At the Italy-Belgium Industrial Day 2026 in Ostend, Belgian and Italian actors sought to answer how to build a stronger European ecosystem for maritime security, underwater technology, and the blue economy. Under the theme "Beyond The Surface: The Future of Underwater," the central goal was to create sustainable international collaborations around innovative underwater technologies.
Both Belgium and Italy possess strong industrial and technological foundations in the maritime ecosystem. By bringing together expertise from both countries, the initiative aims to contribute to new projects, innovation partnerships, and European collaboration opportunities.
The day commenced with a plenary session featuring high-level speakers, including Admiral Carl Gillis, head of international relations for the Belgian Navy, and Admiral Giulio Marino Cappelletti, director of the operational structure of the Italian National Underwater Hub. They shared their perspectives on strategic challenges and opportunities concerning underwater infrastructure, maritime security, and innovation, emphasizing the growing importance of international cooperation.
A comprehensive matchmaking session brought together Italian companies active in areas such as autonomous systems, maritime security, offshore engineering, sensor technology, and cybersecurity, with carefully selected Belgian organizations. The discussions identified complementary strengths and initial avenues for future collaboration concerning underwater vehicles, protection of critical maritime infrastructure, offshore energy, seabed monitoring, artificial intelligence, and maritime digitalization.
De Blauwe Cluster views this approach as a significant lever to connect Flemish companies with international innovation partners and create new opportunities for joint research, development, and demonstration projects.
Following the B2B discussions, the delegation visited the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). A guided tour of the Marine Robotics Centre provided insight into the advanced research and testing facilities that Flanders employs for the development of marine robotics and underwater technology.
The Italy-Belgium Industrial Day served as the starting point for broader Belgian-Italian cooperation in underwater technology and maritime innovation, bringing together companies, knowledge institutions, and other stakeholders around shared challenges and opportunities through strategic insights, knowledge exchange, and targeted matchmaking.
