Bridging Innovation with Portugal’s Blue Economy
Blue Bridge is a national innovation program designed to identify and support high-potential startups and SMEs with scalable solutions that can help transform Portugal’s Blue Economy.
Led by Beta-i and integrated within the Portugal Blue Digital Hub, this initiative combines acceleration, strategic training, and access to curated assessments to empower innovators as they enter or expand within the Blue sector.
What’s the Goal?
To create a fast-track innovation journey that helps startups adapt their solutions to the maritime sector, with a strong focus on:
- Digital transformation
- Responsible AI and Cybersecurity maturity
- Real business connections and market readiness
- Sustainable impact across verticals like renewable energy, shipping, ports, ocean tech, and more.
Who Should Apply?
We’re targeting innovators and SMEs who:
- Are operating outside the Blue Economy but have solutions that can be adapted.
- Have at least an MVP or early product in the market.
- Are eager to explore opportunities in sectors like Blue Energy, OceanTech, Ports, Shipping, and Water Management.
- Based in Portugal
The BlueBridge Journey
Your Fast-Track Path into the Blue Economy
BlueBridge is designed to help you adapt and expand your solution into the Blue Economy in a structured, efficient, and impactful way. Here’s what your journey will look like:
Stage 1: Assess & Select
We begin with a targeted scouting phase, where we invite a curated group of startups and SMEs from outside the maritime sector to join the program.
At this stage, we:
- Learn about your current product, market, and challenges.
- Identify how your innovation can be applied to sectors like blue renewable energy, ocean tech, water management, or shipping.
- Begin preparing your transition into the Blue Economy.
This is an invitation-only opportunity, where participants are handpicked to ensure relevance and potential for impact.
Stage 2: Enable
Once selected, you’ll gain access to two powerful resources:
PBDH Trainings
A curated set of online modules designed by the Portugal Blue Digital Hub to get you up to speed on the sector. These include:
- Introduction to the Blue Economy
- Alternative Energy Paradigms
- Incentives for Green Policies in Blue Industries
- And more…
Innovator Assessment
You’ll also complete two short assessments:
- Responsible AI → Checks your compliance with transparency, fairness, and human oversight.
- Cybersecurity → Evaluates your solution’s resilience based on top-tier standards (OWASP, NIST).
These tools help you get enterprise-ready and reduce your time-to-contract with major partners.
Stage 3: Match
After completing your training and assessments, you’ll join the Match Phase. This is your opportunity to:
- Connect with potential partners, including corporates, investors, and other entities.
- Present your solution to key stakeholders across the Blue Economy.
- Unlock potential collaborations, strategic partnerships, and growth opportunities within the Blue Economy network.
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.
Contact Beta-i
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