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Blue Innovation Challenge: supporting innovation in the blue economy sector

The 4th edition of the Blue Innovation Challenge has been launched. It follows on from UNOC 2025. Its goal is to position the Nice Côte d’Azur area as a hub for maritime innovation.
Projects must fall within technical sectors related to the blue economy. Particular attention is given to innovations that support marine protection. Decarbonised mobility, waste recovery, and coastal surveillance are top priorities.
The call for projects is open until January 31, 2026. Projects must demonstrate a high level of technological maturity. Funding, ranging from €30,000 to €80,000, is disbursed in three phases.
Support combines a grant (60%) and a repayable advance (40%). It is intended for French companies and associations. The initiative aims to strengthen the economic and environmental appeal of the region.

Find full details of the call for projects on the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis website

A few months after hosting the United Nations Ocean Conference, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis is rolling out an operational tool to reinforce its commitment: the 4th edition of the Blue Innovation Challenge. This programme, a key pillar of the blue economy sector, targets companies capable of delivering concrete solutions to major challenges such as ecological restoration, coastal monitoring, and the decarbonisation of maritime activities.

Selective criteria for high-impact projects in the blue economy

The call for projects is based on two key requirements: technological innovation and territorial relevance. Applicants must demonstrate an advanced stage of development — such as a proof of concept, prototype, or already tested solution. Funding of up to €80,000 will be granted in three instalments, depending on project progress. The financial structure is balanced between direct grants and repayable advances.

Positioning Nice Côte d’Azur as a hub for the blue economy

Au-delà du financement, la Métropole entend valoriser les projets sélectionnés à travers une communication ciblée et un accompagnement dans les démarches territoriales. L’ambition est claire : structurer un écosystème maritime à haute valeur ajoutée, où innovation rime avec transition écologique. En fédérant les acteurs autour d’objectifs communs, ce challenge s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus large de valorisation des compétences maritimes locales.

The application deadline is set for January 31, 2026.

Winners of the first edition of the Blue Innovation Challenge

The first edition of the Blue Innovation Challenge resulted in the selection of four startups out of the 17 applications received.

They received a grant to test and experiment with their innovation in the territory of the Metropolis. These young startups also received 12 months of free support and accommodation within the European Center for Enterprises and Innovation (CEEI), a business incubator in the Métropole region.

The 4 winners:

MyDataModels/Thales

Partnership between MyDataModels and the Thales Group, the BlueGuard project aims to develop a demonstrator for an intelligent system to monitor the underwater approaches of sensitive coastal areas. Its objective is to provide continuous and reliable protection of the maritime front against the threat of emerging underwater drones. This innovative solution is based on the complementarity between Thales’ recognized expertise in underwater acoustics and MyDataModels’ mastery of artificial intelligence technologies.

Inalve

Inalve is developing a process for cultivating and transforming marine microalgae into renewable ingredients for the animal feed market, with a particular focus on aquaculture. Their project involves setting up an automated pilot greenhouse in the Plaine du Var region for the production of microalgae.

Bioceanor

Bioceanor is developing innovative products and services to assess water quality in real time. The solution allows for anticipating the risks of bacterial contamination in bathing areas. The test system will be composed of underwater stations positioned at strategic sites in the Var estuary.

Seazen

The startup operates a 100% solar-powered boat intended for the leisure boating market. The demonstrator involves installing multi-sensors and a data acquisition device on board the boat, with the aim of developing an autonomous shuttle.