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Accelerator Program
Empowering Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Capabilities for Water and Maritime Innovation and Entrepreneurship
AquaSphere is a pioneering initiative under the EIT Higher Education Initiative that aims to empower Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as key drivers of water and maritime innovation. Through strategic collaboration, capacity building, and entrepreneurship, AquaSphere is shaping the future of sustainable blue economy solutions across Europe and beyond.
About
AquaSphere addresses the urgent need for sustainable water and maritime innovation by enhancing the capabilities of HEIs.
Accelerator Program
The AquaSphere Accelerator is designed to support new ventures in the water and maritime sectors.
AquaSphere Project Launches to Boost Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Maritime and Water Sectors
The world’s oceans and freshwater systems are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, pollution, overfishing, and unsustainable resource exploitation. These issues not only threaten marine and aquatic ecosystems but also pose significant risks to global food security, economic stability, and coastal communities. The blue economy, which encompasses all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal areas, is projected to double its contribution to global GDP by 2030. However, achieving sustainable growth in this sector requires innovative solutions and a skilled workforce equipped to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in developing the human capital and knowledge base necessary for driving innovation in the blue economy. However, many HEIs lack the capacity to effectively bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application in maritime and water-related fields. There is a pressing need to enhance the innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities of HEIs, fostering closer collaboration with industry and policymakers to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable solutions for marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The AquaSphere project addresses this need by creating a dynamic ecosystem that connects HEIs, research institutions, industry partners, and policymakers. By leveraging the Knowledge Triangle Integration model, AquaSphere aims to transform how HEIs approach education, research, and innovation in water-related disciplines. The project will equip students and faculty with the skills and resources needed to develop cutting-edge technologies and business models that address critical challenges in areas such as marine renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, ocean plastics mitigation, and smart water management.
Furthermore, AquaSphere aligns with key EU policy objectives, including the European Green Deal, the EU Blue Economy Strategy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 13: Climate Action). By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the blue economy, the project will contribute to Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in developing the human capital and knowledge base necessary for driving innovation in the blue economy. However, many HEIs lack the capacity to effectively bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application in maritime and water-related fields. There is a pressing need to enhance the innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities of HEIs, fostering closer collaboration with industry and policymakers to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable solutions for marine and freshwater ecosystems.
The AquaSphere project addresses this need by creating a dynamic ecosystem that connects HEIs, research institutions, industry partners, and policymakers. By leveraging the Knowledge Triangle Integration model, AquaSphere aims to transform how HEIs approach education, research, and innovation in water-related disciplines. The project will equip students and faculty with the skills and resources needed to develop cutting-edge technologies and business models that address critical challenges in areas such as marine renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, ocean plastics mitigation, and smart water management.
Furthermore, AquaSphere aligns with key EU policy objectives, including the European Green Deal, the EU Blue Economy Strategy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 13: Climate Action). By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the blue economy, the project will contribute to Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.