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
