What is the purpose of Blue Valley Ostend?
Gateway to marine and maritime innovation
Our mission
Blue Valley Ostend makes Ostend a unique gateway to marine and maritime innovation. We bring businesses, knowledge institutions and public authorities together to develop, test and scale up solutions to ensure a sustainable future for our seas and coastlines.
With impressive expertise and infrastructure in areas including digital applications, offshore renewable energy, nature-based solutions and marine robotics, we are building an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, research and education. With these means, we are strengthening the blue economy and creating an innovative, liveable coastal region with international pull.
Our vision
Blue Valley is becoming a European example of a sustainable blue economy, with Ostend as a seaside living laboratory where ideas are developed, tested and converted into something having real impact.
We believe in the power of the North Sea to shape our future. By linking local expertise and international ambitions, we are creating innovations that extend beyond our coastline: from sustainable economic growth and smart climate solutions to new jobs and a liveable coastal region where economy and ecology go hand in hand.
Why opt for Blue Valley Ostend?
Solid network
Collaborate with other businesses, knowledge institutions and public authorities on innovation: from offshore wind and mariculture to drones, maritime technology, sea and health, and much more.
Modern infrastructure
- Direct access to the sea
- Modern port facilities including specialist terminals
- Testing infrastructure and innovative onshore and offshore hubs, including drone zones
Take a look at our infrastructure
Expertise and R&D
- Test your technologies in real-life maritime conditions
- Test sites for aquaculture and mariculture, drones and offshore energy technologies
- Shorter development cycles thanks to structural collaboration
- Support from leading knowledge institutions
Strategic location and international visibility
In the heart of Europe, with excellent access for international partners.
- Airport, seaport and direct train connections
- Conferences and events
- Proximity to cities of knowledge such as Ghent
Talent and support through a single point of contact
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Help with location selection and permits or licences
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Access to trained staff
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Close collaboration with the government
Set up your company in Blue Valley
