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Date (Online)
3rd of June to 8th of December 2025
Duration
6 Months
Location
Online
Applications
1st of April to 18th May 2025
Language
English
Price
Free
For more information, contact: jan@bgi.pt
This comprehensive program is tailored to support and accelerate innovative solutions within the blue economy, providing participants with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to transform ideas into successful ventures.
Build. Validate. Scale.
BGI presents the Blue Economy Acceleration, a cutting-edge, 3-stage online innovation program tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs and researchers that aims to transform blue bio-based technologies into market-ready ventures.
The Program
The Blue Economy Acceleration equips you with the knowledge, mentoring, and industry access needed to launch and grow a successful venture in the blue bioeconomy. From capacity building to go-to-market planning, this journey includes expert guidance, market validation, and incubation opportunities at AmpliAqua® , a Research & Development aquaculture facility.
Focus Areas
• Nutrient Upcycling & Circularity:
Valorize and upcycle aquaculture nutrients to reduce environmental impact and enhance circular systems.
• Fish Welfare Monitoring:
Monitor physical and microbiological parameters to improve fish health and welfare.
• Efficient Hydro(bio)ponic Systems:
Optimize production with minimal space and input use, leverage microbiomes, and enhance nutrient density in crops.
• Sustainable Packaging:
Develop eco-friendly packaging solutions for fish, vegetables, and herbs to extend shelf life.
• Microalgal Biomass Utilization:
Improve production, collection, and valorization of microalgal biomass (e.g., for biofertilizers).
• Digitalization & Automation:
Implement data collection, AI integration, and automation for smarter system management.
Who Should Apply?
• Senior researchers, PhD students, starting entrepreneurs, and SMEs working on innovative TRL 3-7 blue economy solutions, structured projects, or ideas after the first successful tests in a controlled environment
• Early-stage entrepreneurs and researchers working in blue bioeconomy topics
• Individuals or teams based in Europe or Horizon Europe-associated countries
This program is more than acceleration. It’s your launchpad to the future of sustainable aquaculture, blue biotech, and regenerative marine innovation. Whether you’re in a lab or just sketched your MVP, we’ll help you make it real.
Benefits 4 participants
• 1-on-1 Mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and blue economy experts
• Tailored Training to refine your business model and market approach
• Networking Access with investors, R&D testbeds, and ecosystem players
• Prize Pool of €2,500
• Incubation Opportunity at AmpliAqua®, a Research & Development aquaculture facility.
• Funding Strategy Support and visibility within the BGI ecosystem
Program Details
Top performers will pitch in a live Demo Day and compete for a €2,500 prize pool — with the potential for real-world incubation at AmpliAqua®.
8 capacity-building sessions With sector experts to gain essential entrepreneurial skills and help you structure and pitch your business ideas.
2 Bootcamps Mentor support to accelerate your venture, help business strategies, and market approach, and address key pain points in tailor-made sessions.
Pitch & network In-person and online events, present your business idea to sector experts and investors and expand your network.
8-week one-on-one mentorship For teams ascending into Incubation at AmplIAqua® to fully develop the GTMP, apply to validate your technology in a real life environment and explore funding opportunities.
AmpliAqua®
AmpliAqua® is a research and innovation unit focused on making land-based aquaculture more sustainable. Still in a pre-commercial stage, it aims to solve key challenges in traditional aquaculture by reducing environmental and social impacts in line with the European Green Deal. This facility helps drive the industry’s green transformation by allowing Startups and Innovators to develop and test new solutions.
Apply here
If you're ready to test your vision, meet experts, and transform your research or solution into a thriving business, the Blue Economy Acceleration is for you.
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FAQs
Do I need to be in Portugal to participate in the program?
The program is primarily conducted online, allowing participants to engage from any location during the initial stages. However, for those advancing to the final incubation phase, physical presence in Portugal will be required starting from December 8, 2025. This phase offers hands-on opportunities at the AmpliAqua® R&D aquaculture facility, providing practical experience and direct access to industry resources.
What is the overall duration and structure of the program?
The program spans approximately six months, from June 3 to December 8, 2025, and is divided into three distinct phases:Capacity Building (June 3 – July 29):
-Eight thematic sessions led by industry experts to enhance participants' business strategies and entrepreneurial skills.
-Acceleration Phase (August 5 – October 6): Two intensive bootcamps focused on structuring and refining business ideas, culminating in pitch development.
-Incubation Phase (October 8 – December 8): Eight weeks of personalized mentorship aimed at developing a comprehensive Go-to-Market Plan (GTMP), exploring testbed applications, and advancing product development.
Post-December 8, there is an opportunity for an additional six months of incubation at the AmpliAqua® facility for selected projects.
Is there any funding or financial support provided to participants?
While the program does not offer direct funding, there is a prize pool of €2,500 distributed among the top three participants who advance to the Incubation Phase.
Additionally, participants benefit from extensive mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and potential priority access to other BGI programs and testbeds, which can be instrumental in fundraising efforts and business development.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is designed for:
- Senior researchers, PhD students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and SMEs.
-Individuals or teams working on innovative solutions within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-7.
- Projects focusing on key areas such as nutrient upcycling, fish welfare monitoring, hydroponic systems, sustainable packaging, microalgal biomass utilization, and digitalization in aquaculture.
- European nationals and residents.
What are the key benefits of participating in the program?
- Expert Training: Engage in sessions with leading professionals to refine business strategies and entrepreneurial skills.
- Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance during the Acceleration and Incubation phases to develop and implement a robust market validation plan.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, companies, and other startups within the blue economy sector, fostering collaborations and partnerships.
- Incubation Access: Potential for on-site incubation at the AmpliAqua® R&D facility, providing practical experience and access to state-of-the-art resources.
- Funding Opportunities: Compete for the €2,500 prize pool and receive support in developing fundraising strategies.
- Priority Access: Gain preferential entry to other BGI programs and testbeds opportunities facilitating further development and scaling of your project.
How can I apply, and what is the application timeline?
Applications are open from April 14 to May 31, 2025. To apply:
- Visit the Blue Economy Acceleration Program application page.
- Complete the online application form with the required personal and project details.
- Submit the application before the May 31st deadline.
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