Open Call: ADT4Blue’s OC2 Acceleration Programme

Apply to ADT4Blue Open Call 2 and access a 6-month programme combining customised training and mentoring to accelerate tech-driven ideas that tackle real challenges in the Blue Economy.

Focus Areas

• Coastal and Tourism Solutions
  • Coastal and marine sports and tourism offers opportunities for economic growth and local development, but it must be approached with a strong commitment to conservation. The goal is to effectively organise and promote services to visitors and users, creating a seamless and engaging experience.
• Communication
  • There is a growing need to integrate advanced technologies into the Blue Economy to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation across its various sectors.
• Data Analytics
  • Stakeholders struggle to have access to data, namely: economic data, marine and biodiversity index data, impacts of nature-based solutions and energy data.
• Port Activities
  • Port Authorities must manage their facilities and movements within a commercial harbour, which involves complex operations with numerous safety, security, and contractual obligations.
• Ocean Renewable Energies
  • Blue Economy activities are highly dependent on energy, making the high cost of energy a significant barrier to growth, sustainability, and competitiveness.
• Maritime Transports
  • Ensuring that ships remain connected to their head offices and the global network is crucial for modern maritime operations.
• Aquaculture and Fisheries
  • Global warming poses a critical challenge to fishing operations. As the climate changes, the marine environment undergoes significant transformations, affecting both fishing activities and the communities that rely on them.
• Ocean Monitoring, Conservation and Marine Ecosystem Protection
  • The cleaning products commonly used for the external parts of ships and boats often contain toxic substances, such as harmful particles or high concentrations of acids.

Benefits

• Work with expert mentors & trainers
• Build a strong business model
• Validate your idea with real feedback
• Connect with stakeholders
• Pitch your solution
• Selected participants benefit from:
  • Personalised training paths
  • 1-on-1 mentoring from experts
  • Exposure to networking & partners
  • Support to validate & scale your idea

Program Structure

• The programme runs for 6 months and is divided into two stages:
  • SPRINT 1: Training (3 months)
  • Online Entrepreneurship & Innovation workshop by University of Galway
  • Choose from 15+ expert-led modules in:
    • Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, Big Data, Cybersecurity
    • Agile Project Management, Leadership, Digital Marketing, Business Planning
  • Outcome: TRL 1–2 Go-to-Market Strategy, Pitch Deck
• SPRINT 2: Mentoring (3 months)
  • Participants who successfully complete SPRINT 1 will receive support in the following focus areas:
    • Business modelling & prototype development
    • Marketing, funding & investor readiness
    • Legal & IP issues
    • Access to partners, incubators, accelerators
  • Outcome: TRL 3+ Proof of Concept, Technology-Market Fit Report, Final Pitch

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be based in the EU or an associated country
• You can apply as an individual or team/consortium
• Open to:
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Legally established SMEs & start-ups
  • Innovators and researchers
  • Higher education students & alumni
  • Teams or individuals with a passion for Blue Economy innovative ideas

For more information, visit ADT4Blue.