Over 400 representatives from businesses, research organisations, Defence and government gathered in Mechelen on 27 October for the first Defence Innovation in Flanders Day. The event brought technological expertise and concrete defence needs closer together.

How can we prevent plastic waste from reaching the sea via rivers and waterways? Over the coming weeks, a system designed to capture floating plastic will be tested in Nieuwpoort. The installation was demonstrated during the final stakeholder meeting of the Interreg North Sea project TREASURE.

On 6 October, researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations from across the blue economy came together in Ostend to explore one central question: how can strong research and expertise be translated more quickly into practical applications with economic and societal impact?

EIT Water officially launched in the Spanish city of Málaga on 15 October. The new European innovation community aims to accelerate solutions to major challenges related to water, our seas and maritime activities. Blue Cluster will lead its Regional Hub West.

How can Europe strengthen its strategic autonomy while simulateously achieving its industrial and climate objectives? During the Great Flemish Europe Debate on 13 October, Blue Cluster highlighted the role the blue economy can play in this.

Are you an SME developing an innovative solution for the offshore wind sector? Submit a proposal to the first open call of the European i3FLOAT project. The call makes €2.52 million available for projects that contribute to the development of floating offshore wind.

What opportunities does Canada offer for Flemish players in the blue economy? During a mission to Halifax, Blue Cluster explored a region that is strongly committed to maritime innovation, security and technological development, and where the demand for international collaboration is growing.

SUSANA investigated how alternative sand sources can contribute to coastal protection and how the impact of sand extraction on the marine environment can be reduced. The results provide new insights into sustainable sand extraction and nature-based solutions.

Techniques that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere are receiving increasing attention as a possible complement to existing climate measures. In a new policy brief, the Flanders Marine Institute examines the policy challenges associated with these approaches.

During Port of the Future Week, technology developers, ports, companies and knowledge institutions came together to shape the port of the future. Through live demonstrations, autonomous vessels and new partnerships, innovation on and around the water became tangible.