AquaSphere Project Launches to Advance Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Europe’s Maritime and Water Sectors
We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the AquaSphere Project — Empowering Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Capabilities for Water and Maritime Innovation and Entrepreneurship — funded under the prestigious EIT Higher Education Initiative (HEI) as part of their 2024 Call for Proposals.
This ambitious, future-oriented project aims to transform how HEIs engage with innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the blue economy. Over a 25-month implementation period, AquaSphere will act as a catalyst for systemic change, empowering academic institutions to become proactive leaders in addressing critical challenges related to water management, maritime technology, and sustainable ocean-based industries.
A Pan-European Collaboration Driving Maritime Innovation
The AquaSphere consortium brings together six leading institutions and organizations across Europe and the Caribbean, reflecting a truly international and interdisciplinary approach:
Technical University of Crete (Project Coordinator)
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Tech Tour
Izmir Institute of Technology
Université des Antilles
Envolve Entrepreneurship
Together, we aim to co-create a robust innovation ecosystem through integrated education programs, knowledge triangle partnerships, and venture support services specifically tailored to the unique needs of the maritime and water sectors:
- Marine renewable energy
- Smart water management
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Zero-emission port logistics
This vision is underpinned by inclusive innovation values, with clear goals to achieve gender parity, promote diversity, and increase representation from underrepresented regions in maritime entrepreneurship.
Transformative Outputs for Long-Term Impact
AquaSphere will deliver scalable, practical outputs to support the EU’s broader agenda for sustainable growth. These include:
- Establish an integrated blue economy Innovation capacity, providing specialised innovation and entrepreneurship training to over 950 students and staff.
- Accelerate blue economy venture creation and growth, supporting the development and scale-up of 24 startups/scale-ups in the water and maritime sectors.
- A comprehensive digital innovation education platform, including MOOCs and blended learning tools focused on blue economy challenges.
The Ocean of Ideas knowledge exchange platform to facilitate real-world problem-solving and cross-sectoral collaboration.
By integrating these components, AquaSphere will accelerate the commercialization of academic research, foster cross-sector partnerships, and support regional innovation strategies aligned with smart specialization priorities.
The AquaSphere Project is not just about delivering impact during its funding period; it is about creating long-lasting structures and pathways that will drive blue economy innovation across Europe and beyond — from coastal communities in the Mediterranean to maritime ports in the Caribbean.
Stay tuned for more updates as AquaSphere unfolds.