Are you a blue economy innovator? BLUNEW Project is launching an Open Call to help you develop your solutions for the blue economy.
In the framework of Interreg IPA ADRION Programme, the funded project BLUNEW has launched an Open Call through its dedicated Programme BLUNEW Accelerator. The Call is open for innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and students with innovative idea related to water, marine ecosystems, or sustainable blue technologies, to develop solutions for the future of the blue economy.
15 teams will be selected for joining an intensive 6-week online accelerator programme designed to help transform ideas into viable and scalable solutions.
Who should apply? And which idea?
The eligible participants could be:
- an entrepreneur or early-stage startup
- a student or university team with an innovative idea
- a researcher looking to develop real-world solutions
- a professional exploring a business opportunity
The idea should contribute to specific areas as:
- freshwater management and water innovations
- maritime decarbonisation and sustainable ports
- blue biotechnology, aquaculture or seaweed innovation
- marine ecosystem preservation
- sustainable marine and coastal solutions
What will you gain?
The winning teams will receive a structured innovation support programme, which will include:
- 20+ hours of expert-led online training
- mentoring from innovation and sustainability experts
- access to a toolkit of practical tools for sustainable business development
- networking with researchers, innovation hubs and stakeholders across the ADRION region
- one-to-one mentoring and pitch preparation
- the opportunity to present your solution at the final Demo Day
The 20+ hours of expert-led online training will be carried out in English and will focus on topics as:
- Design Thinking for Blue Innovation
- Freshwater Management Tools
- Climate-Resilient and Clean Tech Solutions
- Business Modeling & Investor Pitching
- Go-to-Market Strategies
- Partnerships and Public–Private Collaboration
- Financing mechanisms for blue innovation
- Impact, sustainability and inclusive innovation, and more
Programme timeline
📅 Applications open: 9 March 2026
📅 Application deadline: 27 April 2026
👉 Apply here: Application Form
The online accelerator programme will be held from 18 May to 29 June 2026, and it will conclude with a Demo Day, where participants will pitch their solutions to experts and potential investors. If you need more information about the Open Call and programme methodology, check the Preliminary Study for Designing and Launching Pilot Activities.
BLUNEW is enhancing capacity building for the blue economy sector in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The project aims to create a strong network, involving key stakeholders as research hubs, universities, development agencies, and municipalities.
