Niterói concluded last Thursday (27) the second edition of the Tomorrow Blue Economy, an event organized by iCities in partnership with the Niterói City and endorsed by Fira Barcelona. The initiative is already establishing itself as one of Brazil’s leading gatherings dedicated to the blue economy, innovation and the sustainable economic development of coastal communities. Over several days of activities spread across the city, including a women’s fishing championship, beach-cleaning actions, sports activities, lectures, the Blue Running race, and multiple educational initiatives, more than 3,000 people participated in the experiences and discussions promoted throughout Niterói.

The program brought together national and international experts, public and private sector leaders, and representatives of initiatives focused on the future of coastal cities. Among the highlights were the presence of Rodrigo Neves, Mayor of Niterói; Felipe Peixoto, Executive Secretary of Niterói; Saulo Jennings, UN Culinary Ambassador; and renowned marine biologist Diva Amon.

“I would like to congratulate the organizers, Fira Barcelona, and all the partner companies of this event, which, in its second edition, has already become one of the largest gatherings on the blue economy, not only in Brazil, but in the world. Niterói strongly believes in innovation and in the need to carry out its economic transition and that is why we are hosting this event in partnership with the private sector” stated Mayor Rodrigo Neves during the event.

In addition to the activities that engaged the Niterói’s citizens over two weeks, the two days of Congress and exhibition were filled with lectures featuring more than 120 national and international speakers. They addressed topics such as smart coastal cities, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, aquaculture, sustainable innovation, water mobility, energy transition, regenerative tourism, maritime gastronomy, ecosystem protection and new ocean-related value chains.

One of the new features of this edition was the creation of the pioneering culinary stage (the Blue Gastronomy Stage) which brought together researchers, renowned chefs and public figures to discuss themes related to conscious seafood consumption and to prepare, in real time, dishes that highlighted the importance of maritime gastronomy for coastal communities.

Chef Ronald Júnior preparing Guandu with Sea Bass at the Blue Gastronomy Stage. Photo: courtesy.

Aquatic sports were also among the highlights of the program, as sports categories such as surfing, canoeing, diving and kitesurfing stimulate the economy, generate jobs, and position Brazil as a strong competitor in Olympic games within this ecosystem. The naval and offshore industry also received special attention at Tomorrow Blue Economy, bringing together specialists, industry representatives and public managers to discuss pathways for energy transition, fleet modernization, and new ocean-related technologies. The discussions ranged from decarbonization and operational efficiency solutions to the socioeconomic impacts of the naval sector on coastal communities, reinforcing Niterói’s strategic role as a historic hub of Brazil’s maritime industry in building a more innovative, competitive and sustainable sector.

“Tomorrow Blue Economy shows that Brazil has the capacity, vision and talent to lead the blue economy agenda in the Southern Hemisphere. Niterói is building a movement that unites innovation, sustainability and social development, inspiring other cities to follow the same path” says Caio Castro, CEO of iCities.

With the second edition of Tomorrow Blue Economy, Niterói reaffirms its role as a leading voice in the blue economy agenda, strengthening connections between science, innovation, ocean culture and sustainable development. Integrated into the official agenda of the UNESCO Decade of Ocean Science, the event positions the city as an international reference in developing solutions for the challenges and opportunities of the ocean. In addition to the support of 80 partner companies, this year's edition was sponsored by Transpetro and SEBRAE, leaving a legacy of strengthened public policies and reinforcing the strategic role of partnerships between the public and private sectors and civil society in the collective commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Renewed Commitment
Confirmed as the tenth event held in Brazil under the endorsement of Fira Barcelona, Tomorrow Blue Economy already has its next edition set for November 25 and 26, 2026. This milestone renews the organizers’ commitment to embracing the city of Niterói for another year of meaningful discussions about the ocean economy.

ABOUT ICITIES

With over 12 years of experience, iCities is a recognized leader in the Brazilian smart city sector, headquartered in Curitiba, Paraná. Dedicated to improving citizens' quality of life, iCities believes that smart people build smart cities. The company unites stakeholders to develop innovative urban projects and solutions. With extensive network of partnerships and contracts with companies and municipalities enables iCities to work from initial needs assessment to identifying specialized companies offering diverse solutions for a smarter city development. iCities also provides academic and executive training in related fields through its Smart City Expert program and the Public Management Innovation Program (PIGP). As the Brazilian representative of Fira Barcelona, a 90-year-old international institution renowned for its global events, iCities organizes two leading industry events: the Smart City Expo Curitiba and the IoT Solutions Congress Brazil, connecting technology, smart cities, and quality of life.