ADT4Blue Open Call 2 (OC2)

ADT4Blue (Advanced Digital Technologies for the Blue Economy) is an EU-funded project under the Interreg Atlantic Area programme that supports the digital and sustainable transformation of the Blue Economy by promoting the adoption of advanced digital technologies. It does this through open calls targeting startups, SMEs, researchers, and other stakeholders, offering training, mentoring, and funding opportunities to develop innovative tech-driven solutions in areas like aquaculture, tourism, ocean monitoring, and port activities 

Objectives: 

ADT4Blue have opened their Open call 2, to identify and support up to 30 innovative proposals (from individuals or teams) that address specific Blue Economy challenges using Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs). 

The main objectives of ADT4Blue Open Call 2 (OC2) are to: 

1. Provide selected applicants with tailored training and mentoring over a 6-month programme (divided into SPRINT 1 – training and SPRINT 2 – mentoring) to strengthen their entrepreneurial and technical skills. 
2. Accelerate the development and market-readiness of early-stage solutions, helping participants progress from concept (TRL 1–2) to proof of concept (TRL 3+), with a focus on sustainability, digitisation, and economic impact. 
3. Foster interregional collaboration within the Atlantic Area (France, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain) by connecting participants with mentors, investors, and Blue Economy stakeholders. 
4. Encourage the practical application of digital technologies (like AI, IoT, blockchain, etc.) in real-world Blue Economy domains such as fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, and ocean conservation 

Proposals must answer one of the challenges indicated in Table 3 of the applicant guidelines. Further information on these challenges can be found in the challenges document. 

Interested applicants are also invited to the ADT4Blue Q&A Second Seminar on 15 July 2025 (11:00 CEST). Registration is required, but attendance to the event is free. 

Correction (19 November 2025): An earlier version of this page incorrectly indicated that ADT4Blue Open Call 2 includes financial grants for selected participants. The programme provides comprehensive training and mentoring support over a six-month period, but does not offer direct monetary funding. We regret the error and any confusion it may have cause.  

Eligible applicants: 

Eligible applicants for the ADT4Blue Open Call 2 include both legal entities and individuals with a background or interest in the Blue Economy. This includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and entrepreneurs, as well as natural persons such as technologists, researchers, higher education students, alumni, and domain experts. All applicants must be based in either an EU Member State or an Interreg Europe associated country, which includes select non-EU nations participating in the programme. Proposals can come from individual or team applications. 

All applications need to be submitted through the F6S platform before the deadline. 

Budget: 

This training and mentoring programme does not provide direct financial support or grants.  

Duration: 

Selected applicants will be notified by 22 September 2025.  

The full OC2 programme runs for 6 months after selection and onboarding: 

• SPRINT 1 – Training Phase: Expected to start shortly after onboarding (likely in late September or early October 2025) and run for 3 months. 
• SPRINT 2 – Mentoring Phase: Follows immediately after SPRINT 1 and continues for another 3 months, concluding the programme around March 2026. 

ADT4Blue

ADT4Blue Open Call 2

ADT4Blue Open Call 2 Applicant Guidelines 

ADT4Blue Open Call 2 challenges 

ADT4Blue Open Call 2 proposal template 

Primary contacts regarding the call: 

• Raquel Amaral (F6S) – raquela@f6s.com
• Catarina Reis (F6S) – catarina@f6s.com 

Technical/Application Support: 

• F6S Support Team – support@f6s.com 

Online Q&A and Community Forum: 

• F6S Application Discussion Page