«The ABBA Open Call is launched within the framework of the ABBA Project – Adriatic-Ionian SustainaBle Blue Economy Alliance for upscaling SMEs (Project ID: IPA-ADRION00284), co-funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme. The project supports the Specific Objective 1.1: Strengthening innovation capacities in the Adriatic-Ionian region, under the broader goal of fostering a smarter and more sustainable Adriatic-Ionian area.
Through this Open Call, ABBA will select 30 promising innovators who will benefit from tailored innovation services, capacity-building, and transnational open innovation activities.
The ABBA Open Call is launched on 20/06/2025 to identify and support 30 early-stage deeptech innovators from the Adriatic-Ionian region. Selected applicants will receive innovation support services, as part of the ABBA project, co-funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme.
Eligible Applicants:
- SMEs
- Startups
- Spin-offs
- Research Teams
- Entrepreneurship Teams
- Individual Researchers
- Individual Entrepreneurs
Blue Economy sectors:
- Port Activities
- Maritime Transport
- Marine Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Shipping
- Shipbuilding and Repair
- Blue Bioeconomy and Biotechnology
ABBA Challenges to Be Addressed:
Solutions should target one or (max two) of the following ABBA challenges:
- Addressing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion due to climate change
- Promoting marine energy efficiency through renewable energy or alternative fuels
- Advancing circular economy practices in marine and coastal industries
- Combating overfishing and ensuring sustainable management of marine biodiversity
- Supporting sustainable maritime spatial planning and environmental conservation
- Promoting port & vessels digitalization and automation solutions for emissions reduction
- Promoting grid integration to overcome infrastructure gaps
- Promoting green shipbuilding & repair process
What Will You Gain?
Selected innovators will benefit from a comprehensive support package designed to:
- Explore and enhance their innovation capacity through tailored mentoring and diagnostics
- Improve their business and technology readiness with expert guidance on product development, market fit, and commercialization
- Identify and connect with strategic partners across borders for co-development and scaling
- Participate in transnational Open Innovation activities, including matchmaking, networking, and collaborative R&D concept design
- Strengthen their technical, commercial, legal, and financial skills relevant to innovation and technology transfer
- Gain visibility and access to new markets through the ABBA ecosystem and its partners
What Do We Need From You?
- Willingness to Collaborate
- Time Commitment
- Openness to Innovation
- A Motivated Team
Key Dates for the open call:
- Call Launch: 20/06/2025
- Application Deadline: 21/07/2025
- Announcement of Selected Beneficiaries: 12/09/2025
- Service Delivery Period: 09/2025 – 05/2026
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit:
- The Online Application Form completed and in English (including an online Declaration of Honour)
- Optional Pitch Deck or Supporting Materials
Apply HERE
Download:
For any questions, contact us at: ABBA@aegean.gr»
