What we do

Why sustainability?

The shipping sector accounts for about 80% of the volume of global trade, and is directly responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse (GHG) emissions. In April 2018, the IMO adopted an ambitious GHG reduction strategy with a vision to reduce at least 50% total GHG emissions from shipping by 2050.

The total cost of decarbonisation has been estimated at $1.65 trillion by 2050 and consequently poses several challenges for a range of stakeholders, from ship owners, charterers and cargo owners to ship builders, ports, designers, engine manufacturers, fuel suppliers financiers and policy makers. Thus, the key to achieving reduction of emissions is developing, maturing and scaling up solutions to a level where the cost is acceptable while ensuring the shipping industry activity.

Mission

Our mission is to develop high impact start-ups which will deliver breakthrough solutions to the maritime industry across the pillars of sustainability, supporting them in their transition to Climate Neutrality.

Funding 

If you get selected, it means we believe in your idea! We want to support you in scaling it up and reaching the marke. Promising startups will get the chance to secure funding through our vast network of investors, collaborators, and relevant industry players. The amount to be invested and the terms and conditions will be based on bilateral discussions between the Startups and the MENA Maritime Accelerator Partners. Acceptance to the programme does not guarantee funding.

Mentoring

The ΜΕΝΑ Maritime Accelerator is a mentorship-based programme. We are interested in developing high impact startups which will deliver breakthrough solutions to the maritime industry. Hence, we will not only invest money in your idea, but we will provide everything needed to accelerate your startup’s success. The successful applicants will be instantly connected to our multidisciplinary network of mentors drawn from external maritime experts and from our in-house consortium partners (academia and research). Candidates will receive training, coaching, and tailored mentoring (both virtually and in-person) with the aim of accelerating their idea towards commercialisation.

Equipment and Infrastructure

One of the most significant challenges maritime startups face is testing and developing their solutions in real conditions. The ΜΕΝΑ Maritime Accelerator has been designed to help selected startups to overcome these challenges. We will help successful applicants to demonstrate the feasibility of their idea in maritime conditions by providing access, both locally and globally, to our vast network of collaborators and their infrastructure (i.e. ports), equipment, machinery and other assets (laboratories) as well as human resources (i.e. IT developers).

01

Bootcamps

Online and in-person bootcampsat the beginning of each stage

02

Workshops

Interactive, online training sessions on different topics: marketing, financials, team building, etc.

03

Peer-to-Peer

Online sessions where startups receive feedback from other mentors and startups

04

Mentoring

Experienced mentors support the teams throughout the program in regular one-on-one sessions

05

Networking

Start-ups will be invited to participate to visits of the USA / Israeli ecosystems through our collaborators

06

Demonstration

Access to our large network stakeholders for technical support and the opportunity to demonstrate your technology in a safe environment.

07

Demo Day

Startups pitch in front of investors, challenge owners and other bluetech stakeholders (in person if COVID allows)

08

Funding*

Start-ups will be receive up to €20,000 to participating startups depending on maturity level

What we offer

To the Maritime Industry
(Challenge Owners)

1. Problem/Challenge and Solution Identification
2. Specific Calls Launched based on sector’s needs
3. Evaluation of TRL of start-up technology
4. Risk Mitigation by sourcing multiple start-ups
5. Investment Opportunities
6. Technological Solutions
7. Increased connectivity to the research & development sector

To the Startups

1. Mentoringand coaching
2. Extensive Training Program
3. Climate Impact Assessment
4. Co-working Spaces
5. Networking Events
6. Connection with Industry
7. Grants/Seed Capital
8. Facilitate Technology Demonstrations in a real-world test bed through leveraging our external partner network
9. Connection with the USA/Israeli innovation ecosystem (through KinisisVentures, Earth Fund and theDOCK)