Javier Fernández (Team leader EU Sea Basin Strategies Assistance Mechanism) and Celia Murcia (WestMED Assistance Meachnism coordinator) will both feature as keynote speakers.

The MED‑Hubs Mediterranean Blue Economy Conference is taking place on 23 June 2026 in Cartagena, bringing together policymakers, innovators, researchers and regional leaders to accelerate blue‑economy innovation across the Western Mediterranean.

Hosted at the Faculty of Business Sciences of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, the event will spotlight the project’s two flagship testbeds: Spain’s Marine Energy Hub, advancing small‑scale marine renewable energy solutions, and Italy’s ALFA Hub, developing digital tools for sustainable small‑scale fisheries. Participants will engage in high‑level keynotes, expert panels on Smart Specialisation Strategies, ecosystem connectivity, coastal community empowerment and blue‑innovation financing, alongside dedicated networking opportunities.

This conference marks a key milestone for the MED‑Hubs initiative, which is building a cross‑border innovation ecosystem to help blue‑economy solutions reach the market faster. Attendees will also meet the 15 startups selected for the MED‑Hubs Acceleration Programme, working on technologies ranging from marine renewables to smart ports and sustainable maritime mobility.

By convening regional authorities, innovators and investors, the event aims to strengthen interregional cooperation and drive a more resilient, competitive and sustainable blue economy across Spain, Italy and the wider Mediterranean.

For more information, visit the event website