The AquaSphere Project is proud to announce the launch of IDEAS, a cutting-edge venture support programme designed to empower university students to transform innovative ideas into sustainable startups in the blue economy and maritime sectors.
Open to Bachelor, Master, and PhD students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and associate partner universities, IDEAS invites motivated individuals and teams with an entrepreneurial mindset to apply. Participants must present early-stage business ideas, ideally aligned with sustainability, maritime, and blue economy challenges.
The six-week virtual programme will provide students with:
- Expert mentoring from entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
- Access to resources including venture development templates, prototyping tools, and digital platforms.
- Connections to a pan-European network of universities, industries, and innovation hubs.
- Peer-learning opportunities and visibility through AquaSphere communications.
- Support in refining business models, value propositions, and go-to-market strategies.
Upon completion, participants will receive an EIT Certificate and follow-up support to strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.
Important Dates:
- Call opens: 22 September 2025
- Application deadline: 24 October 2025
- Selection & onboarding: by 31 October 2025
- Programme starts: November 2025
- Duration: 6 weeks
Applications can be submitted via the online form here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/ab1b6834b7498cc5d3a90eb100f510e3?r=euc1
“IDEAS is more than a training programme — it is a platform to ignite ambition, accelerate growth, and build a new generation of startups driven by innovation in the sustainable blue economy,” said [insert AquaSphere representative].
More information: www.aquasphereproject.eu, info@aquasphereproject.eu
AquaSphere Consortium:
Technical University of Crete (Coordinator, Greece), Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK), IZMIR Institute of Technology (Turkey), University of Antilles (France), Envolve Entrepreneurship (Greece), TechTour (Bulgaria).
About the EIT HEI Initiative:
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) HEI Initiative supports higher education institutions with resources and tools to enhance their innovation and entrepreneurial capacity, in alignment with Europe’s strategic priorities for education, industry, and sustainability.
