Odesa Demo Day 2025: Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Black Sea Blue Economy
On 11–12 November 2025, Odesa National Maritime University hosted the Odesa Demo Day 2025 within the Blue Gates project, held as part of the celebrations marking the 95th anniversary of Odesa National Maritime University (ONMU).
The event brought together leading experts, researchers, industry representatives and international partners to discuss strategic solutions for the sustainable development of the Blue Economy in the Black Sea region.
Blue Gates in Ukraine
Following the official opening, which included welcoming remarks from the ONMU leadership and international partners, participants were presented with an overview of the progress and achievements of the Blue Gates project in Ukraine.
The Odesa Demo Day demonstrated that the sustainable development of the Black Sea Blue Economy requires close integration of science, technology, industry, education and entrepreneurship.
Key Challenges for the Black Sea Blue Economy
The Black Sea region still lacks advanced real-time tools for ecosystem monitoring, environmental protection and risk prevention.
Maritime operations require wider implementation of modern digital and innovative solutions.
Stronger cooperation between universities, public authorities and industry is needed to transform scientific results into practical solutions.
The sector needs new competencies related to Blue Careers, circular economy principles, environmental sustainability and digital transformation.
Aquaculture, mariculture, port logistics and fisheries value chains require more sustainable and circular approaches.
From Challenges to Practical Solutions
ONMU Laboratory Demonstrations
Technological demonstrations included engine room forecasting systems, experiments using hydraulic research facilities and environmental monitoring tools based on the SPIRO IVOSEVIC ROV.
Industry-Oriented Cases
Practical examples from port logistics, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries demonstrated how circular and environmentally efficient approaches can improve resilience and competitiveness.
AI-Based Routing Models
ONMU researchers presented AI-based routing models designed to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and environmental impact across the Black Sea transport system.
Young Innovators for the Blue Economy
One of the highlights of the Odesa Demo Day was the Startup Hub session, which placed young innovators and entrepreneurial ideas at the centre of the discussion.
BlueFoods Hub
ONMU young innovator Polina Sapunkova presented the BlueFoods Hub project — a next-generation concept for sustainable mariculture and fisheries production.
The concept combines environmentally responsible aquaculture, circular waste-reduction models and smart technologies for producing high-value blue food products.
From Research to Entrepreneurship
The Startup Hub demonstrated that ONMU acts not only as a centre of research and education, but also as an environment where young entrepreneurs can develop practical and high-impact innovations for the Black Sea region.
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation
The Transport Academy of Ukraine highlighted the importance of stronger institutional synergy through:
Such cooperation is essential for creating a stronger connection between research, education, public institutions and industry, and for ensuring that innovative solutions can move more effectively from universities into real-world implementation.
ONMU as a Regional Blue Economy Innovation Hub
Overall, the Odesa Demo Day confirmed the growing role of Odesa National Maritime University as a regional innovation hub, where academic excellence, technological development, industry cooperation and startup energy come together to support a sustainable and resilient future for the Black Sea.
Event Coordination
The event was organised by Prof. Iryna Savelieva, Vice-Rector for Research at Odesa National Maritime University and Professor at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
Her coordination contributed to bringing together representatives of academia, industry and partner organisations around a shared vision for the sustainable development of Ukraine’s maritime sector.
A Shared Vision for the Future of the Black Sea
The Odesa Demo Day 2025 demonstrated a central principle of the Blue Gates project: the future of the Black Sea Blue Economy depends on our ability to transform knowledge into practical innovation through international cooperation, digital technologies, entrepreneurship and responsible use of marine resources.
Gallery
