Who we are
UPWELLING is an Interreg Atlantic Area project that aims to strengthen the blue economy by linking cutting-edge marine infrastructures, startups, and skilled professionals. Through a collaborative network the project drives innovation, training, and technology transfer in marine and coastal sectors.
UPWELLING Network connects marine infrastructures, universities, SME’s, startups, and skilled professionals across the Atlantic Area to accelerate sustainable innovation in the Blue Economy. Our goal? Strengthening Atlantic regions by linking marine tech infrastructure with the people and businesses that need it, supporting SMEs and startups with access to emerging technologies, facilities, and prototyping opportunities, while fostering a thriving blue innovation ecosystem.
Through the UPWELLING Academy, we will offer specialised training in emerging marine technologies, empowering students, researchers, and industry professionals. With Hackathons and Proof-of-Concept pilots, we’ll foster creativity, collaboration, and hands-on innovation for SMEs and startups.
Our transnational network will enhance access to marine infrastructures, promote ocean literacy, and drive long-term cooperation between Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and France.
This journey wouldn’t be possible without our amazing project partners: INESC TEC, BUILDERS École d’ingénieurs, Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias (PLOCAN), Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), University College Cork, Cork County Council, Marine Institute, BilbaoPort, and S2AQUAcoLAB.
We’re also proud to count on the support of our Associated Partners: Dublin City University, EHU, and Mondragon Unibertsitatea.
OUR VISION
UPWELLING takes inspiration from the oceanic phenomenon where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface – fueling life and renewal. Similarly, this project brings hidden potential in talent, technology, and infrastructures to the surface, empowering blue growth across the Atlantic Area.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to connect marine infrastructures, SME’s, startups, universities, research organisations and skilled professionals to accelerate sustainable innovation in the Blue Economy.
Meet our team
Sandra de Castro
Project Coordinator
INNOVALIA ASSOCIATION
Silvia Martín Imholz
Responsible Research Manager
PLOCAN – Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias
Gerald Hegarty
Project Manager
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
Jade Santier
Project Officer
BUILDERS École d’ingénieurs
Lídia Nicolau
Training Coordinator
S2AQUAcoLAB
Yvonne Wiese
Scientific and Technical Officer
MARINE INSTITUTE
Amelia Brito
Financial Manager
INNOVALIA ASSOCIATION
Fiona Devoy McAuliffe
Senior Research Fellow
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK
Florbela Soares
Senior Researcher
IPMA – Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera
Guillaume Carpentier
Director of Engineering and International Affairs
BUILDERS École d’ingénieurs
Alexandra Marques
Project and Innovation Manager
S2AQUAcoLAB
Paul Gaughan
Research Infrastructure Specialist
MARINE INSTITUTE
Antonio Collado
Innovation Manager
INNOVALIA ASSOCIATION
Darragh O’Súilleabháin
Project Manager
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
Ana Paula Lima
Assistant Researcher
INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science
Behnam Ghadimi
Project Manager
BUILDERS École d’ingénieurs
Morgane Le Meur
Head of European projects
Technopôle Brest-Iroise
Ander M. de Lecea
EU project delivery team lead
MARINE INSTITUTE
Julia Coppla
Innovation Manager
BILBAO PORTLAB
Marion Guiry
Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
Maria Helena de Sá
Project Manager
INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science
Cátia Marques
Scientific Coordinator
S2AQUAcoLAB
Pedro Pousão
Senior Researcher
IPMA – Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera
Erwan Cherel
Project Manager
Technopôle Brest-Iroise























