Will your solution drive the next wave of digital transformation in the Blue Bioeconomy?

The Blue Shuttle project is seeking pioneering digital and technological solutions to tackle the challenges previously identified in its Call for Challenges. This is your chance to bring innovation to life and make a tangible impact within the Blue Bioeconomy.

We call on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME’s), Startup’s, and Technology and Innovation Centers across the European Atlantic Area (Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal) to present cutting-edge solutions that address the Blue Bioeconomy’s critical needs. Selected participants will engage in financed pilot projects, collaborating with challenge owners and benefiting from mentorship provided by Blue Shuttle partners.

Through tailored pilot projects, selected solution providers will transform challenges into innovative proofs of concept, advancing the resilience and competitiveness of the Blue Bioeconomy sectors.

Curious? Let’s dive deeper into the details of this exciting opportunity:

Call for Solutions

This open call seeks groundbreaking digital and technological solutions that align with the qualified challenges within the Blue Economy sectors of Marine Living Resources and Blue Biotechnology.

Here are presented the Challenges that we will tackling together:

• France: Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for self-optimization of wastewater treatment with microalgae.
• Spain: Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) for Great Cormorants Management.
• Portugal: Smart Solid Waste Integrated Management System (SWIMS): Driving the digital and green transformation in aquaponics waste and resource management.

Who can apply?

If you are a SME’s, startup’s, or Technology and Innovation Centre based in the European Atlantic Area (Ireland, France, Spain, and Portugal), this is your opportunity to create lasting change. Join us in designing innovative solutions for these challenges.

Why participate?

Eligible candidates will be screened to select one solution provider per challenge. The most suitable SME/startup/Technology and Innovation Centre, will then be invited to engage in a pilot project (duration of 12 months), working closely with the organizations proposing the challenges, to implement and refine their solutions. A financial support up to 15.000€ (excluding VAT) will be allocated for each solution provider to develop the most innovative proof of concept of their proposed solution.

Technological twinnings will be established within the pilot projects, integrated by the providers of solutions, the organization proposing the challenges, the Blue Shuttle project partners and representatives of the organisations participating in the Blue Innovation Network to promote the guidance on the implementation and follow-up of the proposed solutions. This collaborative endeavour and hands-on approach ensure that the solutions are precisely tailored to meet the businesses’ needs, driving tangible impact and progress.

Moreover, solution providers will participate in the Blue Shuttle Final Event/Demo Day, scheduled for 2026 in Cádiz (Spain), following the conclusion of the pilot projects. At this event, they will have the opportunity to showcase their technology, highlighting both its development process and outcomes during the pilot project. To prepare for this, solution providers will receive tailored mentoring on how to pitch their solutions through interactive sessions and workshops led by experts in the field.

How to submit a solution proposal?

Are you ready to submit a digital or technological solution?

Select the most suitable challenge for your solution and it will redirect to the specific application process of each country:

Don’t miss your chance to make an impact on the Digitalization of the Blue Bioeconomy!

Important dates

• Opening date for submission of solution proposals: 5th March 2025
• Deadline for submission of solution proposals: 30th April 2025
• Notification of the selected solutions: 30th May 2025
• Conclusion of the Pilot Projects: August 2026 (the latest)
• Blue Shuttle Final Event/Demo Day: 2nd semester 2026 (after conclusion of the pilot projects)