17 July 2026 | Porto Innovation Hub | Porto, Portugal

09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee

Arrival of participants, networking and informal introductions.

10:00 – 10:20 Official Opening Session

Welcome remarks by the OCEAN Network coordination team and presentation of the network’s vision, mission and strategic objectives.

Speaker: RightChallenge – Coordinating Organisation

10:20 – 11:00 Why OCEAN? Building stronger European collaboration ecosystems

A keynote discussion on the importance of cross-sector cooperation between NGOs, universities, public bodies and innovation actors to tackle emerging European challenges.

Speaker: RightChallenge – Coordinating Organisation

11:00 – 11:30 Networking Coffee Break

Informal networking and stakeholder connections.

11:30 – 12:30 Interactive Panel Discussion: “Collaboration that Creates Impact”

Representatives from:

• Universities and investigation centres;
• Schools and training centres;
• National, regional and local public bodies;
• NGOs and other Civil Society Organisations.

Topics:

• European cooperation opportunities
• Joint initiatives and partnerships
• Innovation and sustainability
• Capacity building and knowledge exchange

Speaker: External Participant – Erasmus+/ CERV / Horizon Representative

12:30 – 14:00 Networking Lunch

A collaborative lunch space designed to foster new partnerships and project ideas.

14:00 – 15:15 OCEAN Collaboration Labs: Co-creation Sessions

Participants will join thematic working groups to explore:

• Youth & Education
• Sustainability & Green Transition
• Digital Innovation
• Social Inclusion & Community Development

15:15 – 15:30 Coffee Break

15:30 – 17:00 Future Partnerships & Project Ideas Forum

A dynamic matchmaking and co-creation session designed for organisations to present project ideas, identify future collaborators and explore opportunities for joint European initiatives and partnerships. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Pitch ideas for future European projects and initiatives
• Find partners for Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, CERV and other EU programmes
• Explore shared priorities and complementary expertise
• Discuss common societal and innovation challenges
• Build transnational partnerships for future consortium development
• Exchange contacts and collaboration opportunities

An open networking environment will encourage participants to connect across sectors and countries, creating the foundations for impactful future cooperation.

17:00 – 17:30 Closing Session & Community Photo

Final remarks, acknowledgements and official launch celebration of the OCEAN Network.

Speaker: RightChallenge – Coordinating Organisation