Co-Founder of a Tunisian Startup in Sustainable Energy & Blue Economy | 2022–2026
From Marine Experience to Sustainable Blue Innovation
Between 2022 and 2026, Chaima BEN GRIRA expanded her professional journey into entrepreneurship as co-founder and COO of a Tunisian startup operating at the intersection of sustainable energy, maritime activities, and the Blue Economy.
Building on her previous experience in marine conservation, fisheries, fieldwork, and coastal communities, she became part of a multidisciplinary entrepreneurial team developing innovative solutions for more sustainable maritime activities.
The startup’s work focused particularly on the intersection between clean energy and the maritime sector, responding to the need for more efficient and sustainable solutions for fishing and aquaculture communities.
Leading, Connecting, and Building
As a co-founder and COO, Chaima BEN GRIRA contributed to the development of the startup alongside a multidisciplinary team, bringing together different areas of expertise around a common objective: turning innovation into practical solutions for the Blue Economy. Her contribution extended beyond the technical and entrepreneurial development of the project.
She played an important role in communication, promotion, networking, and stakeholder engagement, helping connect the startup with partners, institutions, innovation ecosystems, and potential opportunities.
A Face of the Project
Through her professional network, communication skills, and participation in entrepreneurial events and pitching opportunities, Chaima contributed to strengthening the visibility, credibility, and positioning of the startup.
Her presence in public events, innovation programs, and professional networks helped communicate the project’s vision to different audiences and build relationships around its development.
She was not only part of the team; she became one of the recognizable faces of the project, carrying its vision, expanding its network, and strengthening its presence within the Blue Economy ecosystem.
Recognition & Awards
The entrepreneurial journey was marked by recognition at both national and international levels.
The startup participated in major innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including the Prix Orange de l’Entrepreneur Social en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient (POESAM). Orange describes POESAM as a program recognizing technology-based startups with social and/or environmental impact.
The team’s journey also led to recognition through the WestMED Initiative. In 2025, the startup was awarded the WestMED Project Award and was selected by participants as the “best-of-the-best” project among the recognized initiatives. (WestMED)
This recognition placed the project within a wider Mediterranean ecosystem focused on blue innovation, energy transition, sustainable fisheries, and resilient coastal communities.
From Entrepreneurship to Impact
This experience strengthened Chaima BEN GRIRA’s ability to work at the intersection of:
Innovation · Sustainable Energy · Blue Economy · Entrepreneurship · Marine Activities · Team Leadership · Communication · Networking · Stakeholder Engagement · Project Promotion
More importantly, it demonstrated how entrepreneurship can become a bridge between scientific knowledge, environmental challenges, and real-world solutions.
Building the Vision Behind SHE4SEA
For SHE4SEA, this entrepreneurial chapter represents a significant stage in Chaima BEN GRIRA’s professional evolution.
From working directly with fishers and coastal communities to participating in scientific and conservation projects and later contributing to the development of innovative clean-energy solutions for the maritime sector, her journey has progressively connected field experience with entrepreneurship and innovation.
These experiences helped shape the vision behind SHE4SEA:
To connect women, knowledge, innovation, and opportunities to accelerate a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient Mediterranean Blue Economy