Boost Your Innovation in the Blue Economy
The Blue Bridge Program is set to bridge the knowledge and resource gap that startups and SMEs from outside the blue economy sector face when transitioning into this complex field.
Ready to Accelerate Your Journey?
It is program to power your growth and innovation in Portugal’s Blue Economy. Part of the Portugal Blue Digital Hub, we offer a hands-on, personalized approach to help you overcome challenges and scale faster. If you are a young innovative startup, we tailor our support to meet your specific needs.
What you will get
We Start with You
We dive deep into understanding your business, uncovering key innovation gaps and growth opportunities through a thorough assessment. From there, we craft a personalized program tailored just for you.
PBDH Training
Boost your business with Portugal Blue Digital Hub training from industry experts with years of experience. Get access to sessions and information with focus on the most critical topics to elevate your innovation game and drive success.
Guided Mentorship
You’re not navigating this journey alone. Benefit from one-on-one mentorship sessions that provide tailored advice and insights to help you tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Expanded Network
We open doors to top players in your sector, connecting you with potential clients, partners and Blue Economy influencers who can propel your business forward.
Who are we looking for?
Are you Innovator at various stages of your journey, from pre-seed to early growth?
Are you open to industry transition or expansion – with focus and interested in Sustainability and Innovation?
Do your solutions address larger blue economy challenges?
Are you based in Portugal?
Then we are looking for you!
YOUR ROADMAP TO SUCCESS
1ST PHASE
open call
November 17, 2025 – January 9, 2026
2ND PHASE
Selection
November 17, 2025 – January 9, 2026
3RD PHASE
Tailored assessment
November 17, 2025 – January 9, 2026
4TH PHASE
tRAINING AND tAILORED mENTORSHIP
Ongoing from November 2025 to February 2026
Besides this, you will be connecting with experts through one-on-one mentoring sessions. Think of it as your chance to get tailored advice and strategic insights directly from someone who can guide you through your specific challenges. This personalized approach ensures that every piece of advice is customized to address your unique needs and obstacles, helping you navigate your journey with confidence and clarity.
By the end of the immersion, we review your progress, tweak your strategy, and set you up for even greater success at the showcase!
5TH PHASE
Showcase
To be Defined
In this stage, we’re setting the stage for Showcase Day, a special event to celebrate and highlight the successes from our innovation programs.
It’s your chance to shine, share your success stories with ecosystem players (possible clients, investors, advisors) and demonstrate the impressive results of your hard work. We’ll bring everyone together to showcase achievements, inspire others and spread the word about the impactful progress in the Blue Economy sector.
Sectors We’re Driving Forward
Program Partners
Blue Program Igniter
The Portugal Blue Digital Hub, led by Forum Oceano, aims to establish a strategic, competitive, and sustainable digital blue industry in Portugal. Its goal is to accelerate the digital and green transformation of SMEs and public sector organizations in the Blue Economy, contributing to the EU’s climate goals and digital sovereignty. The Hub focuses on fostering innovation through collaboration with academic institutions, industry experts, and governmental bodies. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Portuguese enterprises by integrating cutting-edge technologies and promoting sustainable practices across the maritime sector.
Orchestrator
Beta-i is a collaborative innovation consultancy with a global reach. A team of experts in managing corporate open innovation, pilot-oriented projects with highly-curated startups, and designing products and services alongside in-company teams. They work across various industries, leveraging their extensive network to drive impactful solutions and foster innovation ecosystems. Additionally, Beta-i provides strategic guidance and mentorship to startups, helping them scale and succeed in competitive markets. Their approach ensures that both corporations and startups benefit from synergies, leading to groundbreaking advancements and sustainable growth.
Enabler
Fórum Oceano is the managing entity of the Portuguese Sea Cluster, certified and recognized by the Ministry of Economy and the Sea, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure, counting with more than 150 associates from a diverse range of sectors.
The cluster aims to promote the sustainable development of the maritime economy by fostering collaboration and innovation among its members. It also plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that support the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry. Through various initiatives, Fórum Oceano seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Portugal’s maritime sector and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.
Alumni Partners
Are you ready to dive deep and make waves in the Blue Economy?
Contact Beta-i
Got questions? Don’t let this ship sail without you!
In a sea of information, let us offer you some guidance!
Reach out and we will respond as soon as possible!
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