AquaSphere Launches Second Open Call to Support 16 High-Potential Blue Economy Startups Across Europe
Applications open until 31 March 2026 for fully funded, 8-week accelerator programme
Following the success of its inaugural cohort—bringing together more than 10 start-ups from 9 countries – AquaSphere today announces the launch of its second Open Call for the AquaSphere Accelerator Programme, welcoming 16 new start-ups into its expanding European innovation community.
Designed for ambitious start-ups and scale-ups tackling maritime challenges, water sustainability, and coastal resilience, the programme offers a fully funded, eight-week virtual acceleration experience focused on investment readiness, technical validation, and market expansion.
As part of a pan-European initiative funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative, AquaSphere bridges education, research, and entrepreneurship to strengthen Europe’s blue economy ecosystem.
Unlocking the Ocean’s Innovation Potential
The ocean represents vast untapped potential for sustainable growth and technological advancement. AquaSphere serves as a launchpad for ventures developing cutting-edge solutions in:
- Maritime and ocean technology
- Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries
- Water and wastewater management
- Ocean renewable energy
- Coastal protection and resilience
- Adjacent blue economy innovation domains
The programme is tailored for pre-seed, seed, and Series A ventures aiming to raise investment within the next 18–24 months and scale across Europe and beyond.
What Selected Startups Will Gain
Participants in the 2026 cohort will benefit from:
- Tailored mentoring from maritime and water-tech experts
- Technical validation to refine and strengthen their solutions
- Investor readiness support, including pitch training and ecosystem exposure
- Strategic connections across academia, industry, and innovation networks
- Growth strategy workshops and business development sessions
All programme activities are delivered virtually, ensuring accessibility without compromising intensity or impact.
Who Should Apply
AquaSphere welcomes applications from:
- Technical founders with maritime or water-tech breakthroughs
- Teams addressing critical industry challenges
- Researchers with commercial ambitions
- Start-ups committed to raising capital and delivering measurable market impact
To be eligible, companies must:
- Be established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country
- Operate at pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage
- Plan to raise investment within 18–24 months
- Demonstrate strong market vision and growth ambition
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Selected Ventures Announced: 18 April 2026
- Programme Duration: 4 May – 29 June 2026
Join the Next Wave of Maritime Innovators
AquaSphere is positioning itself as Europe’s premier investment-readiness platform for blue economy ventures. By strengthening collaboration between academia, research institutions, and high-growth start-ups, the programme contributes directly to building a resilient and sustainable maritime future.
Start-ups ready to scale their impact and secure investment are encouraged to apply now.
Apply here: Application Link
For more information please visit: https://aquasphereproject.eu/acceleration-programs/
Enquiries: info@aquasphereproject.eu
Social media: LinkedIn Instagram
About AquaSphere
AquaSphere is a pan-European accelerator initiative dedicated to empowering blue economy ventures through structured mentoring, technical validation, and investment-readiness support. Funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative, the programme connects innovators with academia, investors, and industry to accelerate sustainable solutions across Europe’s maritime and water sectors.