Odesa Demo Day Showcased Blue Economy Innovation, Research and Industry Cooperation
Date & Time
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
00:00 - 00:00
Location
Odesa
About This Event
Odesa Demo Day Showcased Blue Economy Innovation, Research and Industry Cooperation
Odesa National Maritime University brought together academia, industry, public authorities, researchers and young innovators to demonstrate practical solutions supporting a sustainable and resilient Black Sea Blue Economy.
On 11 November 2025, Odesa National Maritime University (ONMU) hosted the Odesa Demo Day within the framework of the Blue Gates project.
The event brought together representatives of academia, public authorities, industry, research institutions and young innovators to discuss practical solutions and future opportunities for the sustainable development of the Black Sea Blue Economy.
The programme combined strategic discussions, live demonstrations of innovative maritime technologies, scientific presentations, industry perspectives and student-led initiatives.
Strategic Vision for the Black Sea Blue Economy
The Demo Day opened with a strategic session moderated by Dr. Iryna Savelieva, Vice-Rector of Odesa National Maritime University, who welcomed participants and introduced the objectives of the event.
Prof. Sergii Rudenko, Rector of ONMU, addressed the role of the Blue Economy in sustainable maritime development, while a representative of the Odesa Regional Administration highlighted current environmental challenges and regional priorities.
The session also included a presentation by the Blue Gates Lead Partner on the progress of the project and its future vision.
Prof. Milen Baltov, Rector of Burgas Free University, discussed the challenges of public-private partnerships in developing a sustainable Blue Economy.
Prof. Olga Iermakova, Head of the Department of Economic and Ecological Development at the Institute of Market and Economic & Ecological Researches, highlighted the importance of research infrastructure as a foundation for strategic Blue Economy development in Ukraine.
From Research Infrastructure to Live Demonstrations
One of the central elements of the Odesa Demo Day was a series of live demonstrations showcasing the practical application of maritime research and digital technologies at ONMU.
⚙️ Predictive Maintenance
A live broadcast from the ONMU Engine Room demonstrated a predictive maintenance system and showed how digital technologies can support more reliable and efficient maritime operations.
🌊 Hydrotechnical Research
A live demonstration from the ONMU Hydrotechnical Basin presented experimental evaluation of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly hull designs for sustainable maritime operations.
The demonstrations illustrated how university research infrastructure can contribute directly to reduced energy consumption, improved technical performance and lower environmental impact in maritime transport.
Prof. Špiro Ivošević from the University of Montenegro, Faculty of Maritime Studies, presented ROV technologies for innovative monitoring and protection of the marine environment, drawing on experience from the MARROBO project.
The technical session concluded with an open discussion, giving participants an opportunity to exchange observations and explore possibilities for further research and technological cooperation.
Science, Industry and the Circular Blue Economy
The afternoon programme focused on the interaction between research, business, technology and sustainable regional development.
Serhii Fomin, Commercial Director of AeroCenter LLC, presented Ukrainian port logistics as an important driver of sustainable growth within the Black Sea Blue Economy.
Ihor Boryslavskyi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Business, explored the potential and challenges of sustainable development of coastal resort areas within the Blue Economy framework.
Leonid Oberto-Santana, Odesa National Maritime University, presented an AI-based smart ship routing approach designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in the Black Sea region.
Veronika Zlatova, Master's student at the Department of Management and Marketing of ONMU, presented the role of the Green Port concept in supporting the transition towards a sustainable Blue Economy.
Young Innovators: BlueFoods Hub
The Demo Day also highlighted the role of young people and entrepreneurship in shaping the future of the Blue Economy.
BlueFoods Hub: Sustainable Mariculture and Fisheries Production
The startup concept was presented by the ONMU Startup Hub team: Polina Sapunkova, Alona Kovalova, Ivanna Holubets, Maria Kyrychenko and Kateryna Chorbadzhii.
The initiative demonstrated how entrepreneurship, sustainable aquaculture and innovative business models can contribute to more responsible use of marine resources and create new opportunities for the Black Sea region.
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation for Blue Careers
The final session of the Demo Day focused on institutional synergies for Blue careers and was moderated by Prof. Sergii Rudenko.
Members of the Transport Academy of Ukraine shared their reflections and recommendations regarding cooperation between educational institutions, research organisations, industry and public authorities.
The discussion highlighted the importance of coordinated action in developing professional skills, supporting maritime innovation and preparing specialists for the emerging needs of the Blue Economy.
