Open Call Launched: INNOVABLUE Challenge – Blue Innovation Teams
The Open Call for the INNOVABLUE Challenge – Blue Innovation Teams has officially been launched, with the support of our project partner PP ICMF.
This international competition aims to connect researchers, innovators, engineers and entrepreneurs with real market needs expressed by SMEs, public authorities, ports, environmental organisations and technology users across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Selected teams will take part in international hackathons, collaborate with key stakeholders and investors, and compete to be recognised as Blue Champions — projects with strong potential for technology transfer and real-world deployment.
Main Objective of the Call
The Open Call will select 30 multidisciplinary teams (15 per hackathon) that will further develop their innovative solutions through a structured hackathon programme based on co-creation, mentoring and stakeholder engagement.
Key Dates
- Call opening: 26 February 2026
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026 (12:00 CETS)
- Selection results: May 2026
- Hackathon 1: Skopje, 30 June – 2 July 2026
- Hackathon 2: Šibenik, 15 – 17 September 2026 (tbc)
Call for Participation
As a project partner, we strongly encourage students, researchers, start-ups, spin-offs and professionals working in Blue Economy-related fields to form multidisciplinary teams and apply.
The consortium aims to involve at least three teams per project partner, fostering wide and high-quality participation.
Further Information
The full Open Call is available at:
We kindly invite all interested stakeholders to share this opportunity through their professional networks, social media channels and institutional communication tools.
Università degli studi di Trieste
