Robots to protect aquaculture and algorithms to preserve species presented at BlueShuttle event

Blue Shuttle, a project funded by the European Union that includes UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto as one of its partners, will begin implementing four innovative digital and technological solutions to respond to critical challenges in the Blue Bioeconomy sector.

In Portugal, the selected project will target the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis sensors and automation to optimise water quality, anticipate system failures and enable precise adjustments, even from a distance.

In Spain, the aim is to start using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), equipped with digital tools, to detect and remove cormorants that cause significant damage to aquaculture nurseries.

In the other two target countries of the project, France and Ireland, an advanced algorithm will be developed for real-time analysis of key parameters in microalgae cultivation, and an AI-based digital platform to support the marine and fisheries sectors in the immediate identification of endangered species, respectively.

Following a selection process across four countries, which included support from UPTEC in Portugal, four challenges were identified and the most appropriate solutions selected, which will now give rise to international pilot projects running until next summer. The aim is to promote the use of digital technologies in water management, species protection and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Blue Shuttle project, co-financed by the Interreg Programme through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), brings together seven organisations from Spain, Portugal, France and Ireland with the aim of accelerating the adoption of digital solutions in the Blue Bioeconomy sector. Through a Blue Innovation Network and the Quadruple Helix approach – involving academia, industry, public entities and civil society – the project aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of activities related to marine resources and blue biotechnology.

UPTEC is a partner in European projects with more than €4 million raised, acting as a leader in work packages and a specialist in cascade funding, dissemination and support for the internationalisation of start-ups. Based in Portugal, it connects innovation ecosystems in areas such as health, sustainability, cultural and creative industries, tourism and digital transition.