Todhchaí Ghorm - Blue Future

Connect with leading marine biologists, conservationists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers as we explore cutting-edge solutions for ocean challenges and discover the immense potential of Ireland's blue bioeconomy.

📅 Event Schedule

Day 1 - October 7th

14:30 - Researcher Insights

• Dr. Ronan Sulpice, University of Galway - DNA Tagging Innovation in Seaweed – Prove your Irish
• Thomas Conroy, FSAI - Safety Considerations of Seaweed and Seaweed-derived Foods Available on the Irish Market
• Dr. Maria Hayes, Teagasc – Anti-inflammatory and anti-pain health benefits of seaweeds in food and pharma: Irish participation in the Algae4IBD project.
• Paul Keane, Re-Therm - Shifting Energy: The Emerging Wave of Sustainable Energy Sourcing
• Dr. Alex Wan, University of Galway - Lobster Hatcheries for Ireland: Sustainable Aquaculture Solutions

16:00 - Practical Workshops Setting up a Marine Business in Ireland

• Máire Ní Éinniú, Head of Nua Mara - Financial & Non-Financial Supports - Navigating State Funding
• Jessica Giannoumis PhD, Ireland Aquatech Community Manager @ Hatch Blue - About Us: What Hatch Fund Looks for in Marine Investments
• David Scanlon, Partner Resolve Ventures - About Us: Resolve Fund Investment Opportunities
• Áine-Lisa Shannon, Business Development Lead, BIM - How BIM Supports Marine Enterprise Development
• Dara Scott, Founder & CEO of Forbairt Eolaíocht Teo - An Entrepreneur's Journey: From Feasibility to Success

17:00 - International Opportunities Setting up in Canada

· Caroline Donnelly, Canadian Embassy in Ireland - Marine ecosystem developments in Canada

· Miriam Ní Néill, Údarás na Gaeltachta - Get Up to €185k Support: Market Research & New Markets Validation Grants (50% funding) - Hear All About It!

18:30 - Special Celebration - 50th Anniversary of Carna Research Station

Opened by Prof. Frances Fahy

· Networking drinks and nibbles

· Poster presentations

· Celebrating five decades of marine research excellence

Day 2 - October 8th

09:30 - Blue Bioeconomy Fundamentals

Marine Bioeconomy Explained - From concept to practical application

• Dr. Majbritt Bolton-Warberg , Marine Institute- Ireland's Blue Bioeconomy: Strategic Foundations and Funding Pathways
• Dr. Colin Hannon, Atlantic Technological University- Current blue bioeconomy projects and emerging trends
• Anton Seoane, Bantry Marine Research Station -From Lab to Farm: Asparagopsis Production and Research Updates
• Gareth Murphy, Managing Director, Óir na Farraige - Regenerative Ocean Farming
• Laura Broomfield, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment - Ireland's Blue Bioeconomy Strategy & Policy Framework

Interactive Strategy Sessions: Participants will contribute to these strategic working groups:

Session 1: "Ireland's Marine Advantage - Assets & Opportunities"

• Map Ireland's unique marine assets and competitive advantages
• Current state assessment vs EU leaders (Denmark, Norway)
• Identifying untapped opportunities and economic impact potential

Session 2: "From Sea to Market - Value Chain Development"

• Design integrated value chains for marine resources
• Aquaculture expansion pathways and marine biotechnology applications
• Food innovation and waste-to-value opportunities

Session 3: "Innovation Ecosystem - Research to Commercial Success"

• Strengthen the research-to-market pipeline
• University-industry collaboration and technology transfer mechanisms
• International partnerships and scaling strategies

Session 4: "Coastal Communities - Just Transition & Employment"

• Ensure coastal communities benefit from blue economy growth
• Skills development and community-led marine initiatives
• Traditional fishing sector transformation

Session 5: "Regulatory Framework - Enabling Sustainable Growth"

• Design supportive policy and regulatory environment
• Streamlined licensing and environmental protection standards
• Cross-departmental coordination and EU policy alignment

Session 6: "Climate Solutions - Ocean as Carbon Sink"

• Leverage marine systems for climate action
• Blue carbon initiatives and offshore renewable energy integration
• Marine-based circular economy solutions

Session 7: "Investment & Finance - Funding the Blue Future"

• Mobilise investment for marine bioeconomy
• Public-private partnerships and EU funding opportunities
• Risk-sharing mechanisms and export market strategies

13:00 - Networking Lunch

14:00 - Field Experience Guided Seaweed Walking Tour in Muigh Inis, by The Irish Seaweed Consultancy Ltd.

· Hands-on exploration of Ireland's marine resources

• Expert-led identification and sustainability insights
• Understanding local marine ecosystems

🎯 Who Should Attend

• Marine bioeconomy entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Researchers and marine scientists
• Aquaculture professionals and seaweed cultivators
• Fishermen exploring diversification opportunities
• Food industry professionals interested in marine ingredients
• Policy makers and government officials
• Investors seeking blue bioeconomy opportunities
• Students pursuing marine biotechnology or bioeconomy studies
• Anyone interested in the commercial potential of marine resources

✨ What You'll Gain

🔬 Cutting-edge research insights from leading Irish and international experts💼 Practical knowledge for starting and scaling marine businesses🤝 Valuable networking with industry leaders and peers💰 Funding guidance from key investment and grant organisations🌍 Global perspective on marine sustainability trends📈 Strategic insights into Ireland's blue bioeconomy policy🏆 Exclusive access to Carna Research Station's 50th anniversary celebration.

🏛️ Supporting Organisations

• Nua Mara
• Údarás na Gaeltachta
• University of Galway
• FSAI (Food Safety Authority of Ireland)
• Teagasc
• Bord Iascaigh Mhara
• Enterprise Ireland
• Canadian Embassy in Ireland
• Marine Institute
• Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

Full detailed agenda and speaker bios will be released soon. Follow this event for updates!