THE BLOG

Blue Economy: Team Nice Cote d’Azur showcases the region’s strengths in the United States and Canada

Key Points

Strategic meetings with maritime and port sector leaders in mid-June 2024.
Discovery of innovative renewable energy technologies.
Potential for partnerships and collaborations for companies in the South Region.
A mission dedicated to synergies with dynamic maritime sector ecosystems

The “Eco 360°” mission, organized by risingSUD and Business France, enabled Stefano Cimmarusti, Head of Project Development at Team Nice Côte d’Azur, to explore the dynamic maritime sector ecosystems on the west coast of North America, along with Christine Rosso, Director of the ports of Toulon CCI du Var.

This initiative aimed to discover new partnership and collaboration opportunities, thereby strengthening the position of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis as an innovation and sustainable development hub in the blue economy.

Strategic exchanges and technological discoveries

During this mission, fruitful exchanges took place with prestigious institutions such as the Coastal Maritime Institute Laboratory (CMIL) and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

These meetings highlighted technological innovations in the fields of port management and renewable energies, such as the carbon capture solutions proposed by Carbon Blade DAC

The visit to AltaSea, a blue economy incubator in Los Angeles, allowed for an exploration of the incubator’s operations and meetings with several innovative start-ups to understand their unique approach to addressing maritime and environmental challenges.

At the University of British Columbia, exchanges with several entrepreneurs and ventures took place within the Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy. The discussions were fruitful, revealing pioneering initiatives in clean energy and technological innovation.

Meetings with the Port of Vancouver, including Watts Marine, enabled the discovery of port operations and ferry and cruise management, as well as the electrification process, an ambitious project aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of maritime transport.

Synergies and potential partnerships for the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis

Visits to the Ports of San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Vancouver revealed potential synergies with the region’s port actors. These interactions were enriching, particularly with companies like Applied Membranes Inc. and RCAM Technologies, which presented advanced solutions in water treatment and renewable energies.

These discoveries pave the way for potential partnerships for companies in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, in line with the region’s sustainable development objectives.

Professional meetings revealed a keen enthusiasm for collaborating with the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis. Local actors expressed a marked interest in the local marine economy ecosystem and our involvement in the UNOC 2025.

Team Nice Côte d’Azur showcased the Metropolis’ expertise

Team Nice Côte d’Azur, represented by Stefano Cimmarusti, Head of Project Development, highlighted the strengths of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis as an innovation hub in the blue and green economy.

The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis recently obtained the “Territoire d’Industrie” label for 2023-2027, testifying to its commitment to industrial development and ecological transition.

This recognition is part of an industrial development strategy that prioritizes innovation and sustainable technologies, positioning the region as a leader in sustainable development.

Blue and green economies are strategic axes for the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis

In June 2025, Nice will host the United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC 2025), a major event that will bring together heads of state and representatives from around the world to discuss sustainable ocean and marine resource management. This event underscores the importance of sustainable marine economy for the metropolis, which has made environmental protection and the promotion of a sustainable economy absolute priorities.

The “Eco 360°” mission thus demonstrated the dynamism and attractiveness of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and the entire South Region, offering prospects for fruitful and sustainable collaborations and strengthening the appeal for talents and investors.