SEA OF EVENTS IN RIMINI
10/11/2025
From November 4 to 7, the project participated in Ecomondo 2025, one of Europe’s leading fairs for green technologies and sustainability. The project was presented at the Rimini Expo Centre, Hall B6 (Stand 216), offering an interactive space where visitors could learn about project goals, ongoing activities, and results. The stand also served as a meeting point for companies, research institutions, and young professionals interested in Blue Economy innovation.
The week was filled with networking sessions, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging good practices, building new partnerships, and promoting collaboration among coastal development stakeholders.
Innovation Open Day – Business Blue Talk (November 5, 2025)
On November 5, the project organized its Innovation Open Day – Business Blue Talk at Ecomondo. This event fostered dialogue between businesses, universities, and research centers operating in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Companies showcased career opportunities, while universities and research centers presented specialized study programs and innovation pathways.
Participants were able to network directly with organizations and upload their CVs through a dedicated QR code system, creating a shared database to connect talents with Blue Economy employers. From Antonio Moritti, Itaca Cooperative Casa del Pescatore and Selene Galante, FLAG Costa dei Trabocchi, to Croatians Simona Zaninović, HIPPOCAMPUS j.d.o.o. prof. Dr. Sanja Tomšić, University of Dubrovnik. The Business Blue Talks connected
The day highlighted how education, research, and industry collaboration can drive sustainable innovation and create new employment opportunities across the Adriatic region.
The Blue Way Hackathon – Aquaculture and Fisheries Edition (November 6–7, 2025)
The centerpiece of the sea of events was the Blue Way Hackathon, a 48-hour innovation challenge dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. The event began with an opening ceremony at the Rimini Expo Centre (Ocean Arena Hall B8), featuring greetings from representatives of the European Commission, the Italian Ministry of Education, and local authorities.
Three thematic challenges within the “Fisheries and Aquaculture Cluster” were launched,guiding participants to develop innovative, feasible, and sustainable solutions. 3 Multidisciplinary teams composed of students, young professionals, and industry experts then moved to the Canal Port of Rimini, aboard the Bella Rimini motor ship, transformed into a floating innovation lab. Under the guidance of mentors and tutors from partner institutions, participants worked day and night developing project ideas, conducting feasibility studies, and preparing final presentations.
On November 7, teams presented their project proposals before a distinguished jury composed of representatives from Delta 2000, University of Salento, University of Bari, Argonauta, Zadra Nova, Confcooperative Veneto, and other partners.
The event concluded with the award ceremony, celebrating three outstanding proposals that demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and vision for a more resilient Blue Economy with the following ranking:
- 1st place for the project idea Pangea, proposed by the team composed by Samuele Benetti, Enrico Renzi, , Veronica Vitali, Francesco Nobile and Cristian Rovea
- 2nd place tied, with project ideas: Ribanet (team composed by Ema Starešinić, Ivan Ujvari Čeh, Korina Jusup) and Tilapia 360° (team composed by Riccardo Brusa, Riccardo De Nicolò e Michele Carbotti)
Study Visits and Young Area: Youth at the Center
The final day of Ecomondo also hosted study visits for around 80 students from ITIS Nullo Baldini (Ravenna) and IPS Versari Macrelli (Cesena). Accompanied by their teachers, they visited Blue Economy companies, institutions, and partner stands, discovering professional opportunities in marine and coastal sustainability.
In the Young Area within the “Blue Skills & Jobs” conference, students from schools in Italy and Croatia including Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Zadar, Lecce, Ortona, and Ravenna, presented their innovative projects for sustainable marine development. This vibrant exchange showcased the creativity, environmental awareness, and ambition of the next generation leading the transition toward a greener and smarter Blue Economy.
__________________
The November events demonstrated the strength of cooperation among BLUESLINKS partners and the shared commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. From scientific dialogue to hands-on creativity, BLUESLINKS continues to build bridges between research, education, and business—promoting a connected, sustainable, and resilient Adriatic region.
