María Gálvez del Castillo Luna, oceanographer and environmentalist, has extensive experience linked to the Blue Economy. HShe has worked as an analyst, project manager, technician and researcher in institutions as diverse as the Local Fisheries Action Group of the Northwest Region of Cádiz, the University of California in Los Angeles, the Foundation of the Campus of International Excellence of the Sea, in a multinational company or the Congress of Deputies of Spain.
She has entrepreneurial experience and in accompanying entrepreneurs, and, in addition, she is a member, collaborator and consultant of different entities, platforms, networks and international media.
Incubazul is lucky to have her as a mentor. And she answers our questionnaire.
What are your areas of specialization?
They are diverse. Starting with the sustainable blue economy, the presentation and management of projects or the governance of climate change, passing through the science-policy interrelation and the transfer of knowledge. The socio-ecological systems and ecosystem services, the integrated management of coastal areas up to the financing of the sustainable blue economy, complete these areas.
What experience do you have with entrepreneurship? And with the blue economy?
I have always felt a great fascination for the marine world and coastal areas. I am an oceanographer and environmentalist, with a Master's Degree in Integrated Management of Coastal Areas, a postgraduate degree in the European Union from the Diplomatic School of Spain and another in Project Management and Management (PMP) from the EOI Business School. Continuing with my doctoral thesis in the doctoral program in Management and Conservation of the Sea of the International Doctoral School in Marine Studies (EIDEMAR, University of Cádiz) and international stays in institutions in Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. from America.
My extensive professional career has always been linked to the sea, the environment and the blue economy, from different fields: university, administration, politics, business and NGOs. Counting, also, with entrepreneurial experience in initiatives such as Cádiz Experience and Smart Blue Lab.
In recent years, one of my main activities has focused on advising, presenting and managing projects aimed at the blue economy and the sustainable development of coastal communities. In addition, I am a member, collaborator and/or consultant of different entities, platforms, networks and international media.
What are the main challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the sustainable economy in general and in the blue economy, in particular?
We face great challenges, but also great opportunities. The blue economy can greatly contribute to Europe's green ambitions.
A sustainable blue economy is essential to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, enhance the ecological transition and to ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery, after the consequences of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
The transition to a sustainable blue economy therefore requires investing in innovative ideas and technologies aimed at: achieving the goals of climate neutrality and zero pollution; promote the circular economy and reduce pollution; promote adaptation to climate change and the resilience of the coasts; ensure more sustainable and safe food production and marketing; improve the management of space in the sea and marine resources and promote more sustainable tourism and mobility.
What does it mean to be a mentor at Incubazul?
Being an Incubazul mentor is a great privilege and an opportunity. I believe that there are not many activities as rewarding as this one, of being able to accompany and see innovative initiatives of the blue economy grow, that allow territorial development and increase the resilience of coastal communities.
What do you think you can contribute to incubated companies?
I believe that I can contribute, fundamentally, my multidisciplinary knowledge, great enthusiasm and extensive experience in the blue economy, and in other related fields.
All these experiences have allowed me to grow and acquire social, analytical, management skills in multidisciplinary and international contexts.
How do you accompany startups during the acceleration process?
Designing a personalized work plan with clearly identified objectives and milestones for each of the startups, taking into account their particularities, status, needs and goals. Monitoring and accompaniment throughout the process is fundamental, until the expected results are successfully achieved.
Would you encourage other entrepreneurs to join Incubazul? Why?
Incubazul aims to attract and promote talent and ideas with the oceans and seas as the main focus, being a great opportunity for entrepreneurs in the field of the blue economy.
In addition to mentoring, it offers a comprehensive acceleration program with a space (physical and virtual) with startups with great potential, a training program, a wonderful incubation space with individual offices, coworking areas and sea views, networking and events. to establish new contacts, access and support to financing, access to research and technological infrastructures, visibility in the media, among other services.
Of course, I recommend and encourage entrepreneurs to join Incubazul.
This High Technology Incubator project for the promotion and encouragement of innovation and technology transfer to micro-SMEs in the Blue Economy sector In Andalucia “[BlueEcoIncuba x Lo
