Success Story #5: AquaSphere Achieves Strong International Recruitment Results in Initial Accelerator Phase
The AquaSphere Accelerator Programme has rapidly positioned itself as an emerging hub for innovation in the Blue Economy, attracting strong international interest from startups operating across maritime, water, and sustainability sectors. During its first accelerator open call, the programme received more than 40 high-quality applications from around the world, demonstrating the growing demand for specialised support in maritime and water innovation. What made this achievement particularly significant was not only the number of applications, but also the exceptional quality and diversity of the ventures that applied. Following a highly competitive evaluation process, AquaSphere selected a final cohort of standout ventures to participate in the accelerator 2025— companies with strong technological capabilities, clear market potential, and a shared commitment to driving sustainable transformation in the maritime and water sectors. The selected startups represent the next generation of Blue Economy innovators, bringing expertise across water treatment, smart maritime systems, environmental monitoring, circular economy solutions, and advanced marine technologies.
The finalists joining the AquaSphere Accelerator Programme 2025 include:
BlueOasis,(PT) exoMembrane (BEL) gelectric (NL), instrAction (DE), Kahu Silicon Bio (UK), microbium (SI), Pipein (IT), Plastic-i (UK), SENSEMET (FI) , Sundew (DK)
The overwhelming response to the open call confirms AquaSphere’s growing international visibility and validates the programme’s mission: to empower ambitious innovators who are building sustainable solutions for the future of oceans, water systems, and maritime industries. By bringing together high-potential ventures from a highly competitive global applicant pool, AquaSphere is actively contributing to the development of a stronger, more connected, and innovation-driven Blue Economy ecosystem.