BBT Baltic Hackathon 2025
From June 6–8, 2025, the BBT Baltic Hackathon gathered emerging innovators in Borucino, Poland, for a three-day deep dive into the future of the Blue Bioeconomy. Held at the Centre for Water Monitoring and Protection (University of Gdańsk) and the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography in Gdańsk, the hackathon brought together students and blue bioeconomy experts from across Europe.
Over the course of the weekend, five multidisciplinary teams worked intensively on real-world challenges. Supported by experienced mentors and facilitators, participants had the chance to explore innovative concepts, prototype solutions, and prepare compelling pitches.
The Baltic Hackathon wasn’t just a competition — it was a space for creativity, connection, and practical problem-solving. Through expert input, and collaborative teamwork, participants engaged with some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of the Baltic Sea region.
Meet the Challenge Owners
These were the experts who brought real-world, Baltic-based challenges to the hackathon — and guided student teams through the innovation process:
1️⃣ Bartosz Blum
CEO, Aqua Medic Poland
Challenge: How can we build energy-efficient RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) in the Baltic?
2️⃣ Freya Robinson
Project Manager, SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG
Challenge: How can we make RAS production in the Baltic “sexy”?
3️⃣ Annette Løttrup-Moore
Business Developer, Business Lolland-Falster
Challenge: Can we find a sustainable replacement for mica in cosmetics from the Baltic region?
4️⃣ Aleksandra Zgrundo & Erika Zavackiene
Officina Baltica & Klaipeda Science and Technology Park
Challenge: How can offshore wind farms be inspired to invest in regenerative ocean farming?
5️⃣ Marcin Juchniewicz
Farm Manager, Fish Farm K-2 (Poland)
Challenge: How can we raise healthier fish with fewer treatments in intensive RAS?
Their guidance, feedback, and enthusiasm were key to making the hackathon an unforgettable learning experience.
Meet the Winners
🏅 1st Place:
Challenge: Can we find a sustainable replacement for mica in cosmetics from the Baltic?
Team: Ada Szabelewska, Aimen Akhtar, Carlos Montaner Campos, Filippos Pantelis, Yasra Fatima
Mentor: Annette Løttrup-Moore
🥈 2nd Place:
Challenge: How can we raise healthier fish with fewer treatments in RAS systems?
Team: Aleksandar Trajchovski, Cassia Wilson, Rwezawula Philip, Roselida Opere, Snehal Sahare
Mentor: Marcin Juchniewicz
🥉3rd Place:
Challenge: How can we make RAS production in the Baltic area sexy?
Team: Beatrice Zabala, Marta Gostkowska, Sarah Perché, Subash Yadav, Michael Pasadakis Kavounis
Mentor: Freya Robinson
