Nineteen visionary companies selected from across the globe to drive the future of the blue economy.
At a glance
- 60+ applications received worldwide
- 19 breakthrough companies selected
- 14 countries represented
Athens, Greece – May 2026. The AquaSphere Accelerator 2026 has officially kicked off, bringing together an extraordinary cohort of ocean and water technology innovators from four continents. On Monday, 4 May 2026, the programme launched in a global virtual ceremony, uniting entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners in a shared commitment to sustainable impact across the blue economy.
Following an open call that drew over 60 applications from startups and scale-ups operating at the frontier of ocean energy, water technology, marine biotechnology, sustainability, and maritime innovation, an international selection panel conducted a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation. After thorough review, 19 exceptional companies have been chosen to join the 2026 cohort – representing a rich diversity of geographies, technologies, and ambitions.
This cohort represents some of the most compelling solutions we have seen to the defining challenges of our ocean and water systems. We are proud to welcome these innovators and to support their journey to scale.
The selected companies span a wide technological spectrum – from renewable tidal and wind energy and advanced materials to algae cultivation, crew wellness, water-from-air technologies, and next-generation recycling. Together, they embody the programme’s mission: to accelerate market-ready solutions that restore, protect, and create value from the world’s waters.
The AquaSphere 2026 cohort
- Millfield Technology ApS (DK)
- SITELI CW (MAR)
- Vessel X (TUR)
- Droople (CH)
- Mediterranean Algae (ES)
- Health4Crew (GR)
- GraphenicaLab (ES)
- SeaGrown (UK)
- Ocean Visuals (NOR)
- Open Hydro (UK)
- Slow Mill Sustainable Power B.V. (NL)
- TouchWind B.V. (NL)
- HyKin Energy ApS (DK)
- BlueShadow ApS (DK)
- Swordfish Energy Corporation (CA)
- Uravu Labs Pvt Ltd (IND)
- Atium AB (SE)
- SC RECYCLLUX SRL (MLT)
- Sansox Oy (FI)
A truly global movement
The 2026 cohort spans 14 countries across Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America, and beyond – from Morocco to India, Canada to Turkey. This international reach underscores the universal urgency of ocean and water challenges, and the depth of entrepreneurial talent dedicating itself to solving them. The programme’s virtual format allowed teams from across time zones to come together seamlessly, setting the tone for a truly borderless year of collaboration and growth.
What comes next
Over the coming months, AquaSphere 2026 participants will benefit from mentorship, investor access, investment readiness trainings, industry partnerships, and bespoke programme support to accelerate their growth. The cohort will be further supported to create a uniquely cross-cutting ecosystem of ocean-focused entrepreneurship.
The AquaSphere Consortium extends a warm welcome to every selected team. The journey begins now.
The AquaSphere Accelerator Programme is part of the EU-funded AquaSphere project under the EIT HEI Initiative.