ADT4Blue Blue Economy challenge is an open innovation competition that invites entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, researchers, and students to develop innovative solutions for the Blue Economy. Furthermore, ADT4Blue supports applicants from Europe and EU associated countries with creative ideas that address specific Blue Economy challenges. Therefore, participants must align their solutions with one of the defined challenge areas available on the ADT4Blue platform. In addition, teams and individuals with a passion for Blue Economy innovation are also eligible to apply.
What Is the ADT4Blue Blue Economy Challenge?
The ADT4Blue Blue Economy challenge calls for innovative ideas that address critical challenges in maritime industries, coastal management, and sustainable ocean use. Moreover, ADT4Blue focuses on accelerating the deployment of practical and scalable solutions across the European Blue Economy. Consequently, participants gain access to mentoring, networking, and visibility opportunities within the European Blue Economy ecosystem. As a result, winning innovators can scale their solutions and attract investors and industry partners.
Programme and Funding Details
ADT4Blue operates as a Horizon Europe-supported initiative that fosters open innovation in the Blue Economy sector. The challenge runs with specific application windows and defined challenge areas available for download on the ADT4Blue website. Also, applicants must review the detailed challenge descriptions before preparing their submissions. However, funding and prize details vary by challenge area — applicants must consult the ADT4Blue website for the latest information.
Who Can Apply?
Entrepreneurs, legally established SMEs and start-ups, innovators, researchers, students, and alumni are eligible to apply. Moreover, teams and individuals based in Europe or EU associated countries can participate. Applicants must have innovative ideas that directly address one of the stated ADT4Blue Blue Economy challenge areas. Furthermore, passion for Blue Economy innovation and a clear solution concept are the most important eligibility criteria for participation.
Deadline and How to Apply
The 2025 challenge window ran from 28 April to 28 July 2025. Therefore, applicants for future editions must monitor the ADT4Blue website for upcoming call announcements and new challenge descriptions. Also, Urban Technology Alliance tracks Blue Economy and maritime innovation opportunities for our network. Visit our funding page to discover other open Blue Economy and innovation funding calls across Europe.