INNOVABLUE Final Conference: Shaping the Future of Blue Innovation in the ADRION Region

12 November 2026 | Belgrade, Serbia

Registrations are now open for the INNOVABLUE Final Conference, which will take place on 12 November 2026 in Belgrade, Serbia.

The concluding event of the INNOVABLUE project will bring together innovators, researchers, startups, SMEs, investors, public authorities, business support organisations and other blue economy stakeholders from across the Adriatic-Ionian region.

The conference will provide an opportunity to present and discuss the main achievements, solutions and recommendations developed through the project, while also opening new possibilities for cooperation, investment and the further development of innovative blue technologies.

Over the course of the project, INNOVABLUE has worked to strengthen the blue innovation ecosystem across the ADRION region by connecting research, business, public institutions and civil society. Its activities have focused on building a transnational innovation community, addressing regulatory barriers, improving access to funding and supporting the transfer of innovative technologies from research to practical application.

The Final Conference will not only look back at what has been achieved, but will also focus on how the partnerships, tools and initiatives developed through INNOVABLUE can continue beyond the project.

What to expect

INNOVABLUE Final Conference

Project partners and invited experts will present the key achievements and results of the INNOVABLUE project, including:

• development and expansion of the INNOVABLUE innovation community;
• cooperation between research organisations, companies and public institutions;
• recommendations for improving regulatory conditions for testing and validating blue technologies;
• funding opportunities and new approaches to financing blue innovation;
• development of the future ADRION Blue Fund concept;
• support for technology transfer, research commercialisation and cross-border cooperation;
• perspectives for the long-term sustainability of the INNOVABLUE community.

The conference will also provide space for discussion on the future of blue innovation in the ADRION region and the role of transnational cooperation in accelerating the green and digital transition of the blue economy.

Proof-of-Concept showcase

The event will include a presentation of the final Proof-of-Concept solutions developed through INNOVABLUE activities.

The selected teams will showcase innovative concepts, technologies and approaches addressing practical challenges connected with seas, rivers, lakes and water-related infrastructure.

The showcase will demonstrate how cooperation between researchers, students, startups, companies, public authorities and technology experts can help transform early-stage ideas into solutions with technical, environmental, business and societal potential.

Participants will have an opportunity to meet the teams, learn more about their solutions and explore opportunities for further testing, mentoring, financing, investment or market development.

Hybrid matchmaking event

A dedicated matchmaking session will connect participants with potential project partners, investors, technology providers, research institutions, public authorities and innovation support organisations.

The matchmaking event will be organised in a hybrid format, allowing stakeholders to participate both onsite in Belgrade and online.

Participants will be able to:

• present their organisation, technology, project idea or investment interest;
• connect with potential business and research partners;
• explore opportunities for technology transfer and joint product development;
• identify possible partners for future European and regional projects;
• discuss testing, piloting and validation opportunities;
• meet innovative companies and teams looking for funding or strategic support;
• exchange ideas with stakeholders from across the ADRION innovation ecosystem.

The matchmaking session is intended to encourage concrete follow-up activities and support the creation of new partnerships that can continue beyond the lifetime of the project.

Want to prepare with possible funding opportunities – learn more here and give us your feedback at the event: https://mairos.org/funding-opportunities/

Who should participate?

Participation is open to:

• startups and SMEs developing innovative blue technologies;
• universities, faculties and research institutions;
• researchers, students and innovation teams;
• investors, financial institutions and funding organisations;
• national, regional and local public authorities;
• chambers of commerce, clusters and business support organisations;
• innovation agencies, incubators, accelerators and technology parks;
• NGOs and organisations working in sustainability and environmental protection;
• companies interested in applying, testing or investing in new technologies;
• European projects, networks and initiatives active in the blue economy.

Whether you are looking for a technology, research partner, investment opportunity, testing environment, funding source or new international collaboration, the INNOVABLUE Final Conference will provide a platform to meet relevant stakeholders and explore future cooperation.

Join us in Belgrade

The INNOVABLUE Final Conference represents the culmination of more than two years of cooperation across the ADRION region, but also a starting point for new partnerships, projects and investment opportunities.

Join us in Belgrade to discover innovative solutions, exchange knowledge, connect with potential partners and contribute to shaping the future of a sustainable, competitive and innovation-driven blue economy.

Date: 12 November 2026
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Format: Onsite conference and Proof-of-Concept showcase, with hybrid matchmaking opportunities

Agenda and venue details available soon. 

Registrations are open until 31 October 2026.