Todhchaí Ghorm – Blue Future

Ireland’s Blue Bioeconomy Workshop

Save the Date: October 7-8, 2025

Don’t just watch Ireland’s marine transformation—help shape it. Two days where opportunity meets strategic vision.

About This Event

Join us for Todhchaí Ghorm – Blue Future, an inspiring two-day event dedicated to ocean sustainability, marine conservation, and Ireland’s emerging blue bioeconomy. Whether you’re a marine professional, sustainability enthusiast, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about our oceans, this workshop offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, network, and shape the future of Marine Bioeconomy in Ireland.

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 – Expert Presentations

• 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 Activities in Seaweed
• Paul Keane, Re-Therm – Shifting Energy: The Emerging Wave of Sustainable Energy Sourcing
• Dr. Alex Wann, 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 Restore Ventures – About Us: Restore 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
• Údarás na Gaeltachta – Get Up to €185k Support: Market Research & New Markets Validation Grants (50% funding) – Hear All About It!

19:30 – Special Celebration – 50th Anniversary of Carna Research Station 

Opened by Prof. Francis 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

• 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
• Biotechnology 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 organizations
🌍 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 Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC)

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

Conference Kindly Sponsored by: