Led by BlueTechPort, the program is supported by the Port of Barcelona, with technical expertise from Mind the Bridge. The 2026 cohort (up to 8 startups) will benefit from tailored growth-driven mentoring, access to the Port of Barcelona’s testing infrastructure, and a closing showcase at Smart City Expo – Tomorrow.Blue Economy in November 2026.
Who We Are Looking For
We are specifically looking for early-growth startups with global ambition, developing validated solutions (TRL ≥ 5) in the maritime, port, logistics, and blue economy sectors, ready to scale in 12 weeks.
Your team should demonstrate a clear vision for impact and a strong technical foundation in the blue economy sector, including verticals such as:
01
Digital Ports &
Automation
Logistics & Maritime Mobility
02
Maritime Infrastructures & Resilience
03
04
Port & Maritime Sustainability
Maritime & Environmental Monitoring
05
Marine Biotechnology
06
Target Profile
We are specifically looking for early-growth startups ready to scale within the next 12 weeks.
Your team should demonstrate a clear vision for impact and a strong technical foundation in the marine sector.
Why Apply?
Validate your solution in real conditions
Connect with industry leaders and decision-makers
Access to leading corporates and investors
Scale your business and expand internationally
Gain international visibility
Access a state-of-the-art innovation hub at the Port of Barcelona, equipped with specialized facilities for marine technology development, prototyping, and real-world testing.
Engage with ports, corporates, logistics operators, and tech players who provide strategic guidance tailored to marine sustainability and port logistics.
Leverage the program’s network to connect with relevant corporate partners and investors active in the blue economy.
Bridge the gap between innovation and operational deployment to accelerate growth and global market access, with support to set up operations in Barcelona and Europe.
Showcase your solution at one of the world’s leading smart city and blue economy events, and gain exposure to the wider innovation ecosystem of the Port of Barcelona and BlueTechPort.
Program Timeline
01
Applications open | April 23
Submit your application HERE.
All submissions will be reviewed based on their fit with the program’s focus areas and eligibility criteria.
02
Applications close | June 1 (11:59 PM CET)
Finalists are selected based on technical merit and potential impact in the Blue Economy. Selected startups receive onboarding and access to the BlueTechPort facilities.
03
Program Kickoff | July 6
Shortlisted startups join the Lighthouse cohort and begin the 12-week journey, featuring mentorship sessions, pitch training, panels with international stakeholders, structured networking, demo and pilot opportunities within the Port of Barcelona Sandbox.
The program unfolds across three phases:
• Business Validation: Strategic diagnosis and business fundamentals
• Market & Growth: Market access, corporate validation, and traction development
• Pitch & Impact: Preparation for Innovation Days and investor/corporate positioning
04
Innovation Days | November 2–3, 2026
Not just a Demo Day: Startups will join a two-day closing event in Barcelona: on November 2nd at World Trade Center Barcelona with curated networking and panels, and on November 3rd at Smart City Expo – Tomorrow.Blue Economy, where they will pitch and showcase their solutions to industry leaders, investors and potential partners. In addition, each startup will have a dedicated booth throughout the entire duration of the Smart City Expo (November 3-5).
BlueTechPort, spearheaded by the Port of Barcelona, and managed by the World Trade Center Barcelona, is the largest maritime innovation hub in the Mediterranean, driving the growth and development of the Blue Economy.
Port of Barcelona
Backed By Industry Leaders
Our pilot program is powered by the world's most influential maritime and technological institutions, ensuring your startup receives the highest level of credibility and support.
The Port of Barcelona is one of the main logistics and transport hubs in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It connects markets in Europe with Asia, the Americas and North Africa, and plays a key role in international trade and cruise tourism.
BlueTechPort
Mind the Bridge is a global innovation advisory firm that empowers economies through entrepreneurship and innovation. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in Barcelona, Seoul, Tel Aviv, New York and Milan.
World Trade Center Barcelona
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our pilot program and startup journey.
Are there any participation fees, expenses, or other requirements?
There are no participation fees, no expenses are covered.
Do you take equity?
No equity is required for entry. This is a 12-week equity-free acceleration program designed to provide technical and financial support without diluting your ownership.
Do we need to relocate?
While the primary hub is located at the office space at the BlueTechPort in Barcelona, we are open to hybrid participation. However, physical presence is highly encouraged for mentorship sessions and sandbox testing.
What sectors are accepted?
We focus on high-impact verticals including Digital Ports & Automation, Logistics & Maritime Mobility, Maritime Infrastructure & Resilience, Port & Maritime Sustainability, Maritime & Environmental Monitoring, Marine Biotechnology.
What is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed through a multi-step selection process by a panel of industry experts and mentors, including screening, shortlisting and interviews. Startups are evaluated based on criteria such as strategic fit with the program, solution maturity, innovation potential, and scalability.