From July 2 to 3, 2025, in Barcelona, Innovation & Finance Summit organized by Green Marine Med Project brought together public and private stakeholders from across the Mediterranean to explore practical strategies for advancing the green transition in the maritime sector. The two-day event focused on two main themes: innovation and finance, offering a space for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insights to support sustainable maritime development in the region.

The first day focused on technological and operational challenges related to decarbonising ports and shipping, digitalisation, and regional cooperation. Panels addressed:

- The current state of maritime innovation in the Mediterranean
- Needs and priorities of ports, shipowners, and energy providers
- The role of policy and certification in supporting green shipping
- Capacity-building and the development of applied skills
- Presentation of the Center of Excellence on Mediterranean Green Shipping

The second day concentrated on how to mobilize funding for green maritime projects and how to align them with investor expectations and public funding mechanisms. Topics included:

- The Green Shipping Finance Guide
- Project bankability and ESG alignment
- Investment criteria from both public institutions and private funds
- The role of regional innovation platforms in supporting early-stage ventures

As part of the Waterfront Chat on Day 2, Nesrine Rekia Ziad, Programs Director at Leancubator, was invited by the World Ocean Council to speak on a panel alongside Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, CEO of the World Ocean Council. Addressing : 

- The gaps and fragmentation in the Mediterranean innovation ecosystem, particularly for early-stage solutions
- The need for structured innovation policies and better coordination between public, private, and research actors (with examples on Algerian Ecosystem)
- Key trends and priorities emerging from North Africa, including digitalization, port resilience, and green logistics
- The critical role of cross-border collaboration, cluster development, and government support in enabling experimentation, de-risking innovation, and accelerating market access for sustainable maritime solutions

Her intervention brought forward a perspective rooted in on-the-ground experience with entrepreneurs in the Southern Mediterranean, contributing to a more balanced dialogue on the future of maritime innovation in the region.

Big thanks for World Ocean Council for the invitation and massive efforts and work for a greener blue economy.