Exploring Innovation in the Blue Economy and Sustainable Aquaculture.

Last Monday, October 6, the pilot training course for unemployed individuals within the NOVAFOODIES project began in Cádiz, Spain. The aim of the course, organized by Acción contra el Hambre in collaboration with CTAQUA, is to provide participants with specialized knowledge and skills to access the rapidly growing aquaculture sector and improve their employment opportunities.

During the first week, the 15+ participants focused on developing their employability skills. Throughout the different sessions, they worked on strengthening their personal brand and designing a strategic plan oriented toward achieving their professional goals. In addition, the course emphasized key competencies such as self-awareness, teamwork, and adaptability.

On Thursday, participants visited the INMAR UCA: Publicaciones | LinkedIn of the University of Cádiz (UCA), accompanied by the exceptional expertise of Dr. Juan Ignacio González, Professor and Deputy Director of INMAR, and Dr. Javier Benavente | LinkedIn, Associate Professor at UCA. The group had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the institute’s facilities, dedicated to scientific and technical research and knowledge transfer in coastal and marine environments. Our sincere thanks to them for their guidance and support.

On Friday, the group visited Incubazul – Blue Core: Publicaciones | LinkedIn, a high-tech incubator in Cádiz focused on entrepreneurship and innovation in the Blue Economy. There, they learned about the latest trends in the aquaculture sector and were among the first to visit its new headquarters — a distinctive building constructed from recycled shipping containers, demonstrating IncubAzul’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. Special thanks to José Manuel Fedriani Castro | LinkedIn, coordinator of IncubAzul, and to Fina Sevillano and Itxaso Ciarreta | LinkedIn, for their support and collaboration.

The course continues this week with the module on technical knowledge of aquaculture and macroalgae cultivation.