On 3 September 2026, INNO2MARE proudly celebrated the achievements of three inspiring professionals at the INNO2MARE Young Innovation Leader Recognition Award ceremony, recognising their outstanding contributions to the maritime sector and their commitment to advancing innovation, safety and sustainability.
The award was presented to Ivana Jeličić, Aja Pivko and Naomi Vanderstockt, whose diverse professional experiences demonstrate the valuable contribution that young professionals and women can make to the transformation of the maritime industry.
The three award recipients represent different perspectives and areas of expertise within the maritime sector. Their experiences underline the importance of connecting practical seafaring experience, professional expertise, research and fresh perspectives with the development of new maritime technologies, safety solutions, innovation strategies and policy.
Bringing experience and new perspectives to maritime innovation
The maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by digitalisation, decarbonisation, automation and new technologies. At the same time, successful innovation depends not only on technological development, but also on the people who understand the realities and challenges of maritime operations.
The careers and achievements of Ivana Jeličić, Aja Pivko and Naomi Vanderstockt illustrate the value of bringing knowledge from different parts of the maritime ecosystem together. Their professional journeys demonstrate how hands-on experience, technical and academic expertise, leadership and innovative thinking can contribute to creating solutions that are relevant to the needs of the sector.
By recognising emerging leaders, INNO2MARE aims to highlight the people who are helping shape the maritime sector of tomorrow and inspire a new generation to pursue careers in maritime innovation.
Supporting women and young professionals in maritime
Women and young professionals have an increasingly important role to play in the transformation of the maritime industry. Their participation brings new ideas, different experiences and perspectives that can strengthen innovation and contribute to more inclusive and resilient maritime ecosystems.
At INNO2MARE, we believe that supporting women and young professionals in maritime is essential for building a safer, smarter and more sustainable sector.
The Young Innovation Leader Recognition Award therefore goes beyond celebrating individual achievements. It reflects INNO2MARE's broader commitment to fostering an innovation culture in which talent, knowledge and new ideas can develop across academia, industry and the wider maritime community.
Inspiring the maritime sector of tomorrow
The award ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the recipients while also reflecting on the future of maritime innovation. As the sector continues to embrace digital and green transitions, strong collaboration between researchers, industry professionals, seafarers, policymakers and the next generation of maritime leaders will be increasingly important.
The recognition of Ivana Jeličić, Aja Pivko and Naomi Vanderstockt is a reminder that innovation is ultimately driven by people, by their expertise, curiosity, commitment and willingness to challenge established approaches.
INNO2MARE congratulates all three Young Innovation Leaders and thanks them for their contribution to the future of the maritime sector.
Their achievements are an inspiration to young professionals across Europe and a strong reminder that the maritime industry has an exciting future when experience, innovation and fresh perspectives come together.
