Registration open – Workshop – From Needs to Proof of Concept

On 26 March 2026, in Podgorica, Montenegro, at Hotel Ramada, Lesendro hall, Blv. Save Kovačevića 74, Podgorica, Montenegro, the INNOVABLUE and ROBONETCBC projects invite you to a hands-on, interactive workshop:

From Needs to Proof of Concept – Co-creating the Future of Blue Technologies

This joint INNOVABLUE–ROBONETCBC workshop is designed to connect scientific knowledge, technological capacity and real user needs into a coherent pathway toward practical solutions. The event represents a concrete step from analysis to action, focusing on translating ecosystem and technology insights into user-driven demand, identifying priority challenges, and co-designing early Proofs of Concept (PoCs) for innovative blue technologies.

Together, we will:

• translate ecosystem and technology insights into real demand,
• identify priority challenges and hotspots,
• co-design early Proofs of Concept (PoCs),
• connect public authorities, researchers, innovators and users,
• move from reports to real-world implementation.

Registration is now open until March 20^th 2026.
Participation is onsite only and the number of seats is limited.  We encourage you to register early to secure your place.

Since we will have a workshop dedicated to drafting first proposal of the Proof of Concept guided by experts that will allow us that, through discussion and exchange of knowledge and experience, we create something together.

When registering, pick a topic you would be interested in:

• Challenge 1 – AI-Powered Blue Data Spaces – From fragmented marine data to predictive intelligence: 

This challenge invites teams to propose Proofs of Concept showing how AI could combine different types of marine and maritime data into useful, predictive insights. The goal is to test ideas that help detect pollution, track invasive species, or anticipate risks, while also addressing data sharing rules, quality, and cross-border cooperation under EU frameworks.

• Challenge 2 – Living Water Observatory – Turning real-time water data into environmental action

This challenge invites teams to propose Proofs of Concept that show how real-time water data from seas, coasts, rivers, and lakes could be turned into early warnings and practical environmental action. The focus is on testing ideas that connect different water systems and provide clear, decision-ready information for authorities and stakeholders.

• Challenge 3 – Smart Underwater & Remote Operations – Safe, connected and scalable operations below the surface

This challenge invites teams to propose Proofs of Concept that explore how underwater and remote operations could become safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible. The aim is to test practical concepts for inspection, monitoring, and intervention services, while considering regulatory requirements and showing how such approaches could move from pilot use to wider, cross-border deployment.

The agenda of the workshop is available here.

We look forward to co-creating solutions with you.