**Cyprus to Host Blue Economy Forum with Croatian Businesses in September 2026**
Businesses and organizations from Cyprus and Croatia are set to convene in Limassol on September 25, 2026, for the 'Blue Bridges Cyprus-Croatia Business and Innovation Forum and B2B Meetings.' This event aims to enhance cross-border cooperation and foster new opportunities within the blue economy sector. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) is organizing the forum in collaboration with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.
Scheduled to take place from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), the forum will gather a diverse range of participants, including companies, researchers, organizations, and stakeholders involved in maritime and marine-related industries. This initiative is part of the SeaTecHub project, which is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. The project focuses on strengthening innovation ecosystems and promoting closer collaboration between Cyprus and Croatia in the blue economy sector.
The forum also aligns with the MDigi-I project, which serves as Cyprus' national research infrastructure for the digitalization of the maritime sector. The MDigi-I initiative aims to support research and innovation by providing access to advanced testing facilities, laboratories, specialized equipment, and digital services for businesses and researchers. The overarching goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in maritime transport.
In addition to the forum's discussions and presentations, Keve and the Croatian Chamber of Economy will facilitate a series of pre-arranged business-to-business meetings. These meetings are designed to bolster business networking and create new commercial opportunities, in line with the objectives of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). Participants will have the chance to engage with counterparts from both countries, exploring potential partnerships and innovative solutions in the blue economy.
The event will feature presentations and discussions that highlight the latest developments and future prospects in the blue economy. Attendees can expect to learn about emerging technologies and solutions through company presentations and demonstrations. Furthermore, the forum will provide a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and best practices with representatives from businesses, research organizations, and public authorities, identifying opportunities for future collaborations in commercial, research, and innovation sectors.
Participation in the forum is free, but advance registration is required. The registration deadline for those wishing to attend and engage in the scheduled business meetings with Croatian companies is set for September 7, 2026. A preliminary agenda has already been prepared, with the final program to be shared with all registered participants closer to the event date.
This forum represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders in the blue economy to connect, collaborate, and innovate, reinforcing the importance of maritime industries in both Cyprus and Croatia. As the event approaches, it is expected to attract considerable interest from various sectors, highlighting the ongoing commitment to enhancing cooperation and sustainability in the blue economy.