Being a blue leader means choosing to lead with awareness, not ego.
My greatest motivation is what I have learned through this project.

Age: 20
Place of residence: Arcos de valdevez
Country: Portugal
Languages: English and Portuguese
Partner: INCUBO

Participating in and winning the 2nd Local Creative Jam organized by In.Cubo with the NanoRevive project strengthened my belief in the power of entrepreneurship.
As a young student passionate about innovation, I aim to evolve from participant to leader.
My motivation is to give back to the community, share my experiences, expand my network, and further develop and deepen my project, demonstrating that, with the right collaboration, it is possible to tackle complex challenges such as ocean pollution.
Age: 28
Place of residence: Monção, Viana do Castelo
Country: Portugal
Languages: English and Portuguese
Partner: INCUBO

Since I was a child, I was connected with the environment related with blue economy. I grew up in a family of shellfish gatherers and sailors, who taught me the importance of those labours in our economy, specifically in Galicia. That’s why, now, the new generation, as myself, we can do our bit to contribute to the society and economy.

• Age: 24

• Place of residence: Vigo

• Country: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: Cámara de Santiago

My motivation to be an ATLIC Blue Leader comes from my background in Conservation Biology and the belief that the best way to conserve nature and the oceans is to create bridges of communication and understanding between all stakeholders, combined with education. I believe that by encouraging collaboration between businesses, government and the community, we can promote sustainable development and also protect our marine ecosystems. It was with this vision that I joined Ocean Devotion Madeira, a SOA hub in Madeira Island, where I manage volunteers and work to generate significant local change. The blue economy provides a unique opportunity to boost the economy, and my motivation is to lead this transformation, inspiring others to get actively involved and creating solutions that integrate ocean conservation and development for coastal communities. I believe that in this program I will be able to learn more and become a better leader, bringing this knowledge to my community and also inspiring other young people to engage in this process of change.

• Age: 28

• Place of residence: Santa Cruz (Madeira)

• Country: Portugal

• Languages: English and Portuguese

• Partner: ACIF-CCIM

To make my startup

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Oliveira de Azeméis

• Country: Portugal

• Languages: English and Portuguese

• Partner: Municipality of Santo Tirso

Since my participation in the “International Jam Azores 2025,” my desire to become more actively involved in projects related to the sea, especially in the areas of science and technology, has increased. I am interested in this type of project because I believe they are the ideal space for my integration and development. One of my biggest incentives is the opportunity to meet new people and build a network of contacts linked to science and technology, areas that fascinate me and are crucial for the future of the sea. The comprehensive vision of the project, which touches on areas such as science, technology, and the environment, aligns perfectly with my career and academic goals. In addition, I consider it unique to be part of this dynamic and virtual community to share ideas and learn from other young people. The flexibility of the commitment ensures that my dedication will be consistent, adjusted to my academic and personal availability. My main focus is the desire to participate, learn, and help convey the clear message that the sea is an immense opportunity for the future for all young people.

• Age: 21

• Place of residence: Madeira Island/ Coimbra

• Country: Portugal

• Languages: English and Portuguese

• Partner: ACIF-CCIM

My motivation for being an ATLIC Blue Leader stems from the interest in promoting a responsible, ethical, and sustainable digital transformation in organizations. I want to contribute to the conscious adoption of technologies that improve processes, strengthen digital literacy, and create a positive impact. I see this role as an opportunity to learn, share best practices, and integrate into a community committed to driving innovation responsibly.

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Ermesinde

• Country: Portugal

• Languages: English and Portuguese

• Partner: Municipality of Santo Tirso

I am motivated to become an ambassador or Blue Leader in my region because it allows me to make a positive impact in my community while doing something I truly enjoy: organising and producing events and performances. In this role, I can develop my creativity, leadership and organisational skills, work in a team with other motivated young people, gain visibility and professional experience, and help promote local talent, culture and new opportunities for other young people in my region.

• Age: 24

• Place of residence: Funchal and Porto

• Country: Portugal

• Languages: English and Portuguese

• Partner: ACIF-CCIM

My motivation for becoming an ATLIC Blue Leader is to use my experience as a law student and advocate to promote inclusion, responsibility, and leadership among peers. I believe in leading by example, building bridges across differences, and creating spaces where everyone feels empowered to grow and contribute.

