Portugal Blue Digital Hub, in operational collaboration with the Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) and CEOM invites European startups and SMEs to join an exclusive ‘Test Before Invest’ programme designed for dual-use technologies and innovative solutions applied to the Blue Economy, maritime operations, and defence contexts.

This is a rare opportunity to test solutions in a real environment, within a Portuguese Navy Technological Free Zone, with access to operational conditions, end users, and a technical framework that is difficult to replicate in conventional innovation programmes.

During two intensive days in April, selected companies will have the opportunity to:

• Demonstrate and test technology in real-use scenarios
• Obtain technical and operational validation from qualified experts
• Build institutional credibility with recognised entities
• Strengthen proof of concept for investors and international clients
• Position themselves within strategic European Blue Economy value chains
  
• More than a programme, this is a high-level experimentation environment aimed at companies seeking robust validation, competitive advantage, and access to new markets.

In a European context where the Blue Economy, maritime security, and dual-use technologies are gaining increasing relevance, participating in this programme represents a strategic step for companies with ambitions to scale and achieve international impact.

➡️ Participation fee: €10.000 | Payment only required after selection!

There are limited time slots in April and the selection will be made weekly with a roundup of interested startups

Deadline to apply: n/a  | First come first serve

Is your company ready to test, validate, and position its technology in a real-world environment?

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘

Lead Coordinator: Fórum Oceano

MED-HUBS is an EU funded project designed to strengthen maritime innovation and smart specialisation across the Western Mediterranean. Funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), the project responds directly to WestMED priorities by reinforcing cooperation between innovation ecosystems

The core objectives of MED-HUBS are to reduce fragmentation in maritime innovation systems, accelerate the market uptake of blue-tech solutions, and align regional smart specialisation strategies with EU blue growth and sustainability goals. The project promotes cross-border collaboration, improves access to finance and piloting opportunities, and supports startups in moving from technology validation to commercial deployment, particularly in sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, green maritime transport and smart ports.

MED-HUBS is implemented by a transnational partnership rooted in WestMED countries, notably Spain, Italy and Malta. Through these partners, the project actively connects with the wider region, fostering dialogue and innovation pathways that benefit both EU and non-EU Mediterranean stakeholders.

As part of its implementation, MED-HUBS has launched an open call for startups under the MED-HUBS Acceleration Programme. The programme offers tailored mentoring, investor access, EU-wide pilots and international showcase opportunities, inviting eligible blue-tech startups to scale their impact.

The call is open to startups incorporated from 2019 onwards, TRL 4-8, from EMFAF-2025-PIA-FLAGSHIP eligible countries. Specifically, EU member states, non-EU countries part of the EU sea basin strategies, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)

Programme Duration

From April to June 2026: Online delivery

From July 2026 to August 2027: MVP pilots and post-program support

September 2027: Demo Day and pitching at the International MED-Hubs Conference

Apply by March 23, 2026 –  https://forms.gle/rhKkjRqHmMC6k5yH6
More information: MED-Hubs website

The Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) Oceans has announced a Joint Call on Blue Carbon Ecosystems, offering €5.3 million in funding to advance research on the role of blue carbon in climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity protection. 

This call is supported by seven partner organizations across Europe and Canada and aligns with the objectives of the UN Ocean Decade and the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.

Why Blue Carbon Matters
Blue carbon ecosystems – such as salt marshes, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and increasingly macroalgae and unvegetated mudflats – play a critical role in capturing and storing carbon, helping to regulate the global climate. 

Their conservation and restoration not only mitigate climate change but also deliver co-benefits like ecosystem resilience, biodiversity protection, and coastal adaptation. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from sea-level rise, pollution, and human activities such as dredging and tourism.

Scope of the Call

• Expand scientific knowledge on carbon stocks and fluxes
• Improve methodologies and measurement protocols
• Identify effective interventions for restoration and protection

Funding & Participation

• Total Budget: €5.3 million
• Participating Countries: Ireland, Canada, Germany, Malta, Norway, Poland, Greece
• Project Duration: Up to 36 months

Submission Details

• Deadline: 2 March 2026 (14:00 CET)
• Submission Portal: Apply here

Call guidelines here