ORKIDS Strengthens Its Blue Economy Expertise Through a Study Visit to Italy

As part of the Blue Economy Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented under the coordination of the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, Bilal Guerfi, Director of ORKIDS Incubator, took part in a study visit to Italy from 9 to 14 June 2025, covering the cities of Genoa and Rome.

The study visit aimed to explore best practices within the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem related to the Blue Economy, while gaining insights into Italian experiences in developing innovative projects and solutions connected to marine activities and resources.

During the visit, the Director of ORKIDS participated in several specialized meetings and visits, including an event at the Genova Blue District, where participants explored topics related to the Blue Economy, innovative aquaculture solutions, maritime monitoring, and the valorization of marine resources.

The programme also included a visit to BIC Genova, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences on incubation, acceleration, and local innovation, as well as to discover the startups hosted within the ecosystem. Participants also visited the Port of Genoa and received insights into the role of maritime infrastructure and territorial stakeholders in the blue economy ecosystem.

In Rome, the programme included exchanges with partners of Cluster BIG, focusing on territorial governance and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. These interactions offered valuable opportunities to develop international connections and gain a broader understanding of cooperation models supporting Blue Economy innovation.

This participation reflects ORKIDS' growing expertise and commitment to the Blue Economy, particularly in supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators working on solutions related to marine activities and resources.

Through international exposure, knowledge exchange, and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, ORKIDS continues to strengthen its capacity to contribute to the development of Algeria's Blue Economy entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.

From local incubation to international knowledge exchange, ORKIDS is building expertise to support the next generation of Blue Economy innovators.