BluAct 2nd Edition

The BluAct is a program to support the growth of the maritime economy, aiming to foster innovative business ideas, especially those intensive in knowledge and technology, and to promote the creation of qualified jobs, stimulating the economy of the municipality of Matosinhos.

BluAct emerged from the European URBACT network and the best practices associated with creating startups in the maritime economy sector, involving seven European port cities: Matosinhos (Portugal), Piraeus (Greece), Burgas (Bulgaria), Mataro (Spain), Ostend (Belgium), Galati (Romania), and Salerno (Italy).

Bioworld, PINKTech, and Blue_container were the three winning projects from the first edition of this entrepreneurship contest.

For the second edition of BluAct, the Municipality of Matosinhos counted on a network of partners, including CEIIA, CIIMAR, CITEM, OCEAN FORUM, INDAQUA, INEGI, INESC-TEC, LIPOR, SONAE, SUPER BOCK GROUP, and UPTEC- Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto.

BluAct is aimed at individuals with business projects in the ideation stage or companies already established, with less than four years, and with a significant impact on the Sea Economy.

The Evaluation Commission, made up of representatives from the Municipality of Matosinhos, UPTEC, and Indaqua, evaluated the projects, taking into consideration criteria such as innovation or technological potential, business potential, speed to market or existence of MVP - Minimum Viable Product, sustainability and potential environmental impact, potential for job creation and impact on the community, and the skills and complementarity of the team.

Up to 10 business ideas were selected and were invited to participate in an ideation program at UPTEC-Mar, for support in developing the business model.

The 10 business projects were presented, and three finalists were selected. The prizes awarded to the finalists included incubation at UPTEC Sea Pole for one year, access to the company acceleration program supported and promoted by UPTEC, and registration in the Ocean Forum - Association of the Sea Economy, with exemption from member quota in the first two years if they were established as a company.

The BluEco Award, with a maximum value of five thousand euros, was given to the business project that demonstrated the highest feasibility from the point of view of sustainability and environmental quality by Indaqua-Matosinhos.

Thus, the second edition of BluAct served as a valuable incentive for sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation in the maritime economy, reinforcing Matosinhos' commitment to sustainable development and the creation of qualified employment.