The Blue Innovation Center (BIC) La Palma is emerging as a key driver for the blue economy in the Atlantic. This is according to the feasibility study analyzed today during the official presentation of the project. The document estimates that the facility will generate annual revenues of 1.5 million euros in 2040 and will reach 80% economic self-sufficiency that same year.
With the support of the Cabildo of La Palma, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), and the La Palma Research Centre (LPRC), alongside local companies and organizations, this innovative space is being promoted at the Port of Tazacorte. Its aim is to foster technological development, entrepreneurship, specialized training, and employment on the island.
BIC La Palma’s objective is transformative: to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification on the island through the development of marine and maritime sectors such as marine biotechnology, ocean renewable energies, sustainable aquaculture, desalination, blue tourism, and marine digitalization. In doing so, it will help retain young talent and attract investment, aligning with the RIS3 strategies of the Government of the Canary Islands and European innovation and sustainability initiatives.
The report presented today highlights the diversification of projected revenue streams for the future center, which will come from business services, competitive R&D&I projects, training programs, startup incubation and acceleration, scientific tourism, licenses and patents, private investment, and public grants.
This diversification, together with a public-private governance model, will ensure flexibility, transparency, and the ability to attract funding, consolidating long-term financial viability.
BIC La Palma, to be located at the Port of Tazacorte, will feature specialized laboratories, testing areas, coworking spaces, offices for startups, technical and scientific training rooms, as well as a business incubator and accelerator, as announced today at the project presentation held at the Casa de la Cultura in Los Llanos de Aridane.
The event was attended by the Island Councillor for Economic Promotion and Digital Transformation of the Cabildo of La Palma, Miriam Perestelo, and the director of PLOCAN, José Joaquín Hernández Brito, joined by other authorities such as the Special Commissioner for the Reconstruction of La Palma, Héctor Fernando Izquierdo; the Mayor of Tazacorte, Manuel González; the Deputy Minister for Emergencies and Water of the Government of the Canary Islands, Marcos José Lorenzo; and the Director General of Coasts and Maritime Space Management of the Government of the Canary Islands, Antonio Acosta. The gathering also brought together representatives from universities, research centers, and business entities.
BIC La Palma will offer a platform for R&D&I projects and international cooperation, drawing inspiration from benchmarks such as the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) in Scotland, and BlueTechPort in Barcelona, according to the SWOT and international benchmarking analysis in today’s report, which positions BIC La Palma as a project with high impact potential.
PLOCAN director José Joaquín Hernández stated that “it will be a catalyst for talent, investment, and knowledge, connecting the island with European blue innovation networks. It is a bet on the future for La Palma, in line with European strategies such as the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Decade of the Oceans.”
Meanwhile, the Cabildo’s Digital Transformation Councillor, Miriam Perestelo, emphasized the Cabildo’s commitment to “local talent and to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of the island’s people, as well as those from outside who settle here to continue promoting opportunities, especially those linked to technological development and innovation, which in turn will help attract and retain talent and population in La Palma.”
“This center will not only be a space for entrepreneurship and creativity, but also a symbol of fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors that will foster the growth of new companies, drive job creation, and strengthen the local economy. We are convinced that BIC La Palma will be an engine of positive change, attracting talent and generating opportunities for all residents of La Palma,” said LPRC coordinator Laia D’Armengol.
At the end of the official event, the entities present signed a Letter of Intent formalizing their commitment to the launch of the center.
