Welcome to the Blue Economy Heatmap
The Blue Economy Heatmap showcases a dynamic network of ambitious ecosystem leaders driving innovation across marine, coastal, and water-based industries. Developed by DEEP Ecosystem members, this platform highlights each member’s vision, initiatives, and collaborative projects shaping the future of the Blue Economy.
Explore data, trends, and opportunities in the ocean economy.
Meet Active Members of the Blue Economy Collab
Connect With our most active members
Vasili Sofiadellis
Founder of Changemakers Lab
Former PwC accountant Vasili now connects African and European innovators through Changemakers Lab and programs like SEGITA, helping impact-driven startups grow globally.
DEEPSEA Accelerator Alumni.
Bita Sekhavati
Technology Manager at SPICI srl
Bita connects technology and innovation between Italy and Iran through SPICI, driving international collaboration and supporting emerging tech projects across Europe.
Gerrit Jan van 't Veen
Founder of What Would The Birds Say
Gerrit Jan combines technology, creativity, and social innovation through initiatives like What Would The Birds Say and We Are Change Makers, exploring how both can shape a more just and sustainable world.
Alessandro Silvestri
Founder of MALTAccelerate
Alessandro leads MALTAccelerate in Malta, helping startups scale and connect globally while advancing digital and climate technologies. He focuses on turning ideas into impact and driving sustainable innovation across Europe.
DEEPSEA Accelerator Alumni.
Anne-Marie Bruyas
Expert in International Relations and Cooperation
Experienced in international relations and cooperation with a strong background at Città della Scienza in Naples, she bridges research, innovation, and culture through global partnerships, leading initiatives across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East that use science to drive development and dialogue.
Exploring the Blue Economy Through Data
The ocean economy has experienced remarkable expansion over the past decades, growing 2.5 times since 1995 and consistently surpassing the growth rate of the global economy. By 2023, ocean-based trade reached record levels, with $899 billion in goods alone, reflecting the sector’s increasing importance in global commerce.
This growth highlights the ocean economy as a vital driver of innovation, investment, and sustainable development. Industries ranging from shipping and fisheries to renewable energy and marine biotechnology are rapidly evolving, creating new economic opportunities and fostering technological advancement.
As nations and businesses recognize the strategic potential of ocean resources, the sector continues to attract attention from investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on its dynamic and expanding landscape.
Investment in the European blue economy has surged over the past decade, reflecting growing confidence in the sector’s potential for sustainable growth and innovation. Before 2012, total investments were relatively modest at €875 million, but from 2012 to 2017, this figure nearly quadrupled to €3,972 million.
Between 2018 and 2023, investment volumes skyrocketed to €13,298 million, driven by increasing interest from private equity, venture capital, and startup funding across key sectors such as renewable marine energy, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean technology. This trend underscores the growing role of the blue economy as a focal point for strategic investments, offering opportunities for investors, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of sustainable ocean industries in Europe.
This strong performance highlights Europe’s growing prominence and leadership in the bluetech sector, reflecting increasing investor confidence and the region’s capacity to drive innovation in sustainable ocean technologies.
Connecting global innovation for real impact in the Blue Economy
