The AquaSphere Accelerator 2026 (Round 2) is officially open for applications.
Building on the success of our first round (bringing together over 10 start-ups from 9 countries), we are now launching a second call. This second open call will welcome 16 new start-ups to join the growing AquaSphere Accelerator Community, offering them the opportunity to accelerate their innovation, visibility, and impact.
If you’re an ambitious startup or scale-up creating innovative solutions for maritime challenges, water sustainability, or coastal resilience - this is your moment to scale.
Apply now: Application Link
Why Join AquaSphere?
The ocean holds vast untapped potential for sustainable innovation. AquaSphere is your gateway to transforming breakthrough ideas into investment-ready ventures.
As part of a pan-European initiative funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative, the AquaSphere Accelerator offers a fully-funded, 8-week virtual program designed to help start-ups operating in the blue economy validate technologies, access new markets, and raise capital. The programme will support 16 SMEs.
What you gain :
- Tailored mentoring from maritime and water-tech experts
- Technical validation and feedback to refine your solution
- Strong investor readiness and exposure to Investors/Innovators ecosystems
- Strategic connections across the blue economy and academia
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for startups and scale-ups innovating in:
- Maritime and ocean technology
- Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries
- Water and wastewater management
- Ocean renewable energy
- Coastal protection and resilience
- And many more blue economy solutions in related fields
Whether you’re :
- A technical founder with a maritime engineering breakthrough,
- A team solving a critical industry challenge, or
- A researcher with commercial ambitions — and If you’re committed to scaling your impact across Europe and beyond…
…Then we want to hear from you!
Eligibility Criteria
You should apply if :
- Your company is based in an EU member state or Horizon Europe associated country (organisations outside the EU and EU associate countries are not eligible)
- You’re at the pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage (see Open Call Guide PDF for details)
- You plan to raise investment within the next 18–24 months
- You have a vision for market impact and a drive to scale
What You’ll Experience ?
The AquaSphere Accelerator is Europe’s premier investment-readiness platform for blue economy ventures - bridging education, research, and entrepreneurship.
- Growth Strategy Workshops
- Technical Validation Sessions
- Business Development & Pitch Training
- Roundtables, Mentoring, and Networking Events
All delivered virtually to fit around your schedule-without compromising on intensity or results.
Important Dates :
- Application Deadline: 31 March
- Selected Ventures Announcement: 18 April 2026
- Accelerator Dates: 4 May- 29 June 2026
Are you ready to raise investment and scale your impact on the blue economy ?
Apply now : Application Link
Read the full AquaSphere for Open Call Accelerator Guide: Open Call Guide pdf
Questions ? Contact us at info@aquasphereproject.eu
Join the next wave of maritime innovators shaping a sustainable future.
Apply to AquaSphere today.
The full Accelerator Programme will be conducted in English