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Apply Now: BLUNEW Accelerator to support Innovation in Marine and Coastal Solutions

Deadline: 27-Apr-2026

The BLUNEW Project supports innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students developing solutions for the blue economy across Europe’s ADRION region. Selected teams join a six-week online accelerator offering training, mentoring, networking, and resources to scale sustainable marine, freshwater, and coastal innovations.

Program Overview

The BLUNEW Accelerator targets innovative solutions in the blue economy, focusing on:

  • Freshwater management and water innovations

  • Maritime decarbonisation and sustainable ports

  • Blue biotechnology

  • Aquaculture and seaweed innovation

  • Marine ecosystem preservation

  • Sustainable marine and coastal solutions

The program is designed to turn innovative ideas into viable, scalable solutions.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible participants include:

  • Early-stage startups

  • Entrepreneurs exploring blue economy solutions

  • Student or university teams

  • Researchers developing real-world applications

  • Professionals interested in business opportunities within the blue economy

Program Structure

Accelerator Format

  • Duration: 6 weeks (online)

  • Teams Selected: 15

  • Language: English

  • Mode: Intensive online training and mentoring

Key Components

  • Expert-led online training (20+ hours) covering:

    • Design Thinking for Blue Innovation

    • Freshwater Management Tools

    • Climate-Resilient and Clean Tech Solutions

    • Business Modeling and Investor Pitching

    • Go-to-Market Strategies

    • Partnerships and Public–Private Collaboration

    • Financing Mechanisms for Blue Innovation

    • Impact, Sustainability, and Inclusive Innovation

  • One-to-one mentoring with innovation and sustainability experts

  • Access to toolkits for sustainable business development

  • Networking opportunities with researchers, innovation hubs, and stakeholders in the ADRION region

  • Pitch preparation and final Demo Day presentation

Why It Matters

The accelerator helps participants:

  • Transform innovative ideas into practical solutions

  • Gain business and technical skills specific to the blue economy

  • Connect with experts, investors, and networks across the ADRION region

  • Advance sustainability and climate resilience in marine and freshwater sectors

How to Apply

  1. Confirm eligibility as an early-stage startup, researcher, student team, or professional exploring blue economy solutions

  2. Prepare a concise proposal outlining your solution, potential impact, and scalability

  3. Submit the application through the BLUNEW Project portal

  4. Participate in team selection if shortlisted

  5. Join the six-week online program with mentor guidance and training

Benefits for Selected Teams

  • Structured innovation support program

  • Expert mentoring and pitch preparation

  • Networking with key stakeholders across Europe’s ADRION region

  • Access to practical toolkits and resources

  • Final opportunity to present at Demo Day

FAQ

Q1: Who can participate in the BLUNEW Accelerator?

  • Early-stage startups, entrepreneurs, student or university teams, researchers, and professionals in the blue economy.

Q2: How long is the program?

  • Six weeks, conducted entirely online in English.

Q3: How many teams will be selected?

  • 15 teams will be accepted into the accelerator.

Q4: What topics are covered in training?

  • Design Thinking, freshwater management, maritime decarbonisation, blue biotechnology, business modeling, go-to-market strategies, financing, and sustainability.

Q5: What is the final outcome of the program?

  • Teams will present solutions at Demo Day, gain mentoring, networking, and resources to scale their innovations.

Q6: Are there networking opportunities?

  • Yes, participants connect with researchers, innovation hubs, and stakeholders across the ADRION region.

Q7: Is prior experience required?

  • No, but participants should have an idea, project, or research solution in the blue economy sector.

Conclusion

The BLUNEW Project Accelerator is a key opportunity for innovators in Europe’s ADRION region to develop and scale solutions for the blue economy, from freshwater management to marine ecosystem preservation. With training, mentoring, networking, and resource support, the program equips teams to transform ideas into impactful, sustainable solutions.

For more information, visit Interreg.