The 37th edition of the Copa América in Barcelona will mean a new boost to the city’s leading role in the blue economy, with a new strategic investment of 142 million euros to promote three facilities of international reference.

One of the outstanding projects is the Barcelona Sea Science Center (BCN MdC), which will promote public participation in marine science and promote the culture of sustainability by contributing to environmental awareness. This equipment is born from the desire to strengthen the relationship between society and ocean research and wants to be a point of reference in marine culture and citizen science. The center will have a constructed area of ​​around 3,000 m2 and will involve an investment of 30 million euros. The forecast is that work on this new equipment will begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027. The BCN MdC, located on the Marina pier of the Olympic Port, will take advantage of its location to foster synergies between research and the blue economy. The space will have an agora, exhibitions, audiovisuals, immersive experiences, workshops, debates, training, etc. It will be a free oceanic culture service open to all citizens.

On the other hand, the Barcelona Maritime Technology Park (PTMB) will bring together activities of great value in areas such as research, training, the business world and entrepreneurship, with the aim of responding to the global challenges of the blue economy. It will be located in New Entrance of the Port, on Joan de Borbó promenade, and will have advanced technological facilities, such as a hydrodynamic pool, a navigation simulator and a towing channel, among others. Work on this project, which will occupy an area of ​​15,600 m², will begin next year and is expected to end in 2028, with a total investment of 56 million euros.

The third centre, the BlueTechPort, will be an innovation hub dedicated to the blue economy, located on the Sant Bertran pier. This space, which has already begun its first operational phase, will represent an investment of 56 million euros. The center, with an area of ​​25,000 m², will host innovative companies, large corporations, startups, institutions and international entities. The equipment will be specialized in maritime technology and in the promotion of sustainability, with specific programs to accelerate the growth of emerging companies.

With these projects, Barcelona aims to lead the transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy, where the exploitation of marine resources is done in a way that respects the natural environment. The dissemination of knowledge and the awareness of citizens will allow to generate awareness about the importance of preserving our seas and oceans and the global challenges we face.