• Age: 27

• Place of residence: Spain

• Country: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: Cámara de Santiago

Looking ahead to my professional future, I am very interested in continuing my training in the management of European program projects and initiatives, and I believe that ATLIC and being a Blue Leader can help me with this. Furthermore, I think the most positive aspect of this is that I have the opportunity to learn about and understand diverse topics and issues, which I believe will enhance my project management skills, as I mentioned earlier. On the other hand, and regarding ATLIC, what is closest to my heart, given the autonomous communities where I have lived (Galicia and Asturias), is everything related to sustainable fishing and empowering small-scale fishers. I would like to use this opportunity to learn about, understand (and perhaps even develop) new policies on this topic.

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Santiago de Compostela

• Country: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: Santiago Chamber

Making people’s lives a little bit easier so as to turn scientific knowledge accessible

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Ourense

• Country: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: Cámara de Santiago

Expanding knowledge on AI, technology and robotics

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Lugo

• Country: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: Vida Lactea

I have been in the local Creative Jam in Vedra (Spain) for the first time ever. But I know for a very long time the real problems that we have with protecting the environment and making a lot of videos and graphic design to make people aware about that situation. In the local Creative Jam, I had the first opportunity to plan a real project to re-utilise some local waste and transform it into something useful. Due to all the reasons mentioned above, I would like to follow taking part in these initiatives apart from the videos and science outreach that I was doing before.

• Age: 27

• Place of residence: Spain

• Country: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: Cámara de Santiago

My motivation for becoming an ATLIC Blue Leader stems from a strong passion for collaborative leadership, sustainability, and empowering others to make a positive difference. I thrive when working in a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared, challenges are embraced, and goals are achieved together. Being an ATLIC Blue Leader offers the chance to grow personally while helping others develop their own leadership skills and confidence.

• Age: 24

• Place of residence: Spain

• Nationality: Spanish

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: VidaLactea

Since I discovered the program, I have aspired to become a Blue Leader due to my commitment and passion for sustainable development, social innovation, and the transformation of communities through projects with real impact. As a civil engineer, researcher, and current master’s student in Project Management, I have focused my career on leading initiatives that integrate sustainability, technology, and citizen participation.

One of the projects that best reflects my vision was awarded in an open innovation challenge in Colombia, where I proposed generating renewable energy from ocean waves using PET waste collected from Atlantic coast beaches—combining circular economy principles with blue energy. I am currently developing Pinotex, a project directly linked to the ATLIC program, which promotes the use of textile waste as material for creating thermoacoustic panels, fostering both circular economy and social inclusion in indoor environments.

In addition, I have led research groups, coordinated workshops, and participated in multidisciplinary teams committed to sustainability and positive impact. I am convinced that the Blue Leaders program will allow me to grow as a leader, connect with people who share this vision, and scale up projects like Pinotex—with local impact and international focus, generating meaningful contributions.

• Age: 24

• Place of residence: Lugo, Spain

• Nationality: Colombian

• Languages: Spanish and English

• Partner: VidaLactea

I would like to participate in this project as I think it is a good opportunity for all young people and I would love to help them to make it happen. I also see it as a good opportunity to increase my knowledge and grow personally.

• Age: 25

• Place of residence: Vigo, Spain

• Nationality: Spain

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: VidaLactea

I’m from a small coastal town in Tenerife, where the sea has always been a big part of my life. It hurts to see how pollution, especially from poor recycling, is damaging our beaches. That’s why I joined the ATLIC Innoblue Labs project in Lugo, where I helped design a robot to clean shorelines. This experience made me realize how much I want to keep taking action. Becoming an ATLIC Blue Leader would be a way to keep protecting the ocean I love and inspire others to do the same.

• Age: 24

• Place of residence: Lugo, Spain

• Nationality: Spanish

• Languages: Spanish and English

• Partner: VidaLactea

Firstly, I want to continue being part of the ATLIC community and contribute with ideas and innovative solutions within the blue economy, in order to support sustainability and environmental responsibility. Thanks to my participation in Creative Jam, various courses, university education and master’s-level studies, my goal is to grow professionally in the field of sustainable innovation.

