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

Full call text

Budget: up to $ 300.000 for two projects
Eligible countries: global
Deadline: 16 January 2026

Description
The Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, through its OACIS Initiative (Ocean Acidification and other ocean Changes – Impacts and Solutions), and Carbon to Sea Initiative are announcing a new request for proposals to investigate the effect of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) on commercially and culturally important marine species.

This program will fund two 24-month projects investigating OAE’s impact on fish and invertebrate species that are vital to ecosystems, local economies, and cultural traditions. This research will help determine the potential risks and co-benefits of OAE deployment at ecological and societal levels, ensuring informed decision-making and responsible field development.

Link to full call text

Budget: €20.000.000
Eligible countries:  EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also be eligible if specific provisions are made.
Deadline: 17 February 2026

Description
The Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-13 focuses on accelerating the development of robust, cost-effective wave energy technologies through transnational pre-commercial procurement (PCP). It aims to support wave energy converters that can withstand harsh marine environments and reach Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–8 by the end of the action.

Building on the EuropeWave PCP initiative, this call promotes a stage-gate evaluation process aligned with the IEA-OES framework, ensuring that selected technologies have successfully completed Stage 3 (TRL 6) and are ready for real-sea demonstrations. The action is structured into a preparation phase—where procurers agree on performance specifications and finalize procurement agreements—and an execution phase that delivers at least two commercial-scale demonstrators tested over 12 months.

Proposals must include a consortium of at least three legal entities from different EU or Horizon Europe-associated countries, including a minimum of two public procurers. Activities should cover coordination, joint research, and validation of the PCP strategy, with results shared across the European industry to foster standardization and knowledge transfer.

By the end of the action, at least one demonstrator should be ready for operational testing at commercial scale, paving the way for Stage 5 activities (commercial-scale array demonstration) under the IEA-OES framework

IMAST scarl launches ‘ECCENTRIC Blue Opportunity’, the free Open Call dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to innovate and grow in the strategic sectors of the Blue Economy: marine energy, maritime infrastructure, monitoring and surveillance.

The selected companies will have access to an exclusive path, led by experts in the field, which includes:

• Personalized analysis of innovation needs and tailor-made
• Technological solutions Entry into a local, national and international
• Research and innovation network Strategic information on calls and funding
• Opportunities Preview testing of an innovative AI-based tool to assess investments and needs
  

A concrete opportunity to strengthen competitiveness, develop new collaborations and seize the opportunities of the blue transition.

Call text in full (in Italian)

Participation is free. Places are limited.
Apply now: https://form.jotform.com/252671815731358

The initiative is part of the activities of the ECCENTRIC project funded by Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021-2027