Learning by doing
Learn with innovative methodologies with dynamics and creative tools
Multidisciplinary teams
Collaborate with people who bring disruptive ideas and join teams with varied profiles.
Certified
Become an expert by completing an online course on the blue economy.
All-Inclusive Adventure!
Explore Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife with all expenses paid.
Fuerteventura Recap
Gran Canaria Recap
Tenerife Recap
Schedule
Move responsibly: arriving together is better!
What came after BlueUp?
Team 1
StarBuoy
Solution Description:
StartBuoy is a buoy equipped with advanced sensors for the collection and analysis of water quality parameters in real time, without direct human intervention. The system is designed to autonomously measure critical variables, such as acidification, among others.
Challenge 1 | Proposed by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
How can water quality be monitored using innovative techniques at a lower cost?
Team Members: Nelson Martín, Miguel Acosta, Alejandro Dávila, Melisa Miguel, and María Alonso.
Team 2
Cold Chain check
Solution Description:
The project focuses on developing a technology based on a smart capsule capable of determining food safety in the event of interruptions in the cold chain. This innovative solution monitors storage and transport conditions in real time, detecting temperature variations that could compromise the integrity of food products.
Challenge 4 | Proposed by Factoría de Cohesión:
How can new processing and preservation techniques for fishery products be developed to increase their added value and extend their shelf life?
Team Members: Lucía Serrano, Héctor González, Alejandro Pérez, and Carlos González.
Team 3
CanWhale
Solution Description:
The project proposes the development of an innovative filtration system inspired by the natural filtering mechanism of whale baleen. The aim is to capture microplastics present in seawater without disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. This system, designed for use in marine and river environments, harnesses biological principles to ensure efficient collection of microplastics while preserving aquatic biodiversity.
Challenge 3 | Proposed by Factoría de Cohesión:
How can new technologies and methods be implemented for the extraction and sustainable use of non-living marine resources, such as minerals and offshore wind energy, while minimising environmental impact?
Team Members: Joana Marichal, Yosef García, Dahiana Mena, Javier García, and Leonardo Carpineta.
Team 4
Océanos del futuro
Solution Description:
This project aims to optimise the FLORA system by integrating new advanced sensors, with the goal of making it self-sufficient and capable of collecting a wide range of environmental and biological data. The optimisation focuses on merging functionality with aesthetics, making FLORA an efficient solution.
Challenge 5 | Proposed by Wedge Global:
How can the Blue Economy be enhanced through the FLORA ocean station?
Team Members: Gabriela Pérez, Andy Chan, Sheyla Santana, and Sheila Plasencia.
Team 5
OceanEyes
Solution Description:
The project develops an autonomous drone with AI capabilities, designed to operate at maritime stations and carry out inspection and maintenance tasks for ocean stations or buoys. The drone uses advanced sensors and AI algorithms to detect, categorise and report potential damage or wear in maritime infrastructure, enabling timely repairs without direct human intervention.
Challenge 6 | Proposed by Wedge Global:
How can artificial intelligence and robotics be used to improve predictive maintenance of marine infrastructure, such as oil platforms or offshore wind farms, minimising the need for human intervention and reducing operational costs?
Team Members: Gonzalo Jiménez, David Fernández, Itciar Fernández, and Adrián Pérez.
Team 6
TegueReef
Solution Description:
This project focuses on the development and implementation of algae-enriched biocement blocks, designed for use in the construction of artificial reefs. These blocks not only provide a solid, durable structure for coral growth and the settlement of marine species, but also promote the regeneration of marine ecosystems by acting as a favourable habitat for marine life.
Challenge 2 | Proposed by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
How can port infrastructures and product components be designed to reduce their environmental impact on coastal areas?
Team Members: Ana de Ángel, Carlota González, Gilberto Rivero, Kiko Caro, and Natalia García.
Team 7
Blue Desing
Solution Description:
The project aims to implement a self-sufficient system for water purification and electricity generation within the cross-section of the breakwater at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. By combining water treatment technologies and renewable energy use, the system is designed to operate independently and sustainably, contributing both to the improvement of marine environmental quality and the supply of clean energy to the port.
Challenge 2 | Proposed by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
How can port infrastructures and product components be designed to reduce their environmental impact on coastal areas?
Team Members: Zenilda Lumingu, Jorge Hernández, Rubén González, Alejandro Seco, and Heber Ferreira.
Team 8
StarBuoy
Solution Description:
This project aims to develop sustainable fishing nets using fibres obtained from agricultural waste from banana plantations in the Canary Islands. These natural, biodegradable fibres will offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fishing nets made from plastics and synthetic materials, reducing the environmental impact of fishing and promoting a circular economy within the agricultural and fishing sectors of the Canary Islands.
Challenge 4 | Proposed by Factoría de Cohesión:
How can new processing and preservation techniques for fishery products be developed to increase their added value and extend their shelf life?
Team Members: Rosa Rodríguez, Daura Ceballos, Ana Pérez, and Xiomara Estévez.
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We are a sustainable event, with real impact and minimal waste
And in addition, we have clear strategies to achieve objectives
FAQS
BlueUp is a youth talent competition where innovative ideas are developed to solve challenges related to the blue economy. Its main goal is to create real entrepreneurial ideas that can be carried out sustainably across all areas.
BlueUp VIII will take place from September 24 to 27, 2025, across three islands:
🌴 Fuerteventura (September 24): Cultural research and challenge exploration.
🌊 Gran Canaria (September 25): Innovation hackathon and mentoring.
🌋 Tenerife (September 26–27): Final project development, presentations, and awards ceremony.
Accommodation, transportation, and meals are fully covered for all participants!
BlueUp is open to young people, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs eager to innovate and contribute fresh ideas.
If you identify with any of the following profiles, you’re welcome to join:
DIGITAL — Degrees and Master’s in Big Data, Digital Marketing, or similar
TECH — Degrees and Master’s in Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, or related fields
CREATIVE — Degrees and Master’s in Design, Graphic Arts, or similar disciplines
BLUE — Degrees and Master’s focused on the Blue Economy and Maritime Environments
BUSINESS — Degrees and Master’s in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or MBA programs
You should also:
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Be over 18 years old
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Be available to attend all days of the event
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Have a proactive attitude, team spirit, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and the ability to think outside the box
Are you ready?
BlueUp VIII Edition is a free event made possible thanks to the support of partner companies and public institutions.
All participants will have their meals, transport, accommodation, hands-on training from expert mentors, and exclusive merchandise fully covered.
You can view the full list of partners at the following link:
To register, you’ll need to fill in a few details in the form we provide below. You can take part alone or as part of a team, whether you already have an idea or not — you just need to share your details.
A complete experience with workshops, talks, mentoring, networking, and prizes. And so you don’t have to worry about a thing, we cover accommodation, transfers, and meals.
BlueUp recognises commitment, innovation, and the viability of the best ideas with three levels of prizes. A multidisciplinary jury will evaluate all teams based on criteria such as impact on the blue economy, feasibility, level of development, originality, and sustainability.
The 1st Prize includes €2,000 in cash plus a comprehensive support package for entrepreneurship: coworking space, legal, tax, and branding advice, prototyping, laboratory testing, trademark registration, and a communication plan.
The 2nd Prize receives €1,000 plus mentoring services, coworking, and consultancy to boost the idea.
The 3rd Prize offers €500 and strategic support to strengthen the project and open up new opportunities.
The entire process is assessed using a transparent scoring system communicated from the outset, and results are announced at the end of the event to encourage healthy competition.
You can consult the full terms and conditions at the following link:
