BLUE ROLODEX: START-UP & INFLUENCER OF THE BLUE ECONOMY

From the commercial use of algae to oceanic CO₂ capture, from regenerative fishing to ecosystem
services of coral reefs, from marine energy to sustainable blue tourism, the Blue Economy represents an emerging economic paradigm that aims to combine sustainable development with the enhancement of marine and coastal resources. This approach is based on the efficient and responsible use of marine ecosystems within various sectors, from fisheries to transportation. The Blue Economy not only contributes to the protection of the marine environment, but also creates new economic and employment opportunities, fostering an inclusive and resilient growth model in response to global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. In this article, we wanted to list five innovative start-ups in the blue economy sector and five experts, influencers, female scientists, and experts who play a prominent role when it comes to the ocean. Here's who they are.

THE START-UPS.

Phyconomy, algae are the future of the blue economy

The algae market is booming, including food, nutraceuticals, raw materials and other uses that make them a highly sought-after product, but one on which advanced skills and know-how are lacking. To try to support the many startups, Phyconomy, an innovative platform dedicated to promoting and supporting the algae industry, an emerging sector with enormous potential for the Blue Economy, was born.

Founded by the brilliant Steve Herman with the goal of connecting investors, researchers and entrepreneurs, Phyconomy provides detailed information, market analysis and networking opportunities to accelerate the development of algae-based technologies. This digital ecosystem provides a hub for those interested in investing in sustainable solutions that use algae to address environmental and industrial challenges, from food products to algae-based bioplastics to ocean services. “There is great potential in this area. But industry, academia and government need to work together,” Herman said.

Seares, the mooring that produces energy

Seares, a Italy-based start-up, focuses on marine energy and coastal infrastructure protection. Their main innovation is a smart mooring system called SeaDamp, which can turn wave motion into electricity when the boat is anchored. A futuristic EV-charger for docked boats.

This system not only provides renewable energy (from 100 watts for smaller boats to over 300), but also helps reduce mechanical stress on port facilities, extending the life of infrastructure and reducing maintenance costs. The PLUS version allows boaters to monitor via smartphone their boat's mooring and the state of charge of on-board batteries anywhere, anytime. Each SeaDamp is made from 99 percent recyclable materials and certified biodegradable oil.

TrueOcean, revolutionizing marine data.

Founded in 2019 in Kiel, Germany, TrueOcean has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative companies in the blue economy. The company's mission is to digitize marine data to support sustainable projects, such as offshore wind energy. Their main product is a cloud platform that manages, analyzes and shares data collected from underwater sensors used for bathymetric surveys and other activities related to seafloor exploration.

Using a technology-neutral approach, TrueOcean allows data from any type of subsea sensor to be integrated, making this information immediately accessible to all parties involved in a project. “We have created a platform that can handle complex data in real time, improving the quality of information and drastically reducing analysis time,” explained Frithjof Hennemann, co-founder and CEO of TrueOcean.

The start-up has become an essential reference for companies in the energy, seabed prospecting and subsea cable laying industries. According to co-founder Jann Wendt, “Our system significantly reduces the cost and time required for data collection and analysis, a key issue for companies in the renewable energy sector.”
TrueOcean continues to grow, supported by strategic investors, and is preparing to expand its offerings to meet future marine sustainability challenges.

Northern Light Composites closes the boat lifecycle.

Is it possible to make circular boats? The answer to that question is embodied in the work of Northern Light Composites (also known as nlcomp), a company from Friuli, Italy, that researches and develops cleantech solutions, natural fibers, recycled materials, and sustainable resins for the marine industry. It was founded in early 2020 in Monfalcone, in the province of Gorizia, by three sea and sailing enthusiasts, Fabio Bignolini (chief operating officer), Piernicola Paoletti (chief financial officer), and Andrea Paduano (technical director).

Nlcomp developed the rComposite material as a solution to the problem of disposing of fiberglass products, such as wind turbines and boats, which are often abandoned once their life cycle is over. The solution proposed by nlomp is simple but revolutionary: replacing thermosetting resins with a thermoplastic matrix. This change allows the recovery of raw materials, making it possible to recycle the craft at the end of its life cycle. The first prototype made from recycled and sustainable materials was the Ecoracer769 sports boat, followed by Ecofoiler, a small 3.80-meter-long flying dinghy built with rComposite. In June 2024, the start-up received a grant of more than 500,000 euros from Invitalia, the national development agency. The funding was granted under Smart&Start, a program promoted by MIMIT and managed by Invitalia to support the birth and growth of innovative startups in the country.

Seatopia, aquaculture goes sustainable.

“Aquaculture has great potential for producing healthy seafood in an environment where feed quality and exposure to toxins can be controlled. If done right, this system makes for a clean, nutrient-dense product,” explains James Arthur Smith, founder of Seatopia, a U.S. company pioneering regenerative aquaculture for the B2C and B2B markets, in an interview with Renewable Matter.

All of Seatopia's products come directly from farms that are third-party certified for their sustainable and fair-trade practices. The cooperative's farms have an average density of 2 percent fish and 98 percent water, which avoids fish overcrowding and prioritizes quality over quantity.

Seatopia's proposal is simple: customers choose the package of 12, 18, or 24 servings by including or not including shellfish and smoked fish according to their tastes. The fish are harvested from artisanal aquaculture farms that do not harm marine wildlife. To maintain the highest quality, frozen products are packaged in insulated and compostable packaging and delivered to your doorstep. In addition, in line with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) goal of protecting 30 percent of the oceans by 2030, Seatopia donates 1 percent of its revenue to the promotion and creation of a network of marine protected areas (MPAs).

THE INFLUENCERS.

Vincent Doumeizel, the master of algae.

Vincent Doumeizel is an international expert on marine sustainability and development, who has held senior roles as senior ocean advisor at the United Nations Global Compact and director of the food program at Lloyd's Register Foundation.

Doumeizel is one of the most influential voices in promoting the Blue Economy, with a particular focus on the use of algae as a key resource to address global environmental challenges. His latest book, The Algae Revolution (2024, Hero), explores the potential of algae to help solve crucial problems such as climate change, food security and pollution.

Through a combination of science, history and futuristic vision, Doumeizel presents algae as a key resource for a sustainable future, capable of transforming agriculture, energy production and the health of marine ecosystems. Essential reading for anyone interested in the Blue Economy and innovative solutions for a more sustainable planet.

Sylvia Earle, Her Deepness.

Oceanographer, explorer and founder of the Mission Blue research expedition, she is one of the most influential voices for ocean conservation.

Sylvia Earle has devoted more than six decades to ocean protection. Known as “Her Deepness,” she was the first woman to serve as Chief Scientist at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the U.S. agency for marine and atmospheric research, and has led more than 100 underwater expeditions. Recently, through Mission Blue, he has promoted the creation of “Hope Spots,” marine protected areas essential for biodiversity. Its mission is to raise global awareness of the fragility of the oceans and the urgency of conserving them. Indispensable.

Francesca Santoro, the ocean ambassador.

Her name is synonymous with ocean conservation: Francesca Santoro is an ambassador for marine sustainability, with a career combining science, education and global engagement. A marine biologist by training, she now serves as Senior Program Officer at UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, where she is dedicated to ocean protection.

She has a single, fundamental mission: to raise awareness among people, particularly young people, about the vital importance of marine ecosystems to our planet. Through international projects, Santoro works to promote environmental awareness and implement educational strategies involving schools and local communities around the world.

With an approach that combines scientific rigor and popularizing passion, he is an influential voice in the fight for marine sustainability, addressing crucial issues such as climate change, biodiversity and the need to preserve the oceans for future generations.

Mariasole Bianco

A smile always on her face and great outreach skills, Mariasole Bianco is a marine biologist and one of Italy's leading voices in the field of ocean conservation. Founder of Worldrise, an NGO that promotes projects to protect and enhance the marine environment, Mariasole is known for her commitment to raising awareness among the public, particularly young people, about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. She is also a science popularizer, often a guest on television programs (such as Kilimanjaro) and conferences, where she manages to translate complex environmental issues into accessible and engaging messages.

By following Mariasole Bianco, you not only serve to stay informed about key ocean-related environmental challenges, but you participate in a broader movement of awareness and action to protect one of our planet's most precious assets. Her ability to connect science and passion makes her a key contributor to the Blue Economy and environmental sustainability landscape.

Patricia Puig, the Blue Economy Super Consultant.

Patricia Puig is considered one of the Blue Economy's top influencers. “My goal is to use this knowledge to contribute to the formation of a “blue society” where harmony between humanity and the ocean is the norm and not the exception.” She holds a degree in marine biology and a doctorate in oceanographic science, developing a deep understanding of ocean currents, marine biodiversity and coastal habitat conservation.

Throughout her career, Puig has led numerous scientific expeditions to different areas of the world, studying coral reefs, marine reserves and ocean acidification processes. Today she advises companies to better understand impacts on marine ecosystems and has founded two start-ups, Oceanogami and Blue-jobs. Oceanogami is an organization that works to protect marine ecosystems through research and conservation projects, collaborating with public and private entities. Through Oceanogami, Patricia Puig has promoted initiatives to reduce marine pollution, support renewable energy, and foster sustainable policies in marine resource management.

In parallel, Puig launched Blue-job, an innovative platform that connects professionals and companies engaged in blue sustainability. Blue-job provides networking, training and employment opportunities for experts and organizations working in the field of marine conservation and sustainable development, helping to build a global network of knowledge and expertise.

Written by Emanuele Bompan