Explore Marine Innovation: Success Stories from the Adriatic Blue Economy

DIH InnovaMare presents a series of five best-case studies showcasing cutting-edge marine technology applications across key Blue Economy sectors. These real-world use cases demonstrate how digital and sustainable innovations are transforming marine industries in the Adriatic Sea region — bridging gaps between research, industry, and environmental stewardship.

🎥 Watch, learn, and be inspired by how technology is driving cooperation, sustainability, and economic growth in coastal and marine environments.


🚢 1. Autonomous Vessel for Sustainable Maritime Environment

Stakeholder: Hartera Robotics
Start-up transforming vessel maintenance. Developing robots for dry marinas worldwide. Hartera Robotics is not just innovating; they are changing how the maritime industry handles vessel maintenance. By tackling key issues of efficiency, sustainability, and cost, they provide a solution that addresses current industry needs while paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. Their dedication to innovation, combined with our understanding of the maritime sector’s challenges, positions us as a leading force in the evolution of maritime maintenance practices.

Sector: Maritime Transport

This case explores how autonomous navigation systems and smart sensors are revolutionizing port operations and vessel efficiency. By integrating AI and IoT, maritime operators are reducing emissions, improving safety, and enhancing logistics across the Adriatic Sea.

🧭 See how smart technologies are steering the future of clean and efficient maritime mobility.


🐟 2. Precision Aquaculture Using Remote Sensing & Underwater Drones

Stakeholder: DIH Agrifood
AgriFood Croatia is an innovation hub that brings together research, business, and public stakeholders in Croatia for the common pursuit of digital transformations in the aquaculture, agriculture, and food-related sectors. The mission of AgriFood Croatia is to contribute towards achieving the vision outlined in the EU Declaration of ‘A smart and sustainable digital future for European agriculture and rural areas’ and strengthen the national and European technological infrastructure.

Sector: Fisheries & Aquaculture

A deep dive into how precision farming techniques, underwater drones, and data analytics are optimizing fish farming operations. This approach not only increases productivity but also ensures sustainable ecosystem management.

🐠 Discover how innovation is making aquaculture smarter, safer, and more sustainable.


🌬️ 3. Offshore Renewable Energy Monitoring & Maintenance with AI

Stakeholder: Zadar Energija
Zadar Energija is a company that, at the moment, operates 440 MW of Wind Farms (SS 220 kV); (SS 110 kV). They are a 24/7 service provider in the field of operation, maintenance, and testing of electrical equipment for power plants and substations. They provide high-quality geospatial products using a multitude of tools. Zadar Energija has years of experience in creating, installing, and maintaining charging infrastructure, including several nationwide charger networks. They also deliver state-of-the-art products using remote sensing satellite data.

Sector: Renewable Energy

Learn how marine robotics and AI-powered predictive maintenance tools are supporting offshore wind and wave energy installations. These innovations ensure system reliability while minimizing human risk and ecological disruption.

Explore the power of digital tech in scaling clean energy at sea.


🏝️ 4. Marine Environmental Data Platforms

Stakeholder: Tilebytes
Tilebytes is an innovative Italian SME that exemplifies how technology, environmental awareness, and cross-sector collaboration can drive progress toward a smarter and more sustainable blue economy. The company specializes in developing modular SaaS/PaaS platforms that integrate data from both fixed and mobile sensors to monitor environmental parameters such as weather conditions and air quality. This technology is particularly valuable for assessing environmental impact in port and maritime areas. A key example of Tilebytes’ user-centered approach is its collaboration with LabService, which resulted in the development of an interactive reporting system – featuring app and chatbot interfaces – for collecting citizen reports on odour issues.

Sector: Environmental Monitoring

See how data-driven platforms and marine sensors help local tourism operators balance economic activity with conservation goals. Real-time environmental data empowers smarter destination management, ensuring both visitor satisfaction and ecosystem health.

🌐 Experience how digital tools are reshaping sustainable tourism in coastal zones.


🧪 5. Marine Biodiversity Research with AI-Enabled Monitoring Systems

Stakeholder: SeaCrass
SeaCras provides a suite of marine environmental and coastal surveillance solutions that detect and distinguish naturally occurring events and pollution hazards. Our satellite-derived oceanographic solutions enable coverage of open seas, coastal waters, as well as urbanized and remote areas.

Sector: Marine Research & Environmental Protection

Cutting-edge AI and imaging technologies enable continuous, automated monitoring of marine biodiversity. This case demonstrates how scientists are using innovation to detect species, monitor health indicators, and guide conservation efforts in the Adriatic.

🔬 See how digital innovation is advancing marine science and protecting biodiversity.


🐟 Automated Fish Counting & Species Recognition with AI Video Analysis

Stakeholder: BlueDataB (formerly Karmen Studio) in cooperation with the Institute Ruđer Bošković (project partner)

Sector: Fisheries & Aquaculture

BlueDataB is an innovative technology company composed of scientists, software engineers, and entrepreneurs focused oelivering cutting-edge video and image processing solutions. With deep expertise in aquaculture applications, their software uses advanced algorithms and AI-driven automation to enhance both business efficiency and scientific research outcomes.

This case highlights a smart system designed for real-time fish counting and species recognition during transfer operations. Using AI-powered video analysis, the system automates the counting process, achieving speeds up to 300% faster than manual methods while ensuring high precision to meet regulatory standards. In addition to counting, the system intelligently selects a sample (20–30% of the fish) for 3D landmark measurements, offering insights into fish size and species distribution. These insights allow for faster decision-making and improved management practices in aquaculture operations.

📊 Witness how intelligent video analytics is streamlining aquaculture processes and raising the bar for data-driven fish farming.

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