• Age: 26

• Place of residence: Lugo, Spain

• Nationality: Spanish

• Languages: English and Spanish

• Partner: VidaLactea

I’ve loved the ATLIC project and I want to stay and keep looking for entrepreneurial solutions for the Blue Economy.

• Age: 22

• Place of residence: Catania, Italy

• Nationality: Italian

• Languages: English, Italian, Spanish

• Partner: VidaLactea

I want to become an ATLIC Blue Leader because during my ESC project in Galicia with the association Lug Open Factory (a partner of the ATLIC project), I had the chance to participate in several ATLIC activities, both as participant and mentor. This experience deepened my passion for the themes of the blue economy and youth entrepreneurship, although I have a lot to learn. I witnessed firsthand how the project supported young people in discussing and developing ideas, and I believe this kind of support is truly important. I want to be actively involved and support other young people in my community to be active and engaged in the same way. Additionally, through my work in European project design and management, and as a youth worker, I would engage and work more with topics related to the blue economy and youth empowerment, so I can also contribute to expanding the project’s impact. Right now I’m working on a project related to bio economy and the decarbonisation of waterborne transport, in both cases trying to engage stakeholders and raise awareness.

• Age: 31

• Place of residence: Rome, Italy

• Nationality: Italian

• Languages: Italian, English, Spanish

• Partner: VidaLactea

Living and growing up on an island and studying in the field of biology taught me the importance of connections, such as between ecosystems, people, and ideas. My motivation to become an ATLIC Blue Leader comes from a genuine desire to bring young people from remote regions, like mine, closer to the opportunities that are being created by Europe. I believe that by sharing knowledge, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring other young people to take initiative, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, even in the most remote places.

Participating in ATLIC (International Creative Jam Azores 2025) was, without a doubt, a great personal, professional, and academic opportunity to attend an event that does nothing more, nothing less, than connect incredible and timely ideas. These, guided and supported by minds of different nationalities and realities, were only made possible by young people who aimed to show the strength of their ideas in bringing to the surface solutions and prototypes related to the Blue Economy.

It is with great pleasure that being part of ATLIC is, for me, an opportunity to give voice to youth engagement and innovation. I want to actively contribute to the promotion of this project, helping it reach areas where it can truly make a difference. I also see this experience as a personal growth opportunity by collaborating with other leaders, taking part in publications, and supporting my peers in the local activities promoted by ATLIC.

In this way, being a Blue Leader is not just a matter of visibility, it is a matter of responsibility. It is about using the tools and support of the project to empower others, represent the concerns of our generation, and become a link within a growing network of young agents of change. I want to lead not by telling others what they should do, but by showing what is possible even from an island in the middle of the ocean.

• Age: 19

• Place of residence: Açores

• Nationality: Portuguese

• Languages: Portuguese, English

• Partner: InUAC

To significantly inspire other young people to develop an entrepreneurial spirit, combining this with the desire to add value to society.

• Age: 24

• Place of residence: Valença

• Nationality: Portugal

• Languages: Portuguese and English

• Partner: InCubo

I see myself as a committed, dedicated person, always willing to learn and grow. I believe in the power of leadership as a tool to inspire and support the people around me, helping them reach their full potential. Being a Blue Leader is, for me, an opportunity to make a difference.

• Age: 20

• Place of residence: Valença

• Nationality: Angolan and Portuguese

• Languages: Portuguese and Spanish

• Partner: InCubo

I am incredibly motivated to join the Blue Leaders program because I believe in the power of youth as a driver of change and innovation. As a student of Marketing and Business Communication, I have developed a critical and creative awareness of current challenges, particularly when it comes to sustainability and the protection of marine resources. I see this initiative as a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally, collaborate with other young leaders and contribute with ideas and concrete actions for the development of the blue economy. I am particularly interested in promoting projects that combine communication, environmental awareness and social impact, and I believe I can play an active role in building more informed, sustainable and resilient communities. Being a Blue Leader represents for me the possibility of transforming knowledge into action, and action into real change and it is with this energy and commitment that I accept this challenge.

