Deadline: 30-Sep-21
The Atlantic Smart Ports Blue Acceleration Network (AspBAN) is launching a open call for startups to Accelerate Blue Innovation Program.
The Atlantic Smart Ports Blue Acceleration Network (AspBAN) is a project that has been awarded funding by the European Union’ DG MARE. Focused on developing a dynamic acceleration platform, AspBAN helps EU Atlantic ports work as blue economy hubs.
Benefits
Joining this program means taking a deep dive into the blue tech ecosystem. It will involve sharing specific knowledge while connecting the participating startups to relevant investors, like-minded people and mentors to accelerate their businesses.
You will have the chance to:
- Gain exposure towards relevant partners
- Build strong and lasting relationships
- Grow your network
- Receive investment opportunities
- Work with experts in the area both on business level and industry level
- Access to Perks
What AspBAN is looking?
- Blue Economy sectors:
- Green / Smart Ports & Ports activities
- Shipyards, Shipbuilding and ship conversión
- Marine construction & infrastructure
- Maritime transport & Green shipping
- Blue Biotechnology
- Fisheries
- Aquaculture
- Marine & coastal tourism
- Marine Business Services
- High-tech Marine Services
- Safety & Surveillance
- Marine renewable energy
- Marine seabed mining
- Dredging
- Multi-Purpose Platforms
- Marine Research & Development and Ocean literacy
- Marine pollution (plastic and other) monitoring, clean-up or management
- Technologies:
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality
- Big Data
- Blockchain
- Predictive analytics
- Cloud Technology
- Cybersecurity
- 3D/4D
- Hardware
- Infrastructure
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Nanotechnology
- New Materials;
- Robotics;
- Software;
- Wearables;
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles;
- Smart grids
- Smart energy management
- Intelligent asset development
- How is it related to Ports?
- Digitalisation and improved operational efficiency
- Green Transition and positive impact on achieving sustainability metrics
- Ports as hubs for blue economy (new business for the ports)
Eligibility Criteria
- The program is open for startups that want to be active within the European blue innovation ecosystem.
- If you:
- Have – at least – a prototype ready
- Ready to raise money – ideally just until series A
- This program is focused on strengthening innovation in the European blue economy. It will be open for startups that are both able and willing to implement their solutions in AspBAN’s.
Selection Criteria
- Feasibility: Is your business/project feasible? They will be looking to have the following questions answered, preferably supported with numbers. How well do you understand the market, market size and competitors? How much does it cost to start, get into the market and scale? If needed: can you get sufficient funding?
- Team: Credible team, quality CVs, relevant qualifications/experience;
- Product: Clearly innovative or disruptive, differentiated from existing solutions, scalable, exhibits sustainable competitive advantage potential and fit with the program and the Program Member’s challenges;
- Market: Large addressable market to facilitate significant sales growth (minimum $1 billion USD, if applicable);
- Business Plan: Viable business model based on credit commercial and economic assumptions;
- Impact: (Potential for) positive social/environment impact connected to the Sustainable Development Goals;
- Location: (Ability and willingness to be) Active in the Atlantic Strategy Committee Member countries (Ireland, Portugal, Spain and France).
For more information, visit https://aspban.eu/project2021/