Black Sea Accelerator Program for Sustainable Blue Economy

The aim is to transform science into future business opportunities to provide services and support initiatives to achieve BRIDGE-BS’s goals of fostering a sustainable, innovative and circular blue economy.

The accelerator is promoted in the context of the BRIDGE-BS and DOORS Black Sea R&I projects, funded under H2020.

Relevant Sectors and Technologies

• Ocean Observation and Monitoring
• Ports, Transport, and Logistics
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Practices
• Tourism and Recreational Activities
• Blue Biotech and Related Products
• Sustainable and Renewable Marine Energy
• Nature-based Solutions and Services

Why you should join?

• Mentoring and Support
  • Mentoring and support will empower you with personalized guidance and assistance by enabling to identify and leverage your strengths to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
• Actual Feedback
  • Actual feedback from customers and users across the Black Sea will help you to understand market needs, refining your product or service, and making informed decisions to enhance its value and appeal.
• Skill Development
  • Support in developing the essential skills will secure a convincing startup or funding pitch to effectively communicate the value proposition of your venture, increasing your chances of success.
• Stronger Network
  • Participating in the accelerator program allows you to connect with a diverse and influential network of entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and potential partners within the Black Sea region.
• Idea Validation
  • You will have the opportunity to validate your business idea by testing your idea’s viability, market demand, competitive landscape, and potential profitability.
• Maximize the Potential
  • By actively engaging with the program resources and making the most of the support provided, you can maximize the potential outcomes and benefits of your entrepreneurial journey.

What support do they offer?

• Expert Support
  • The accelerator provides comprehensive support to applicants through expert consultants who specialize in various areas. These consultants offer assistance in market analysis, identifying areas for improvement, and providing tailored advice to individual applicants. This ensures that applicants receive personalized support to enhance their technologies or services.
• Start-up Support
  • For applicants with promising ventures, the accelerator offers valuable business mentoring support. This includes one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and help refine their business strategies. This support can be provided directly by the accelerator or in collaboration with other initiatives to provide a holistic mentoring experience.
• Financing and Investment Facilitation
  • To aid applicants in securing financing and investments, the accelerator conducts “investors pitching” training sessions in groups. These sessions equip applicants with the necessary skills to effectively present their ideas and attract potential investors. Additionally, the accelerator offers assistance in accessing finance, providing guidance on funding opportunities and connecting applicants with relevant financial resources.
• Market Access Assistance
  • The accelerator aims to expand the reach of applicants beyond the Black Sea region. For non-Black Sea applicants, the accelerator offers support to connect with local potential partners who are interested in their proposed technologies or services. This support includes covering field trips and organizing meetings to facilitate meaningful collaborations and market entry.

Eligibility Criteria

• Both established (market-ready) and emerging solutions are eligible. However, applicants should provide a detailed explanation of their solutions in the finalization stage of their application.
• The main target is Black Sea-based eligible organizations such as companies, start-ups, organizations, and universities, but the program also welcomes non-regional applicants interested in extending their solutions in the region.

For more information, visit Bridge Black Sea.