Join the Cross-Border Partnership-Building Workshop in Padua Published on: Nov 06 2026 As part of the LEAP TO BLUE project, an information workshop and B2B meetings will take place in Padua on 1 December 2026, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the blue economy sector interested in developing cross-border partnerships between Croatia and Italy. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about financial support available for innovation, skills development and business internationalisation, as well as find potential partners for joint applications under the project call. The Croatian Chamber of Economy, as a partner in the LEAP TO BLUE project, invites small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the blue economy sector to participate in the first cross-border partnership-building workshop, organised in Padua by the Italian project partner Unioncamere del Veneto (UCV). The event is intended for companies seeking to explore new business and development opportunities in the Croatian and Italian markets, connect with potential partners and prepare joint applications for the voucher scheme under the LEAP TO BLUE project, co-funded by the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme 2021–2027. Financial Support for Business Development – Up to €18,000 per Company Selected companies will be able to access expert services worth up to €18,000 per company, or up to €36,000 per Croatian–Italian partnership. The support covers three key areas: Innovation and Technology – Services such as cybersecurity risk assessments and feasibility studies for the implementation of digital twins. Skills and Human Resources Development – Workshops on the application of artificial intelligence in business and training on ESG reporting. Internationalisation – Development of strategies for entering foreign markets and opportunities for joint participation in the Venice Boat Show 2027, including exhibition space and B2B meetings. Find a Cross-Border Partner and Prepare Your Application The workshop programme is designed to help companies identify suitable partners and prepare their project applications. Programme 09:30–10:00 Registration of participants 10:00–11:00 Information Session – Plenary Session: Welcome remarks Presentation of the LEAP TO BLUE project Presentation of the voucher scheme Partner search and application process via the MAIROS platform Trends in the blue economy 11:00–11:20 Coffee break 11:20–14:00 B2B meetings 14:00–14:30 Light lunch During the information session, participants will learn about the LEAP TO BLUE project, the voucher scheme, eligibility criteria and the application process through the MAIROS platform. Opportunities for finding suitable partners and current trends in the blue economy sector will also be presented. The information session will be followed by individual one-to-one B2B meetings with Croatian and Italian companies, experts and potential partners. The aim is to connect companies with shared interests and complementary capabilities, enabling them to establish the cross-border partnerships required to apply for the voucher scheme. Companies attending in person will also have the opportunity to begin preparing their applications on the MAIROS platform during the event. Who Can Apply? Participation is open to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in traditional, emerging and related blue economy sectors, including: Coastal and maritime tourism Shipbuilding Aquaculture Maritime transport Blue biotechnology Robotics Marine renewable energy Digital services and infrastructure To be eligible, companies must have at least one operational establishment within the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme 2021–2027 area. Participation and Registration Information Participation in the workshop is free of charge, but advance registration is mandatory via the following link: REGISTER HERE (registration form available in English). Date: 1 December 2026 Time: 09:30–14:30 Venue: Best Western Plus Net Tower Hotel, Via S. Marco 11, 35129 Padua, Italy Working language: English Registration deadline: 25 November 2026, at 18:00 In-person participation is recommended to allow companies to make the most of direct networking opportunities and B2B meetings. Online participation, including access to the information session and B2B meetings, will also be available for those unable to travel to Padua. Following registration, participants will receive a schedule of their individual B2B meetings. Register now and take advantage of this opportunity to find an Italian business partner, establish new collaborations and access expert services to support the further development of your business! For further information, please contact: leaptoblue@hgk.hr, ltb@unizd.hr More information about the LEAP TO BLUE project is available through its official communication channels: LEAP TO BLUE website | LinkedIn | Facebook Share this post on: