The BLUNEW Accelerator Programme, funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme, launches an Open Call for innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and students working on solutions for the future of the Blue Economy.
If you have an innovative idea related to water management, marine ecosystems, or sustainable blue technologies, this is your opportunity to develop it into a viable solution.
Only 15 teams will be selected to participate in an intensive 6-week online accelerator programme designed to support the development of innovative and scalable blue economy solutions.
Participants will benefit from expert mentoring, specialized training, and networking opportunities with innovation stakeholders across the ADRION region.
The programme will conclude with a Demo Day, where teams will present their solutions to experts and potential investors.
Applications are open from 9 March 2026 until 27 April 2026.
Objectives
The BLUNEW Accelerator Programme aims to:
- Support innovation and entrepreneurship in the Blue Economy
- Help innovative ideas evolve into scalable business solutions
- Strengthen collaboration between research, academia and industry
- Promote sustainable and climate-resilient technologies
- Encourage cross-regional cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian region
Scope
The programme welcomes innovative ideas related to:
- Freshwater management and water innovation
- Maritime decarbonisation and sustainable ports
- Blue biotechnology, aquaculture and seaweed innovation
- Marine ecosystem preservation
- Sustainable marine and coastal solutions
Eligible applicants include:
- Entrepreneurs and early-stage startups
- Students and university teams
- Researchers developing applied solutions
- Professionals exploring new business opportunities
Guidelines
Selected teams will participate in a 6-week online accelerator programme including:
- 20+ hours of expert-led online training
- Mentoring from innovation and sustainability experts
- Access to practical tools for sustainable business development
- Networking with researchers, innovation hubs and industry stakeholders
- One-to-one mentoring and pitch preparation
- Participation in the final Demo Day
Training topics include:
- 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
Programme timeline:
- Applications open: 9 March 2026
- Accelerator programme: 18 May – 29 June 2026
Deadline
27/04/2026
Submission
Applications must be submitted through the online Application Form available on the BLUNEW project call.
- More information about the Open Call and programme methodology: Preliminary Study for Designing and Launching Pilot Activities
- More information about project BLUNEW, Interreg IPA ADRION: BLUNEW
- More information about the Open Call and programme methodology: Preliminary Study for Designing and Launching Pilot Activities
- More information about project BLUNEW, Interreg IPA ADRION: BLUNEW
