Call for Startups involved in the maritime sector, who are developing technologies to support the transition of the shipping industry.
This call aims to identify startups currently involved in the maritime sector, who are developing technologies to support the transition of the shipping industry.
The selected startups will be invited to the Sea Tech Week®. During a dedicated workshop, called “SaferSEA Maritime Event: Solutions for a Safer & Smarter Shipping Industry”, startups from the Atlantic area (Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal) will pitch their project and interact with an international audience.
WHAT IS THE SEA TECH WEEK®
The Sea Tech Week®, taking place on October 6-8, 2026, is a biyearly event organised in Brest, France. It brings together 1000+ international participants over 3 days to discuss the latest scientific and technological advancements in the maritime sector.
SAFERSEA WORKSHOP
The SaferSEA workshop is a 2.5-hour session dedicated to innovation for the shipping industry. It will include a roundtable discussion on Decarbonisation and the challenges related to new maritime fuels, and 2 pitch sessions. Startups and companies will have the opportunity to present their activities and projects where Best Pitch Prize will be awarded at the end of the session.
This Call for Startups will be open from July 7, 2026, to July 24, 2026, 23:59 CEST.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Irish partner AxisBIC and French partner Technopôle Brest-Iroise are looking for two (2) startups or SMEs in each country, that are developing technologies in one of the following areas:
- Decarbonisation: issues related to the transition to new fuels and energies for ships
- Pollution: problems involving marine pollution, such as oil spills, plastic waste, ballast water management, bilge water treatment, loss of containers at sea etc.
- Safety at sea: challenges related to maritime traffic management (incl. seafarer safety), reduction of collisions, rescue of person in distress…
SUPPORT
One (1) representative per company will be invited to come to Brest and pitch their project, with full access to the Sea Tech Week® exhibition hall, workshops and high-level sessions. The travel and accommodation costs will be covered by AxisBIC for Irish companies and by Technopôle Brest-Iroise for French companies.
Click HERE for full terms and conditions on the SaferSea Website
SaferSEA is a European project aimed at enhancing maritime safety and promoting eco-friendly practices for the shipping industry. Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, the project started in October 2023 and will end in September 2026, with a total budget of €1.51 million, of which €1.13 million is co-funded by the ERDF.
The primary objective of SaferSEA is to develop a safer, more environmentally conscious maritime sector by providing stakeholders with practical solutions to support their green transition. The project focuses on identifying and supporting the development of innovative technologies for ships and ports, fostering stronger connections amongst shipowners, port authorities, researchers, and innovative startups in the Atlantic Area.