• Age: 21

• Place of residence: Póvoa de Varzim, Porto

• Nationality: Portuguese

• Languages: Portuguese, English

• Partner: InCubo

Trying to understand our Blue planet and the strong desire to explore how technology can be harnessed to enhance and sustain life on it. As an ATLIC Blue Leader, I hope to bridge science and innovation to make a meaningful impact on our environment and future.

• Age: 28

• Place of residence: Spain

• Nationality: Moroccan

• Languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish

• Partner: VidaLactea

As a primary school teacher, I have the unique opportunity to plant the seed of change in each student. Being a Blue Leader would mean guiding with passion and creativity toward a more sustainable future, where innovation and knowledge build resilient communities in the Atlantic Space.

• Age: 30

• Place of residence: Palas de Rei

• Nationality: Spanish

• Languages: Galician, Spanish and English

• Partner: VidaLactea

The work and effort of the ATLIC program in promoting a new innovative perspective in the teaching of young entrepreneurs related to the Blue Economy is deeply appreciated by me and inspired me to learn and improve my knowledge in many different areas of interest not only related to business making but also social and culture wise.

• Age: 18

• Place of residence: Porto/Lisbon

• Nationality: Portuguese

• Languages: Portuguese, English

• Partner: Santo Tirso

To foster a culture of blue innovation in a peer-to-peer network. Facilitating capacity building in a dynamic and creative way on Blue Economy entrepreneurship.

• Age: 25

• Place of residence: Portugal

• Nationality: Portuguese

• Languages: Portuguese, English

• Partner: Santo Tirso

Being Portuguese, I’ve always felt close to the sea, and thus it always felt natural to preserve it, protect it, and care for it. I believe this ecosystem has a lot of potential for human use, and, if explored correctly, it could shape the future’s economy and sustainability. As a Blue Leader, I want to increase the ATLIC community by bringing youngsters closer to this project. I also expect to develop my leadership and communication skills, as well as learning even more about the sea.

• Age: 19

• Place of residence: Porto, Portugal

• Nationality: Portuguese

• Languages: Portuguese and English

• Partner: Santo Tirso

Being a Blue Leader is a unique and very interesting experience!

• Age: 20

• Place of residence: Valença

• Nationality: Portugal

• Languages: Portuguese and English

• Partner: InCubo

Enhance and conserve marine resources. View the sea as the future for obtaining materials and food production.

• Age: 25

• Place of residence: Porto

• Nationality: Portugal

• Languages: Portuguese and English

• Partner: InCubo

My motivation for becoming an ATLIC Blue Leader stems from my passion for leadership, innovation, and making a positive impact in my community. I am drawn to the opportunity to mentor and inspire others while contributing to meaningful projects that align with my personal and professional growth.

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Lugo, Galicia

• Nationality: Spain

• Languages: Spanish, English

• Partner: VidaLactea

My goal in this project is to connect with new people, exchange knowledge, and expand my understanding of the world. I am passionate about developing innovative ideas and collaborating with others to turn them into meaningful projects. I believe that sharing perspectives and working as a team fosters creativity and personal growth. Additionally, I enjoy presenting ideas to a broader audience, as it allows me to refine my communication skills and gain valuable insights from different viewpoints. Being part of this program would give me the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow both personally and professionally.

• Age: 21

• Place of residence: Lugo

• Nationality: Spain

• Languages: Spanish and English

• Partner: VidaLactea

I have already participated as a volunteer during the first year of the project and it was an incredible experience. I would like to be able to continue to develop new skills and continue learning from an opportunity like this.

• Age: 23

• Place of residence: Ourense

• Nationality: Spain

• Languages: Spanish and English

• Partner: VidaLactea

My motivation to become an ATLIC Blue Leader stems from my commitment to sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the blue economy. With a strong belief in transforming challenges into opportunities, I aim to combine my academic background and experience in interdisciplinary projects, such as developing “electric” light using bacteria, to drive impactful initiatives.

• Age: 27

• Place of residence: Lugo

• Nationality: Spain

• Languages: Spanish and English

• Partner: VidaLactea