The INNOVABLUE Challenge is an initiative designed to transform research into practical solutions for seas, rivers, and lakes. It invites multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative concepts that promote the sustainable use of aquatic environments and bolster blue economy sectors throughout the ADRION region. The competition serves as a bridge, connecting researchers, innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs with tangible market needs identified by SMEs, public authorities, ports, and environmental stakeholders. Implemented within the Innovablue project, the challenge aims to enhance innovation uptake by fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and SMEs.
Participant Benefits
• Access to real market and user challenges.
• Collaboration opportunities with SMEs and key sector stakeholders.
• Increased visibility among industry leaders and investors.
• Participation in international hackathons.
• Mentoring and continuous follow-up support.
• The opportunity to be recognized as a Blue Champion.
• Accommodation costs for selected hackathon teams are covered by the Innovablue project.
Eligibility and Team Composition
• Ideal applicants include researchers, innovators, startup teams, and technology developers.
• Teams must consist of a minimum of three members, with multidisciplinary teams being encouraged.
• A total of 30 teams will be selected to participate, with 15 teams allocated to each of the two hackathons.
Challenge Focus and Topics
The INNOVABLUE Challenge is problem-driven, seeking solutions that are pilot-ready or near deployment (TRL 3–4+), with clear pathways toward real-world implementation. Higher TRL levels are considered favorable.
Topic 1: Smart Monitoring and Digital Tools for Blue Environments and SMEs
• Problem: SMEs and public operators often lack access to affordable, real-time environmental data and sector-specific digital tools, which limits compliance, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.
• Solution Areas: Low-cost water quality sensing, AI analytics for pollution/biodiversity monitoring, digital twins for ports and aquaculture, environmental compliance tools, traceability platforms, and sustainable blue tourism tools.
• Beneficiaries: Water utilities, municipalities, ports, aquaculture businesses, SMEs, tourism operators, and regulators.
Topic 2: Blue Biotechnology Solutions for Environmental Health and Sustainability
• Problem: Aquatic ecosystems are under pressure from pollution and biodiversity loss, while valuable biological resources remain underutilized due to gaps in validation and commercialization.
• Solution Areas: Bioremediation technologies, environmental biotech monitoring, bio-based compound extraction, biodiversity restoration technologies, environmental/public health applications, and blue biotech commercialization pathways.
• Beneficiaries: Biotech SMEs, research teams, aquaculture sector, environmental actors, and public health organizations.
Program Timeline
• Call Opens: February 26th, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 31st, 2026
• Selection Results Announced: May 2026
• Hackathon 1 (Skopje, North Macedonia): June 30th – July 2nd, 2026
• Hackathon 2 (Šibenik, Croatia): September 15th – 17th, 2026 (to be confirmed)
• Blue Champions Selected: October 2026
Awards and Support
• Blue Champions Awards: Following the hackathons, a jury from the DIH Innovamare Technical Secretariat will select five teams as Blue Champions.
• Support Package: Each of the five winning teams will receive a support package valued at €5,000, providing targeted expert services for technology refinement, validation, testing, and market readiness.
• Mentoring Programme: The five Blue Champions will receive a total of 20 mentoring sessions. Each team is allocated four tailored sessions (½–1 day each) with experts from Innovablue and DIH Innovamare, covering technology, business, and market domains.
Application Process
To apply, teams must register via the Mairos platform by March 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Applicants must choose their preferred hackathon location (Skopje or Šibenik) during registration. Submissions must include:
• A team description, with preference given to multidisciplinary teams.
• A detailed description of the solution concept.
• The solution's maturity level (TRL 3-4 minimum).
• The expected commercialization pathway following the hackathon.
• The Rules and Regulations, along with an event flyer, are available for review. For additional questions, please contact info@innovamare.org.
The INNOVABLUE Challenge is dedicated to connecting research, industry, and innovation ecosystems to accelerate the development of sustainable blue solutions. The program invites bold, practical ideas that are ready to transition from concept to deployment, offering a platform for innovators to help shape the future of sustainable water environments.