Satellite Activities
Programme of Satellite Activities Now Available.
A programme of Satellite Activities will take place mostly on Monday, 19 October, ahead of the main Global Bioeconomy Summit. These Satellite Activities will provide additional opportunities for focused dialogue, networking and engagement across a range of bioeconomy themes.
Selected Satellite Activities will be open to Summit delegates, with registration details provided below.
Blue Ambition 26 - Finding Opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy
Organised by: Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency in conjunction with Hatch Blue
From high-value marine ingredients to ocean tech and ecosystem services, the blue bioeconomy is scaling fast and Ireland is placed to lead. If you want to find out which exciting areas of the blue bioeconomy are emerging and offering opportunities for global economic development, this is for you.
Location: Wicklow Hall 2A and 2B, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 11:00 - 16:30, Monday 19 October
Scaling Industrial Hemp in the Global Bioeconomy
Organised by: Federation of International Hemp Organisations (FIHO)
This half-day workshop brings together hemp industry leaders, researchers and practitioners to educate attendees about industrial hemp production and manufacturing and to explore its potential for regaining its place as a keystone of the global bioeconomy. Attendees will learn about hemp as a feedstock for a wide range of textiles, materials and food/feed around the world, explore the various challenges and opportunities of scaling these value chains, and engage in roundtable discussions to discover attendees’ perspectives on what the hemp industry can learn from efforts to scale other areas of the bioeconomy.
Location: Liffey Hall 2, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 9:00 - 13:30, Monday 19 October
Building for Forests in the Bioeconomy: Scaling Sustainable Solutions from the Ground Up
Organised by: PEFC International
This Satellite Activity will examine how forest-based construction and built-environment solutions can support climate resilience, circularity, regional development and industrial transformation.
Using the construction sector as a practical case study, participants will consider the governance, finance, market and coordination conditions needed to move sustainable solutions from ambition to implementation. The workshop will also explore barriers such as fragmented governance, investment uncertainty, procurement structures, supply-chain coordination and institutional capacity.
The discussion will draw on emerging international perspectives, including the COP30 Acceleration Plan for wood-based construction, while identifying lessons that can support sustainable transitions across the wider bioeconomy.
Location: Wicklow Meeting Room 1, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 9:00 - 12:30, Monday 19 October
Unlocking Marginal Lands for the Global Bioeconomy
Organised by: MarginUp!
MarginUp! will contribute to the build up to the Global Bioeocnomy Summit 2026 with a full-day satellite event: Unlocking Marginal Lands for the Global Bioeconomy: Industrial Feedstocks for Socioeconomic Transformation and Climate Action through Policy Dialogue, Investment, and Partnerships.
The session brings together researchers, policymakers, industry, investors and practitioners to share lessons learned from innovative biomass value chains on marginal lands in Europe and beyond, and to explore how these pathways can create value for people, nature and the climate.
Let’s unlock the potential of marginal lands and build a sustainable bioeconomy together — see you in Dublin!
Location: Wicklow Hall 1, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 9:00 - 17:00, Monday 19 October
EBRC Dublin Dialogue on Engineering Biology
Organised by: Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC – www.ebrc.org)
An interactive workshop examining how engineering biology can fuel the growth of the next generation global bioeconomy, addressing national strategies, biosecurity, and international policy priorities.
Location: Wicklow Meeting Room 3, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 14:00 - 17:00, Monday 19 October
Showcasing European Research and Technology Infrastructures for Biomanufacturing
Organised by: IBISBA-IE: the Irish National node for the European Research Infrastructure IBISBA
This Satellite Activity will showcase European research and technology infrastructures supporting biomanufacturing and the wider bioeconomy.
Participating organisations will highlight the facilities, expertise and services available to researchers, innovators and businesses across Europe. Displays will feature infrastructure coordinating bodies, the Irish node of IBISBA and its partners, relevant national and European projects, and organisations supporting biotechnology and food innovation.
Through exhibition stands, short videos and opportunities for direct engagement, participants will learn how shared research and technology infrastrutures can support collaboration, accelerate innovation and help promosing bio-based solutions progress towards commercial application.
Location: Liffey Hall 1, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 9:00 - 18:00, Monday 19 October
Renewable Gas Forum Ireland Members Meeting
Organised by: Renewable Gas Forum Ireland
RGFI members from across all aspects of the biomethane production industry, together with Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 participants, will update on the latest Ireland and EU strategic policy, the BIOMAPE programme and on-site developments. Circular bioeconomy implementation as an essential feature of agri-based biomethane deployment will feature in the discussions.
Location: Wicklow Meeting Room 1, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 14:00 - 17:30, Monday 19 October
Biofuels to the Rescue: The cross-sectoral integrative role of biofuels for energy security, climate stabilisation and resilient infrastructure within a sustainable bioeconomy.
