FISHINN at Blue Ambition 26 & Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026
Dublin, Ireland | 19–21 October 2026FISHINN Explores Blue Bioeconomy Opportunities
Blue Ambition 26 and the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry representatives in Dublin to explore how innovation and the sustainable use of biological resources can create new economic opportunities. For FISHINN specifically, the events provided a valuable context for examining how developments in the blue bioeconomy can complement efforts to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of local fisheries ecosystems across the Atlantic Area.
Blue Ambition 26, titled “Finding Opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy,” took place on Monday, 19 October, as a satellite session of the Global Bioeconomy Summit. Organised by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, in partnership with Hatch Blue.
The main summit followed on 20 and 21 October at the Convention Centre Dublin, under the theme Bioeconomy for Socio-economic Transformation and Climate Action. Together, the events highlighted the potential of natural resources, scientific research and new business models to generate value, support innovation and contribute to more sustainable coastal economies.
Finding Opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy
The event explored opportunities in the blue bioeconomy, including marine-derived ingredients, biotechnology and ocean-based solutions.
A key example was presented by Fertram Sigurjonsson, founder of Kerecis, whose company uses intact fish skin, including Atlantic cod skin, in medical products for wound care and tissue repair. This illustrates how materials originating in the seafood industry can be transformed into high-value products for markets beyond conventional food applications.
The panel discussion “The Discovery Frontier: New Bio-Ingredients from the Sea” examined the potential of marine biodiscovery, algae and seaweed-based innovation. Contributions from Olivier Thomas of the University of Galway, Helena McMahon of Seabody, and Michael O’Neill of Pure Ocean Algae and Mara Blue highlighted opportunities to translate marine research into new products and commercial applications.
Together, these examples demonstrated how innovation and collaboration between research and industry can help diversify marine value chains and create additional economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 – 20–21 October
Held on 20–21 October at the Convention Centre Dublin, the Global Bioeconomy Summit explored how scientific discoveries and innovative technologies can be translated into practical solutions through investment, supportive policies, market development and collaboration.
Two workshops were particularly relevant to FISHINN:
- Workshop 1: From Innovation to Impact: Financing, Scaling and Commercialising Marine-Based Solutions for a Resilient Future
This workshop examined how marine innovations can progress from research and pilot stages to commercial scale and international markets. Discussions highlighted Ireland’s blue bioeconomy ecosystem, including research and funding opportunities, commercialisation support and international cooperation.
Case studies included Alan O’Sullivan, Founder and CEO of Algamy Bioplastics, on support mechanisms and the path to commercial scale, and Jennifer O’Brien, Founder and CEO of Sea & Believe Ltd, on developing marine ingredients for health, nutrition and cosmetics.
The discussions emphasised that successful commercialisation depends not only on technological innovation but also on investment, business development and access to markets.
- Workshop 2: Supercharging a Nature-Positive Blue Bioeconomy
This workshop focused on financing nature-positive businesses and overcoming barriers to sustainable growth. Discussions explored investment opportunities, innovative financing solutions and the support needed to help blue bioeconomy ventures scale in Ireland and internationally.
The key message was that promising marine-based innovations require appropriate financial instruments, supportive frameworks and effective partnerships to deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits.
Relevance to FISHINN and emerging opportunities
Blue Ambition 26 and the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 highlighted opportunities aligned with FISHINN’s objective of strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of fisheries ecosystems and value chains across the Atlantic Area.
The events demonstrated how marine resources and seafood by-products can be transformed into higher-value products, diversifying income, reducing waste and promoting circular business models. They also emphasised the importance of collaboration between researchers, businesses and other stakeholders in developing market-ready innovations. Access to finance, commercialisation support and strategic partnerships were identified as key to bringing innovations to market. Furthermore, advances in marine biotechnology, algae and seaweed offer valuable insights for fisheries communities seeking to diversify their activities and strengthen sustainable coastal economies.
Overall, the events reinforced that combining innovation, resource efficiency, collaboration and effective routes to market is essential to building more competitive and resilient fisheries value chains across the Atlantic Area.
