Call for applications: accelerate your digital solution for the blue economy
ADT4Blue (Advanced Digital Technologies for the Blue Economy) is a European programme that aims to accelerate digital innovation in the blue economy. Through its third Open Call, at least 30 proposals will be selected for an intensive 6-month acceleration programme combining training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
The focus is on solutions that leverage advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, blockchain, and cybersecurity, to address concrete challenges faced by the blue economy.
18 challenges across 7 domains
Your idea or project must align with one of the 18 challenges within the following domains:
- Ocean Renewable Energies
- Ocean Monitoring, Conservation and Marine Ecosystem Protection
- Port Activities
- Shipping, Repair & Antifouling
- Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Communication
- Ocean Literacy
Who can apply?
Do you have an innovative idea related to one of these challenges, and are you based in Europe or in a country participating in the Horizon Europe programme? Then you are eligible to apply.
The call is open to a broad group of innovators active in the blue economy, including:
- Entrepreneurs;
- SMEs and start-ups;
- Innovators and researchers;
- Students and higher-education alumni.
You may submit your idea individually, as a company, or as a team/consortium.
Looking for partners to collaborate on a joint proposal? The programme offers matchmaking opportunities and an online networking platform.
What's in it for you?
Successful applicants gain access to the ADT4Blue OC3 programme, a 6-month support package including:
- Tailored training & mentoring
- Online workshops on entrepreneurship and innovation
- Online courses on digital technologies, management and entrepreneurship
- Mentoring by industry and ecosystem experts
- Pitch sessions to present your idea
- Networking events with partners, investors and fellow innovators
- Support to strengthen your concept and develop your market strategy
Key dates
- Call opening: 29 October 2025
- Submission deadline: 30 December 2025, 17:00 CET
- Evaluation & selection: January 2026
- Final event: between August and October 2026, in Aveiro (Portugal)
Information sessies
Several online matchmaking events and webinars will be organised to explain the call and help applicants find partners.
The next online session takes place on Wednesday 3 December at 11:00. You can find the full schedule of sessions on the ADT4Blue website.
