across the alliance and reaffirmed RUN-EU’s mission of connecting higher education, research, industry and society to address regional and European challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders around shared ambitions for the Blue Economy, the event strengthened international partnerships, generated new opportunities for collaborative research and highlighted the vital contribution of European university alliances to sustainable regional development.

Hosted in one of Europe’s most dynamic coastal regions, this edition of Innovation Meets Regions leaves a lasting legacy of cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation, further positioning Peniche and the Oeste region as an emerging European hub for the Blue Economy.