08-07-2024
The inaugural edition of Bridge Talks, an open meeting promoted by NOVA FCT's Executive School to foster connections between academia and the business world, convened approximately 100 attendees at the Alcochete Cultural Forum on June 26 th. This initial session focused on the blue economy, examining the opportunities and challenges related to the sea.
The event drew a varied audience, including academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts, leading to productive discussions.
Sessions addressed sustainability, technology, and representation in the blue economy, featuring guest speakers such as Susanne Wedin-Schildt, President of Ocean Community and founder of Innofuse Blue; Carla Gonçalves Pereira, CEO of SINASE; Assunção Cristas, Director of NOVA Ocean; Ana Rita Petinga, Vice Mayor of Peniche; Paula Sobral, NOVA FCT researcher specialising in the impact of microplastics and marine litter on Portuguese oceans; Helena Vieira, Board Member of Mission Ocean and researcher at the University of Aveiro; Eurico Cabrita, Vice-Dean for Innovation and Research at NOVA FCT; José Barata, NOVA FCT professor who has implemented Industry 4.0 solutions, including robotics, in the naval sector; Vitor Nogueiro, responsible for information systems and innovation at the Arsenal do Alfeite shipyard; and João Rito, founder of SEAentia, a sustainable fish production company.
The final discussion featured Nélia Câmara, Director of NOVA FCT's Executive School, Rodrigo Castro, CEO of Educa-te, and João Ribeiro, CEO of Blue Geo Lighthouse, focusing on the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the blue economy.
The day concluded with a performance by artist Inês Carincur from the Zabra project, who used water to create a show honouring the oceans, followed by a networking session for participants on a river beach in Alcochete.
The active engagement of the attendees highlighted the importance of initiatives like Bridge Talks in driving innovation and development, offering a platform for the exchange of ideas.
Organised by NOVA FCT's Executive School, each Bridge Talk addresses a relevant and current topic, providing a platform for recognised leaders to share ideas and innovations. The next Bridge Talk will focus on Art and Technology, with the date yet to be announced.
José Júlio Alferes, Dean of NOVA FCT .
Eurico Cabrita,Vice-Dean for Innovation and Research.
Susanne Wedin-Schildt, President of Ocean Community eand founder of Innofuse Blue.
Session "Charting New Waters: Innovation as a Catalyst in the Blue Economy".
Nélia Câmara, Director of NOVA FCT's Executive School, Rodrigo Castro, CEO of Educa-te, and João Ribeiro, CEO of Blue Geo Lighthouse.
.Performance by artist Inês Carincur, from the Zabra project.
