The University of Gdańsk continues its commitment to promoting a sustainable marine economy through the 'BlueBioTechpreneurs (BBT)' project. The initiative has received prestigious funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EFMRA) programme 2021–2027. This is an important step towards achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and strengthening the University of Gdańsk's role as a leader in blue economy research.
EU Support for the Sustainable Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021–2027 is an essential instrument of the Common Fisheries Policy and maritime policy initiatives. In Poland, the fund is implemented through the European Funds for Fisheries (EFMRA) programme, which aims to effectively use financial resources from the EU budget to support the fisheries sector, maritime policy and ocean management. The new EFMRA particularly emphasises support for small-scale coastal fisheries, young fishermen, remote regions and sustainable aquaculture. It is an important tool for achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal by ensuring food availability, maritime economy competitiveness and coastal communities' support.
BlueBioTechpreneurs' project - Education for Sustainable Development
As part of this initiative, the University of Gdańsk partners in the 'BlueBioTechpreneurs' project, focusing on education in the area of blue economy development. The project leader is the SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG. The project aims to implement education for sustainable development by providing access to training for students, doctoral students, and other interested participants. These trainings take a variety of forms, including online mass electronic courses (MOOCs) and on-site 'hackathons' with entrepreneurs. This comprehensive approach is expected to improve skills and stimulate interest in the blue economy sector across Europe.
The project will be implemented within a consortium bringing together renowned universities, a dynamic marine innovation cluster from France, a national blue biotechnology network from Portugal and an international network promoting innovative approaches to the sustainable use of marine resources in the Baltic Sea. They will encourage collaboration between academia and industry through European hackathons, access to massive online courses covering various aspects of the blue economy and webinars on inspiring topics.
Continuing Success and Vision for the Future
The BlueBioTechpreneurs project continues previous educational initiatives related to the blue economy, such as InnoAquaTech, BluePlatform, Sea-EU, AquaVIP and TETRAS. The funding received of €1,155,439.50, including €91,164 for the University of Gdańsk, is a recognition of the potential of this project.
We congratulate the applicants, mgr Hanna Łądkowska and mgr Barbara Dmochowska from the Department of Marine Ecology, and the entire team of the 'BlueBioTechpreneurs' project on receiving support for their ambitious goals. We wish the project every success hoping that the results of this initiative will further develop cooperation with entrepreneurs and strengthen the University of Gdańsk's position internationally. This is an important step towards building a sustainable future for the blue economy and the marine environment.