Our goal is to create a space where technology, artificial intelligence, and ocean sustainability converge to redefine the future of the seas.
* Free registration
Escola do Mar dos Açores
The SMART OCEAN DAYS is an international conference that brings together innovation, sustainability, and the future of the Blue Economy. This groundbreaking event will take place on March 13-14 in the beautiful city of Horta, on Faial Island, Azores.
Organized by the Escola do Mar dos Açores in partnership with Fórum Oceano, ADFMA – Associação para o Desenvolvimento e Formação do Mar dos Açores, and BlueOasis, this initiative aims to inspire, connect, and empower professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and decision-makers from the maritime sector.
Under the theme “Faial as the Silicon Valley of the Oceans: The Union of Digital Innovation for Sustainability, Marine Conservation, and the Blue Economy,” the event aspires to position the Azores as a global hub for marine innovation and sustainable economic development. It will emphasize the importance of integrating digital technologies, cutting-edge research, and environmental conservation to unlock the full potential of the oceans.
The main objectives of SMART OCEAN DAYS are to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting the growth of startups and businesses focused on developing sustainable solutions for the Blue Economy, foster strategic partnerships by connecting participants with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, and enhance skills and knowledge through exclusive training and mentorship programs provided by the Incubadora Azul of the Escola do Mar dos Açores. Additionally, the event will stimulate meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the ocean economy through debates, panels, and expert talks.
The event is designed for entrepreneurs and startups working on sustainable maritime solutions, researchers and academics exploring marine technology and conservation, investors and business leaders seeking groundbreaking innovations, and government entities and NGO´s focused on ocean sustainability.
The Azores, located in the heart of the Atlantic, provide the perfect backdrop for these discussions. Known for their rich biodiversity and strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the islands offer a unique setting to reflect on the future of our oceans.
Opening remarks on the critical role of education in building sustainable ocean industries.
Collaboration as a cornerstone for sustainable blue economy growth
Faial – the Silicon Valley of Smart Ocean Technologies.
Harnessing the Ocean´s Pulse: Advancing Sustainability Through Real-Time Ocean Intelligence
PROTEUS™: Pioneering the Next
Frontier in Ocean Exploration and Sustainable Innovation”
HydroTWIN: Leveraging AI for Real-Time
Underwater Acoustic Monitoring and Biodiversity Protection
Environment Climate Dynamics in the Azores: Implications for Sustainable Ocean Management
“The Importance of Digital Tools for Monitoring and Management of Marine Protected Areas in Azores”
“Public Policies for a Sustainable Ocean: Strategies for the Azores Blue Future”
“Innovative Academic Research for Ocean Conservation and Sustainability”
Highlighting the university’s contributions to cutting-edge research and
practical solutions.
“Sustainable Marine Resource Management: The Future of Fisheries and Aquaculture.”
SmartFISHER: Digital Solutions for Sustainable Fisheries and Ocean Stewardship
RainDrop: Real-Time Acoustic Mapping for Sustainable Ocean Management
Balancing traditional practices with sustainable methods.
Fostering the next generation of marine professionals for a sustainable future – Citizen Science
From Sky to Sea: Leveraging Aerial Technologies for Ocean Monitoring and Conservation.
“The Importance of Digital Tools for Monitoring and Management of Marine Protected Areas in Azores”
Sustainable Maritime Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities in the Azores
Workshop HydroTwin – Interactive demonstration of the applications of HT for the WW companies
Roundtable with local whale watching and diving companies (Norberto Diver, Naturalist, DiveAzores, AzoresExperiences, Futurismo, etc.)
“Enhancing Maritime Operations with Unmanned Aerial Systems: Innovations and Applications.”
Panelists
Communication technologies for safer oceans.
Innovation and Sustainability in Aerospace: Driving Portugal’s Competitive Edge
Hydrographic Innovations: Enhancing Oceanographic Knowledge for Sustainable Maritime Practices
The event takes place in the city of Horta, on Faial Island, Azores, one of the most strategic centers for maritime innovation and a true natural laboratory for the Blue Economy.
