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Funding for training and mentoring in the area of Blue Economy

28/07/2025

Deadline: 28 July 2025

The European project ADT4Blue (Advanced Digital Technologies for the Blue Economy), funded under the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, opened a call to identify and support up to 30 innovative proposals (from individuals or teams) that address specific Blue Economy challenges using Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs). If you wish to secure funding for training and mentoring and develop your idea from concept to proof of concept, this could be ideal for you.

Topics

The main objectives of ADT4Blue Open Call 2 (OC2) are to: 

  • Provide selected applicants with tailored training and mentoring to strengthen their entrepreneurial and technical skills; 
  • Accelerate the development and market-readiness of early-stage solutions, helping participants progress from concept (TRL 1–2) to proof of concept (TRL 3+), with a focus on sustainability, digitisation, and economic impact;
  • Foster interregional collaboration within the Atlantic Area (France, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain) by connecting participants with mentors, investors, and Blue Economy stakeholders;
  • Encourage the practical application of digital technologies (such as AI, IoT, and blockchain) in real-world Blue Economy domains, including fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, and ocean conservation.

Proposals must answer one of the challenges indicated in Table 3 of the applicant guidelines. Further information on these challenges can be found in the challenges document. 

Funding

Each selected proposal (individual or team) will receive a lump sum of 14,000 € to support the development of their solution throughout the programme. This funding is non-equity and intended to help cover costs associated with participation in the training, mentoring, and solution development phases of the OC2 programme. 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include both legal entities and individuals with a background or interest in the Blue Economy. This includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and entrepreneurs, as well as natural persons such as technologists, researchers, higher education students, alumni, and domain experts. All applicants must be based in either an EU Member State or an Interreg Europe associated country, which includes select non-EU nations participating in the programme. Proposals can come from individual or team applications. 

Duration 

The full OC2 programme runs for 6 months after selection and onboarding: 

  • SPRINT 1 – Training Phase: Expected to start shortly after onboarding (likely in late September or early October 2025) and run for 3 months. 
  • SPRINT 2 – Mentoring Phase: This phase follows immediately after SPRINT 1 and continues for an additional 3 months, concluding the programme around March 2026.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted through the F6S platform before the deadline. 

Supporting material

Interested applicants are invited to the ADT4Blue Q&A Second Seminar, scheduled for 15 July 2025. Registration is required, but attendance at the event is free of charge. 

Additional information can be obtained here.

Please note that if you are considering applying, you must adhere to these guidelines. Get in touch with us (cesam-gesciencia@ua.pt) and we can provide you with specific support.