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