EVENTS: Showcasing Innovablue at the Blue Ecosystem Final Acceleration Workshop: Exploring Blue Fund and Financing Opportunities for the Blue Economy

DIH Innovamare, as a lead partner had the pleasure of participating in the Final Acceleration Workshop of the Blue Ecosystem project, where we presented our initiative, Innovablue, to an engaged audience of stakeholders from across the blue economy ecosystem.

The workshop marked the culmination of the project’s acceleration process—bringing together the six most promising teams from Croatia whose ideas were selected through an open call and supported throughout a structured acceleration journey. It was an inspiring day filled with insightful discussions, peer learning, and strategic reflections on the future of sustainable marine innovation.

 

Presenting Innovablue

During our presentation, we shared the vision and progress of Innovablue, highlighting our commitment to advancing sustainable solutions within the blue economy. We emphasized how Innovablue is positioned to address current marine and coastal challenges with innovative, practical, and impact-driven approaches.

A central part of my presentation focused on Work Package 3 (WP3), the development and establishment of a Blue Fund. This work package plays a pivotal role in strengthening the financial ecosystem that supports blue economy ventures like ours:

 

WP3 – Blue Fund: A strategic enabler for growth

The Blue Fund initiative aims to mobilize and channel financial resources tailored to the specific needs of blue economy innovators. It is designed to:

  • Facilitate structured investment opportunities
  • Provide support mechanisms for early-stage and scaling ventures
  • Encourage strategic partnerships with public and private funders
  • Promote sustainable and long-term financing instruments

In our presentation, we outlined how Blue Fund’s objectives are to secure funding, foster collaboration, and create tangible economic and environmental impact.

 

Exploring financing opportunities in the Blue Economy

The workshop also provided a valuable platform to explore existing and emerging financing opportunities relevant to blue economy projects. We discussed a range of potential sources, including:

  • EU-level programmes, such as Horizon Europe and Interreg initiatives
  • The role of EIT Water / KIC as an innovation community that supports water and marine-related solutions
  • Regional and national innovation funds
  • Private investment avenues and blended finance mechanisms
  • Blue economy-specific funding instruments such as marine-focused grants and equity pools

These discussions offered meaningful insights into how project teams can strategically position their ventures to access a diverse mix of funding sources and support structures.

 

Looking ahead

The Final Acceleration Workshop was not only an occasion to reflect on achievements but also to look forward to the next steps. With the groundwork laid through the Blue Ecosystem acceleration process and a growing understanding of the financial landscape, was also valuable for members of Innovablue innovation community giving an wider overview for piloting new solutions, scaling impact, or engaging in cross-border cooperation.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this journey and look forward to future collaborations and innovations that will help drive the blue economy forward!