National and international startups looking for funding and training for the development of sustainable marine-bio-based businesses, particularly those based on marine biotechnology, can now apply to the 6th edition of the Blue Bio Value Acceleration programme.

Promoted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Oceano Azul Foundation, in partnership with the Blue Bio Alliance, and implemented with the support of MAZE, this programme includes seven weeks of online training and three weeks of in-person training in Portugal. During the online training period, participants are equipped with the management tools they need to make their business more competitive in a global market, while in-person training gives them the opportunity to have an immersive experience, with visits to research and development centres and companies linked to the blue bioeconomy across the country, and networking sessions with potential investors and partners for the development of their business. This training period is followed by 12 weeks of mentoring, during which participants will be accompanied by more than 80 mentors, with diversified profiles.

In the first five editions 77 startups promoted by 24 nationalities were accelerated and their sustainable solutions enhanced, including, for example, algae-based bioplastics for the manufacture of frozen food packaging, industrial food waste for microalgae-based production of vegetable proteins, monitoring of the water quality of coastal areas using Artificial Intelligence, microalgae as a source of aquaculture feed, and the removal of antibiotics from the food chain using bacteriophages for aquaculture.

Entrepreneurs from around the world looking to develop market viable products or services with a positive impact on the planet and the ocean can submit their applications until 5 June via the Blue Bio Value.