Calls for Funding

Check the source pages of each of these calls for more information. You can also ask the National Hub in your country to check what funding and matchmaking opportunities might be applicable to your project(idea).

Call for proposals | Maritime Spatial Planning for the Atlantic and Black Sea – €1.7 million available | Deadline 15 April 2026

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The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), has launched a new EU-funded call for proposals worth up to €1.7 million to strengthen Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) across the Atlantic and Black Sea basins. The funding is made available under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

Maritime Spatial Planning plays a crucial role in coordinating the sustainable use of Europe’s seas. It ensures balance between marine protection, blue economy development, and human activities such as offshore energy, fisheries, shipping, and tourism. The Commission stresses that strategic cross-border cooperation in MSP is essential, especially across shared sea basins.

This call aims to support EU Member States in implementing, monitoring, and revising their maritime spatial plans.

Objectives of the Call

Projects funded under this action should develop innovative solutions to tackle MSP challenges that Member States encounter, including:

  • Ensuring consistent, comparable marine data
  • Improving cooperation between coastal countries
  • Addressing cross-border environmental and socio-economic pressures
  • Supporting sea-basin-level coordination

Proposals may focus on specific parts or sub‑regions of the Atlantic or Black Sea.

Key Dates

  • Deadline for proposals: 15 April 2026, 17:00 CEST
  • Evaluation period: April-May 2026
  • Evaluation results expected: June 2026
  • Grant Agreement signature: September–December 2026

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System.

Additional materials – including the full call text, guidance documents, and background information – are available on the CINEA call webpage.

Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – 17:00
More information: visit the call webpage

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 | 𝗠𝗘𝗗-𝗛𝗨𝗕𝗦 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 | Deadline 28 March 2026

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If your startup is working on the blue economy — marine energy, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, or green maritime transport — this one’s for you.

MED-Hubs is an EU-funded project connecting early and growth-stage startups with real testbeds, expert mentors, and investors across the Mediterranean.

Here’s what 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁:

  • 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗯𝗲𝗱𝘀 in Spain and Italy to test and validate your solution
  • 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗼𝗻-𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 from international experts in maritime, investment and policy
  • 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 — pitch coaching, investor introductions and EU funding guidance
  • International showcase at the 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 and a 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
  • 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 to help you scale across European markets


𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆?

  • Startups founded from 2019 onwards
  • TRL 4 to 8
  • Working in blue economy sectors
  • Based in the EU or EMFAF eligible countries.

Download the brochure for the full list of eligible countries 

Deadline: Saturday, 28 March 2026. Don’t leave it for Sunday.

 Full details + apply here: Open Calls – Cascade Funding Hub

MED-HUBS Acceleration Programme | Deadline 23 March 2026

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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

 

Eurostars Call for Projects | Deadline 19 March 2026

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The Eurostars March 2026 Call, part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, co‑funded by the EU through Horizon Europe, supports international collaborative R&D and innovation projects led by innovative SMEs. The programme helps organisations accelerate market‑oriented innovation by providing access to public funding across a wide network of participating countries. 

Call deadline: 19 March 2026, 14:00 CET
Applications must be submitted via the official Eurostars project platform

Who Can Apply?
The Eurostars programme is designed for SMEs ready to lead cross‑border R&D projects. Eligible consortia must meet the following criteria:

  • Led by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country.
  • Include at least two independent entities from at least two Eurostars countries, with at least one partner from an EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
  • SMEs must represent ≥50% of the total project budget (excluding subcontracting).
  • No participant or country may exceed 70% of the overall project budget.
  • Projects must be civil‑purpose only and have a maximum duration of 36 months.

Eurostars supports international collaborative R&D and innovation efforts across all technological fields. Funded activities may include the development of new products, innovative processes, or high‑potential services that can be commercially scaled. Funding availability and rules depend on each participating country’s National Funding Body. 

Participating Countries

A wide range of countries have allocated funding for this call, including Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, South Korea, Singapore, Canada, and many more across Europe and beyond. 

Why Apply?

Eurostars offers SMEs a unique opportunity to:

  • Strengthen international collaboration
  • Accelerate innovation development
  • Reduce R&D risk through public co‑funding
  • Enhance commercialisation potential in global markets
Deadline:

 

Joint Call on Blue Carbon Ecosystems | JPI Oceans | Deadline 2 March 2026

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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

Effect of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement on Commercially and Culturally Important Species | Deadline 16 January 2026

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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.

Open Innovation Call: Digital Solutions for Coastal Tourism Micro-Enterprises | Deadline 28 November 2025

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DiBEST Interreg has launched an Open Innovation Call to support the development of digital services and solutions tailored for coastal tourism micro-enterprises. This initiative aims to foster innovation and resilience in the tourism sector by leveraging digital technologies to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

What is the Call About?
The call seeks proposals that deliver practical, scalable digital solutions addressing the unique challenges faced by small businesses operating in coastal tourism. Areas of interest include:

  • Digital tools for marketing and customer engagement
  • Solutions for sustainable tourism management
  • Platforms for improving operational efficiency and resource use
  • Innovative approaches to enhance visitor experiences

Who Can Apply?
Start-ups, SMEs, research organizations, and technology providers with expertise in digital innovation and tourism are encouraged to submit their proposals.
Countries: Ireland, Spain, France and Portugal

Why Participate?
Selected projects will benefit from:

  • Financial support under the DiBEST Interreg framework
  • Access to a cross-border network of partners and stakeholders
  • Opportunities to pilot solutions in real-world coastal tourism settings

How to Apply:
Applicants can submit their digital solution using the online form available here 

Deadline: November 28, 2025

 

European

Beyond Plastic Med Call to combat pollution in the Mediterranean | Deadline 5 January 2026

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Link to full call text

Budget: up to €15,000
Eligible countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Croatia, Egypt, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Monaco, Montenegro, Slovenia, Tunisia, Turkey.
Deadline: 5 January 2026

Description
Faced with the undeniable level of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean sea, urgent action is needed. This Call aims to provide financial support for concrete field projects to combat plastic pollution in the Mediterranean region.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬!
NGOs, local authorities, municipalities, companies of less than 20 employees, scientific institutions: this Call for micro-initiatives is an opportunity to turn your ideas into concrete actions to reduce plastic pollution in your region.


Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership 3rd Joint Transnational Call | Deadline 17 November 2025

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Link to full call text

Budget: €43,500,000
Eligible countries: 28 countries, represented by 38 participating funding organisations (for a full list – check the call page)
Deadline:  Pre-proposal (17/11/2025) | Full proposal (provisional): 17/06/2026

Description
The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership is pleased to announce the launch of its third Joint Transnational Call, under the title “Digitalisation and Innovation for Resilient Marine Ecosystems, Businesses, and Communities to Strengthen the EU Blue Economy’s Competitiveness.”

This co-funded call of the EU Partnership pools financial resources through the participation of 38 funding organisations from 28 countries and the European Union,

This third co-funded call aims to support transnational research and innovation projects of 36 months duration, addressing one of the five priority areas below:

  • Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTOs) at sub-basin scale
  • Transitioning the blue economy sectors, and the development of the coexistence and the marine multi-use infrastructures
  • Climate-Smart Planning and managing sea-uses at the regional level
  • Blue Bioresources; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and new bio-based products
  • Resilient Coastal Communities and Businesses

An information webinar took place on 6 October 2025 – watch the recording on YouTube or download the presentation

Looking for a partner or a project to join? Use the SBEP Partner Search Tool available here.

Apply here

De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development | Deadline 27 February 2026

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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