RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions and Biennial of the Sea
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions and Biennial of the Sea
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) is an initiative promoted by RUN-EU – Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU), organised by the Politécnico de Leiria, through the School of Tourism and Maritime Technology (ESTM), in Peniche, and will take place between 26 and 29 May 2026.
The event is aligned with RUN-EU’s strategy to strengthen the role of European universities in regional development, promoting synergies between research, innovation, sustainability, tourism, public policies and territory. This edition adopts a strategic focus on the Blue Economy, as a key driver of sustainable transition, value creation and territorial competitiveness.
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions will take place at the Peniche Multi-purpose Pavilion, alongside the Peniche Biennial of the Sea, one of the largest fairs dedicated to sea-related economic activities, taking place from 22 to 31 May 2026.
Conceived as a space for dialogue and co-creation, RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions, in Peniche, will bring together policymakers, higher education
institutions, research centres, companies, entrepreneurs and regional and European stakeholders, with the aim of reflecting on the contribution of innovation to more sustainable, resilient and inclusive regional development.
Anchored in a territory deeply shaped by its relationship with the sea, the event highlights Peniche as a living laboratory for innovation in the Blue Economy, where scientific knowledge, marine resources, emerging economic activities, tourism, sustainable development, natural heritage and community engagement intersect.
Its links to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, fishing communities, coastal tourism and blue innovation ecosystems reinforce its strong applied dimension and territorial embeddedness.
By bringing together local, national and European actors, this initiative helps position Peniche and the Oeste region of Portugal as an emerging Blue Economy hub, aligned with European Union priorities and committed to a more sustainable, innovative and territorially rooted future.
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions in Peniche aims to:
- Promote the sharing of European best practices and experiences in the Blue Economy and regional innovation;
- Strengthen links between science, business and public policies;
- Enhance local and regional blue innovation ecosystems;
- Foster collaborative solutions to societal, environmental and economic challenges.
Provisional Programme
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions
14h00–17h30 (TBC)
Set up of the RUN-EU Technology Showcase · Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) venue – Pavilhão Multiusos in Peniche
—
Visit to the Biennial of the Sea
8h30–9h30 · ESTM
Registration
9h30–12h30 · ESTM Auditorium
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) Opening Ceremony with Keynote Speakers
12h30–13h00
Transfer by bus to the RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (IMR)
13h30–14h30
Lunch & networking
14h30–17h30 · IMR venue
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions
Visit to the RUN-EU Technology Showcase
—
Smart Ocean
Facility tour
—
Biennial of the Sea
Self-guided visit to the Economic Activities Fair
9h00–11h00 · IMR venue
Meetings, Workshops & Networking
RUN-EU Research Groups
RUN-EU Associated Partners
11h00–11h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break and networking
11h30–13h00 · IMR venue
Meetings, Workshops & Networking
RUN-EU Research Groups
RUN-EU Associated Partners
13h00–14h30 · IMR venue
Lunch & networking
14h00–17h30
Visits to companies close to the IMR venue/exhibition hall
—
Bilateral meetings between companies and the RUN-EU Higher Education Institutions · IMR venue
RUN-EU Research Groups meetings · IMR venue
17h30–19h30 · IMR venue
Registration for the RUN-EU Conference in Blue Economy and the RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
19h30–21h30 · IMR venue
Welcome dinner
9h00–11h00 · IMR venue
Conference on Blue Economy with Keynote Speakers
11h00–11h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break & networking
11h30–13h00 · IMR venue
RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
Oral/poster sessions
13h00–14h30 · IMR venue
Lunch & networking
14h30–16h00 · IMR venue
RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
Pitches of RUN-EU Research Groups
16h00–16h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break & networking
16h30–17h30 · IMR venue
Closing Session
9h00–14h00
Social programme
Surf Class, or a visit to the Berlengas Nature Reserve | + info soon
Suggestion
Biennial of the Sea
—
Fisherman’s Day
programme highlights
- Opening Ceremony of RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (26 May), with institutional addresses and a VIP visit to the IMR exhibition and to Smart Ocean.
- RUN-EU Technology Showcase (26–28 May).
- Meetings of the RUN-EU Research Groups and RUN-EU Associated Partners (27 May).
- Visits to regional companies (27 May).
- RUN-EU Student Colloquium (all topics) and a Conference on the Blue Economy (28 May).
- Visit to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve and surf lesson for students (29 May).
- “Biennial of the Sea” and “Fisherman’s Day”, regional events organised by the Municipality of Peniche (22–31 May).
Provisional Programme
RUN-EU Conference on Blue Economy
9h00–11h00 · Pavilhão Multiusos Auditorium · Peniche
Conference on Blue Economy with Keynote Speakers
Provisional Programme
RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
18h00–19h30 · Pavilhão Multiusos Auditorium · Peniche
Registration
19h30–21h30
Welcome dinner at Pavilhão Multiusos · Peniche
9h00–11h00 · Pavilhão Multiusos Auditorium · Peniche
Conference on Blue Economy with Keynote Speakers
11h30–13h00
Parallel Oral/Poster sessions
13h00–14h00 · IMR venue
Lunch & networking
14h00–16h00
Parallel Oral/Poster sessions
16h00–16h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break & networking
16h30–17h30
Closing Session
9h00–14h00
Social programme
Surf class, or a visit to the Berlengas Nature Reserve
+ info soon
Brochures available: