The AquaWind Project took centre stage on December 13, 2023, at the “Strategic Smart Specialisation in the Canary Islands and Blue Economy” event, presided over by the Government of the Canary Islands. The event, organised to address the triple objective of highlighting scientific and technological capabilities in the Blue Economy, expanding the Regional Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RISS) community, and showcasing ongoing initiatives in the Canary Islands, aimed to foster discussion, progress, and synergies within the ecosystem.
The ultimate goal was to identify and execute pivotal projects for the blue-economy industry. The initiative, led by the Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation, and the Information Society (ACIISI), sought to engage universities, research centers, businesses, civil society entities, and administrations in an entrepreneurial discovery process. At the event, ACIISI partners proudly presented the AquaWind Project as an exemplary tractor project in the Blue Economy in the Canary Islands. Javier Roo, the Head of R&D+I Projects at ACIISI and the Coordinator of the AquaWind Project, unveiled the multipurpose demonstrator prototype, seamlessly combining offshore marine wind energy and AquaWind’s aquaculture initiatives. AquaWind, hailed as one of Europe and Spain’s pioneering Research, Development, and Innovation (I+D+I) projects, has set its sights on unveiling the first prototype that integrates aquaculture with offshore energy production. The AquaWind Project represents a monumental step forward in fostering innovation and sustainable development within the blue economy sector.
The Government of the Canary Islands, through ACIISI, remains committed to driving entrepreneurial discovery and collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to propel the blue economy industry towards a more sustainable and innovative future. The AquaWind Project stands as a testament to the region’s dedication to advancing technology, research, and development in harmony with environmental and economic objectives.