On 16 September 2026, DTO-BioFlow hosted an online matchmaking event bringing together projects, researchers, biodiversity data providers, and infrastructure stakeholders to showcase DTO-BioFlow solutions that are contributing to build the biodiversity component of the European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO).
The session provided an opportunity to discover DTO-BioFlow’s Demonstrator Use Cases (DUCs), explore project outputs and capacity-building resources, and discuss solutions and opportunities for data integration, collaboration, and the wider uptake of biodiversity data tools and services.
Explore the full event resources, including the recording, Q&A, and interactive poll (Sli.do) results.
Connecting Biodiversity Data with the European Digital Twin Ocean
The event featured a series of presentations showcasing how DTO-BioFlow resources can support the biodiversity data community.
Klaas Deneudt (VLIZ) introduced the project’s outputs and capacity-building resources, while Christina Pavloudi (EMBRC) presented “Biodiversity Data Flow Concepts – EMODnet & EDITO Linkages,” exploring how biodiversity data can flow between infrastructures and contribute to a connected data ecosystem.
The animated data visualisation, developed by Willem Boone (VLIZ), illustrated the potential of connecting and enriching biodiversity data. The discussion also highlighted the value of resources such as EMO-BON and metabarcoding data in supporting marine biodiversity research and monitoring.
Showcasing Demonstrator Use Cases 
Matthias Obst (University of Gothenburg) presented the Demonstrator Use Cases, including a deep dive into the Invasive Species Use Case. The session explored the value, accessibility, and potential applications of DTO-BioFlow tools and services, helping participants understand how to use these resources in practice.
Interactive Q&A sessions provided opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, raise questions, and share perspectives on biodiversity data integration and the future development of the Digital Twin Ocean ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The event reinforced the importance of collaboration between biodiversity data providers, researchers, projects, and digital infrastructure developers. Oonagh McMeel (Seascape Belgium) also presented DTO-BioFlow’s work towards its policy brief, highlighting how the project’s findings, stakeholder input, and lessons learned can help inform future developments in marine biodiversity data and the European Digital Twin Ocean.
The discussions and feedback gathered during the matchmaking session will contribute to the continued development of the policy brief and other DTO-BioFlow outputs.
By connecting data, tools, and communities, DTO-BioFlow continues to support the discovery, sharing, and uptake of marine biodiversity resources by the wider community and within the evolving European Digital Twin Ocean ecosystem.
See you again in October for our next DTO-BioFlow Matchmaking Event!
Join our next DTO-BioFlow Matchmaking Event on 5 October 2026, from 09:00–11:30 CEST, for a Technical Showcase on Subsea Image Analysis Services for the Digital Twin Ocean.
Explore innovative approaches to subsea image analysis and discover their potential applications within the Digital Twin Ocean.