Organised by: RENETECH Bioresources Ltd
The current energy crisis illustrates how high dependence on a fossil economy is not only damaging the climate but also contributes to deepening inequality and a lack of security for food, fertilisers, materials, and energy. Biofuels are among thekey mechanisms to provide the “glue” that binds together different applications, sectors, and systems in advancing a sustainable bioeconomy. This cross-cutting and integrative role has often been overlooked due to debates around the use of food crops for biofuels. The wide range of biofuel platforms and systems can overcome these constraints.
Particular attention will be given to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), where global demand is increasing rapidly alongside a strong willingness to pay for low-carbon alternatives as well as Liquified Biogas (LBG) usage in decarbonizing heavy-duty transport. In the maritime sector, the implementation of FuelEU Maritime and ETS2 is expected to significantly increase demand for biomethane for use in global shipping, creating both opportunities and supply challenges in the coming decade. The discussion will additionally cover drop-in fuels for road transport and agriculture, emphasizing their ability to leverage existing gas infrastructure, reduce fossil fuel imports, strengthen food security.
The satellite event will further examine how finance and policy can support the scaling of domestic biofuel markets and increase the value of agricultural and boreal biomass side streams. Through expert presentations and a panel discussion, participants will discuss innovative and coherent policy frameworks capable of supporting sustainable practices across industry and agriculture while delivering tangible benefits for both urban and rural populations. The session aims to foster dialogue on investment, sustainability governance, and practical pathways for accelerating thetransition to bio-based and renewable energy and materials.
Location: Liffey Meeting Room 5, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 11:00 - 12:30, Monday 19 October
High-Level Round Table: Launch of the Partnership for Global Bioeconomy
Organised by: International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy
This high-level round table will convene leading stakeholders from across the bioeconomy landscape to take stock of progress and explore the strategic priorities needed to advance a global bioeconomy transition. Co-organised by the IACGB and the founding partners of the Global Bioeconomy Partnership (GBP), the event will serve as the formal launch of the Partnership.
The discussion will provide an opportunity to reflect on developments in the global bioeconomy since the GBS in Nairobi in 2024, identifying where momentum has strengthened, where critical gaps persist, and why a durable network-of-networks is needed as an institutional response to the challenges and opportunities ahead. In this context, the IACGB and its founding partners will formally launch the GBP as a platform to help shape the future of the global bioeconomy in the transition towards the post-SDG era.
Participants will engage in a structured exchange guided by two overarching questions: how existing institutional mandates and networks can contribute to the Partnership’s objectives of elevating the bioeconomy within global agendas, fostering a shared language, and accelerating implementation through private sector engagement.
Participation by invitation only
Innovating for Impact: Bioeconomy Enterprises for Biodiversity and Inclusion
Organised by: Stockholm Environment Institute - SEI Latin America
An interactive roundtable exploring how bioeconomy companies can turn biodiversity and social inclusion commitments into innovative, scalable and regenerative business models
Location: Wicklow Meeting Room 2A, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 14:00 - 15:00, Monday 19 October
Plenary session of the International Bioeconomy Forum
Organised by: International Bioeconomy Forum
The International Bioeconomy Forum is a government-led platform for cooperation on global bioeconomy research and innovation. It implements activities through five Working Groups (Biorefineries, Forest Bioeconomy, Microbiome, Standards, Bioeconomy Solutions Library). This year’s plenary provides updates on the current and future activities of the Working Groups and launches the digital Solutions Library.
THIS EVENT IS INVITE ONLY
Tree-powered Bioeconomies and Biodiversity
Organised by: Landscape Alliance (CIFOR & ICRAF)
This pre-event session will explore the great potential of tree commodities in advancing inclusive bioeconomies while safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing landscape restoration.
Location: Wicklow Meeting Room 4, The Convention Centre Dublin
Time: 14:00 - 16:00, Monday 19 October
Who’s Actually Making Money in the Circular Bioeconomy
Organised by: Circular Intelligence, with community partner - The Circular Economists Dublin Chapter
A practical two-hour business clinic exploring what it takes to turn circular bioeconomy ambition into commercially viable business. A keynote and company stories will examine the realities of start-up and scale-up growth, followed by hosted coffee networking with The Circular Economists Dublin. The second half focuses on established SMEs and corporates: how supply chains, procurement, partnerships and investment can make circular bioeconomy business work in practice.
Location: The CCD
Time:
Embedding Bioeconomy in Education Programmes
Organised by: Bioeconomy Education and Sustainability Teachers Network (BEST)
Workshop discussion on bioeconomy education and visits to UCD facilities exploring microalgae production from wastewater, mushroom growing from coffee grounds and campus food-waste treatment.
Location: University College Dublin
Time: 11:00 - 16:30, Monday 19 October
The Bioeconomy Pubcast: Bridging Science, Policy, and Society
Organised by: BiOrbic, Bioeconomy Matters podcast & Pint of Science Ireland
Join us in person for a fun and engaging live podcast where we dive into the world of the bioeconomy. This event connects scientists, policymakers, and the community. Grab a drink, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future!
The evening will feature:
- Live "Bioeconomy Matters" pubcast panel conversation
- Short talks from BiOrbic researchers
- Bioeconomy-themed pub quiz across multiple rounds
- Live audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to put questions directly to
panellists and researchers - Delegates and attendees will feature as contributors to the live recording, meaning
GBS2026 voices reach the Bioeconomy Matters global audience beyond the evening - Networking opportunities
Location: The Ferryman, Dublin
Time: 18:00 - 21:00, Monday 19 October
Regional Bioeconomy in Action: From Local Solutions to Global Transformation
Organised by: EFI Bioregions & BIO2REG
The event brings together regional policymakers, practitioners and researchers to explore how regions advance the bioeconomy transition, from agricultural and forestry regions to coastal communities.
Location: The Gibson Hotel, Point Square, North Dock, D01 X2P2, Dublin, Ireland
Time: 13:30 - 16:30, Monday 19 October
ReFarm Conversations: Bringing the Bioeconomy to Life. Connecting farmers, finance and policy for nature
Organised by: ReFarm
An informal late-afternoon event bringing together farmers, policymakers, researchers, business leaders, finance and investment professionals to explore how farmer-led action, investment and enabling policy can support healthy, resilient landscapes. ReFarm channels public and private funding directly to farmers to deliver nature restoration on the ground. To date it has attracted over €3 million in funding commitments out to 2030 and is developing a scalable model to support further investment in nature-rich action on Irish farms. Using ReFarm as a case study, we will explore what the bioeconomy means on the ground through three connected perspectives: farmers, finance and policy.
Hosted by Ella McSweeney, the conversation will include Dr Artur Runge-Metzger, former senior European Commission official with extensive experience in European climate and environmental policy, and Anna van Paddenburg, international specialist in nature-based investment and resilient landscapes.
ReFarm farmers and other invited contributors will bring additional perspectives from the room before the discussion is opened to the wider room. The event is designed to be conversational, bringing practical experience from Irish farms together with European and international perspectives and encouraging an open exchange of views and ideas.
The event will be followed by drinks, food and networking.
Location: The Camden, 84 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 DH36
Time: 16:30 - 19:00, Monday 19 October
Irish Materials Working Group meeting
Organisers: Irish Materials Working Group in conjunction with BioDirect 2.0
This will be an important meeting for the Working Group as it moves from an establishment phase towards agreeing its structure, priorities and longer-term direction. In particular, the discussion around the Terms of Reference and the goals and mission of the group will give members an opportunity to shape what the Working Group focuses on and where it can add the most value.
Participation by members or by invitation only
Bioeconomy metrics and standards: developing a roadmap for scaling-up sustainable bioeconomy solutions
Organised by: International Bioeconomy Forum – Working Group for indicators, metrics and standards for bioeconomy, jointly organised by the European Commission, Directorate General Research & Innovation, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, Germany, and Climate & Company
This event will serve as a follow up event to the GBS2026 Workshop“Beyond invisibility: The role of metrics and standards for global scaling-up of sustainable and competitive bioeconomy solutions” (Tuesday, 20 October, 11:15-12:45) where this session will develop implementation and research roadmaps.
Location: Europe House, 5 Balfe Street, Dublin D02 E7K4
Time: 09:00 - 12:30, Thursday 22 October
From Sea to Soil: Marine Biostimulants & Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture
Organised by: Nua Mara, Teagasc, Marine Institute, and Udarás Na Gaeltachta
From Sea to Soil is an international symposium bringing together industry, academia, regulators and funders to address the issues limiting the large-scale roll-out of biostimulants and biopesticides derived from marine resources ; seaweeds, microalgae and the by-products of fisheries and aquaculture.
Held in Carna in the Connemara Gaeltacht, an area with a long history of seaweed use as fertiliser, biostimulant and food, the day moves from research and production through to legislation, market barriers, regulatory compliance and investment.
Speakers from Ireland, Europe, the USA, the Faroe Islands, Singapore, Mauritius and New Zealand will share their journeys, their challenges, and where they see the future of marine-derived crop inputs.
The symposium closes with a panel session drawing the day's insights into a roadmap for the sector, which will form part of a published report. The event is followed by an evening dinner at Tigh Mheaic on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Location: Carna, Co. na Gaillimhe, H91 HK10
Time: 09:00 - 18:00, Thursday 22 October
