INTERREG ADRION INNOVABLUE: ADRION Blue Innovation Days Coming to Šibenik

15–17 September 2026 | Adria Tech Technology Park, Šibenik, Croatia

The INNOVABLUE project is bringing together innovators, researchers, startups, students, industry representatives, public authorities and innovation support organisations from across the ADRION region for three days dedicated to blue innovation, technology transfer and cross-border collaboration.

From 15 to 17 September 2026, Šibenik will host the INNOVABLUE ADRION Blue Innovation Days, combining a Technology Transfer Academy, Proof of Concept (PoC) development workshops, the second INNOVABLUE Hackathon and an international matchmaking event. The event will take place at the newly established Adria Tech Technology Park, one of the key regional hubs for marine and water technologies.

The programme is designed to strengthen innovation capacities within the blue economy by connecting research, business and public sector stakeholders. Participants will explore how innovative ideas can move from research laboratories to real-world applications, while working together on practical solutions addressing challenges in marine, river and lake environments.

Throughout the three-day programme, experts from across the ADRION region will share knowledge and experiences related to innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, living labs, research commercialisation, industry value chains, funding opportunities and investment readiness. At the same time, participants will collaborate in PoC development workshops and hackathon activities, refining innovative concepts, developing prototypes, validating assumptions and preparing solutions for presentation to an international jury.

The second INNOVABLUE Hackathon will bring together multidisciplinary teams supported by mentors from academia, industry and innovation organisations. Teams will work intensively on transforming their ideas into viable solutions with technical, business and societal impact.

The event will conclude with final pitch presentations and a matchmaking session, providing opportunities for networking, future project development, investment discussions and new partnerships across the ADRION innovation ecosystem.

Main programme components

• Technology Transfer Academy
  • Innovation ecosystems and collaboration models
  • Research commercialisation and business development
  • Living labs and real-world testing environments
  • Industry value chains and market access
  • Funding mechanisms and investment readiness
• Proof of Concept (PoC) Development Workshops
  • Collaborative development of innovative solutions
  • Validation and refinement of project concepts
  • Cross-sector knowledge exchange
• INNOVABLUE Hackathon
  • Team-based innovation challenges
  • Mentoring and prototype development
  • Pitch preparation and final presentations
• Matchmaking Event
  • Networking between researchers, startups, SMEs, public authorities and investors
  • Identification of future cooperation opportunities
  • Development of new projects and partnerships

Participation is open to project partners, researchers, students, innovators, startups, SMEs, public institutions, investors and all stakeholders interested in contributing to the sustainable development of the blue economy in the ADRION region.

We look forward to welcoming you to Šibenik and to three inspiring days of innovation, collaboration and blue growth.

Find draft of the agenda here.

Registrations are open until September 4th 2026.