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Tomorrow.Blue Economy 2026: A Vision for the Future

From November 3 to 5, 2026, the Fira de Barcelona will become the epicenter of discussions surrounding the blue economy during the Tomorrow.Blue Economy World Congress (TBEWC). This premier global gathering aims to unite city port representatives, public administrations, international organizations, research centers, companies, and innovative startups to strategize on how oceans can evolve into key drivers of sustainable economic growth in the coming decades.

The event will host renowned experts, such as Allyson Beach, a consultant for Blue Acceleration at the World Ocean Council; Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council; and Emma Cobos, Director of Innovation and Blue Economy at the Port of Barcelona. Their insights will shape discussions on unlocking the full potential of the blue economy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across various sectors.

Three Programs to Drive Innovation

The TBEWC will feature three distinct programs:
1. Smart Ports: Piers of the Future
2. Global Blue Finance Summit
3. Sustainable Ocean Summit

In the Smart Ports program, a diverse array of stakeholders, including ports, investors, startups, and companies, will collaborate to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the maritime transport sector and work towards innovative solutions.

The Global Blue Finance Summit and the Sustainable Ocean Summit, both organized by the World Ocean Council (WOC), aim to connect investors with scalable opportunities in the blue economy, fostering dialogues among companies, experts, and governments to accelerate the development and protection of ocean resources.

Barcelona's Role in Progressing Blue Economy Initiatives

Barcelona's city administration, through Barcelona Activa, will organize various activities as part of the city’s new strategy for the blue economy. This initiative focuses on promoting open innovation by networking businesses with startups, exploring new skills and training trends across the industry, and facilitating connections between talent and companies.

The event will also showcase a dedicated startup area known as the Ocean Innovation Hub, where emerging companies from around the globe specializing in the blue economy will present their projects. This space is managed by Oceanovation, a partner of the World Ocean Council.

A Collaborative Approach to Ocean Sustainability

The TBEWC is organized with the support of Barcelona’s city administration, Barcelona Activa, the Port of Barcelona, the World Ocean Council (WOC), and Oceanovation. The initiative ‘Smart Ports: Piers of the Future’ will run in parallel with the Smart City Expo World Congress, the Tomorrow Mobility World Congress, the Barcelona Deep Tech Summit, and the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress.

This congress not only highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices in ocean economies but also serves as a platform for innovative dialogues to ensure a healthy future for our oceans.

With discussions on marine innovation, sustainable practices, and economic growth centered around the blue economy, TBEWC 2026 is set to be a milestone event for ocean advocacy and collaboration.

Join us at Fira de Barcelona to explore how our oceans can sustainably support the economies of the future. Together, we can create a roadmap for the blue economy that balances environmental sustainability with economic opportunity.