EU Funding Fuels Sustainable Water Projects in the Blue Economy

By bringing together innovative startups and investors, the EU initiative BlueInvest has helped attract over 300 million euros in venture capital for blue economy innovation.

Despite water being one of our most vital resources, ensuring sustainable water management remains a challenge. The blue economy aims to change this by preserving and responsibly developing ocean and marine resources in a sustainable way. However, there has been a lack of both capital and an organized network to promote innovation and startups in the blue economy. Investors simply see the sector as too uncertain.

Initiative to support the blue economy
“Blue Tech companies, in particular, are often too capital-intensive and seen as high risk for traditional venture capitalists and private equity investors, let alone banks,” says Claus Schultze, policy coordinator at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission.

That’s why he was involved in launching BlueInvest in 2019. The initiative, driven by the European Commission, focuses on ten priority areas to support the blue economy within the EU. Water Management is one of these focus areas, and the objective remains the same today as it was then: to create a stronger link between innovative solutions and financial support to build a sustainable ecosystem for the blue economy. The aim is to both increase the volume of investments and strengthen the companies active in the sector. During Vatten2025, BlueInvest will examine how these objectives can be put into practice.

“With our workshop, we want to raise awareness about key issues for scaling up sustainable water solutions while creating connections between innovators, water utilities, investors, and other key players to foster genuine collaboration and concrete impact,” says Claus.

BlueInvest develops funding models that bring together public and private actors, giving startups and companies access to capital. This includes educating and informing investors about the potential within the blue economy.

“Additionally, we offer coaching and support to entrepreneurs and guide them through challenges related to market introduction and scaling up,” explains Claus.

A key to attract investment
BlueInvest is built around two cornerstones: supporting startups and attracting investors. Startups receive coaching and pitch training to prepare them for meetings with potential investors. The initiative helps companies understand their own strengths and weaknesses, connects them with mentors, and provides access to a network of investors and experts.

On the investor side, BlueInvest works to increase understanding of the blue economy and reduce perceived risks. Reports, matchmaking events, and a dedicated capacity-building program are eye-openers that showcase the business opportunities available. With EU funding, BlueInvest has also established 30 venture capital funds focused on the blue economy, creating greater opportunities for startups to secure financing.

“There is enormous potential within the blue economy, but it requires collaboration and support to turn all the innovative ideas into sustainable businesses,” says Christelle Sapata, project manager for BlueInvest, with a specific focus on investor relations.

Secured funding exceeding 300 million euros
So far, BlueInvest has helped over 60 companies secure more than 300 million euros in funding.

“This assistance has been invaluable for early-stage companies and has helped them secure the necessary funding and expertise to turn their innovative ideas into viable and investment-ready businesses. By bridging gaps in access to capital and offering tailored support, BlueInvest has played a crucial role in promoting innovation and unlocking investment opportunities within the growing blue economy,” explains Christelle.

SmartOcean is one of these companies. With its innovative tracking technology using small satellite buoys, it won the BlueInvest Award in 2024. Another company, Ocean Ecostructures, has raised 1.6 million euros to develop its work on transforming maritime infrastructure into eco-enhancing areas and turning “grey zones into blue oases.”

BlueInvest at Vatten2025
BlueInvest will participate under the theme Water Management at Vatten2025 – Sweden’s leading meeting place for water and wastewater management. With this theme, BlueInvest aims to highlight sustainable solutions for the entire water chain, from collection and purification to desalination, waste treatment, and distribution. The focus is on innovation in water treatment, pollution control, and efficient wastewater management, which are critical for ensuring clean water and improving water quality worldwide.

By creating opportunities for innovative companies to grow and make an impact, BlueInvest plays a key role. Their work aligns with the platforms goal of presenting solutions to some of the most pressing water challenges.

“Events like Vatten2025 play a key role in this effort. They create a valuable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the opportunity to establish new partnerships and collaborations. Previous similar events have given us the chance to discover innovative startups with solutions for the blue economy, which we have then supported through our project pipeline, preparedness programs, matchmaking with investors, or by offering them the opportunity to pitch at our events,” says Christelle.

Claus believes that platforms like Vatten2025:

“Make new valuable contacts and help us deepen our understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within the blue economy and to better align our initiatives with the ecosystem’s needs and priorities,” he concludes.
At Vatten2025, BlueInvest is paving the way for the next wave of sustainable water projects. Visit BlueInvest or learn more about Vatten2025 at Mötesplats Vatten.

About Vatten2025      About BlueInvest

Blue Economy. The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources to foster economic growth and improve societal development while protecting marine ecosystems. This model includes industries such as fishing, aquaculture, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism. The goal is to develop new jobs and technologies that support circular and environmentally friendly growth without compromising the health of marine environments.

BlueInvest. Launched in 2019, BlueInvest has already created connections between over 1,500 innovative companies and 300 investors within the blue economy. During Vatten2025, BlueInvest will run a program where startups can present their projects to investors and leading industry representatives. This is part of the EU’s broader effort to promote sustainable development and circular business models in the maritime sector.