The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) has launched its third joint transnational call, inviting researchers and innovators across Europe to apply for funding to advance solutions for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive blue economy.
This call supports 36-month research and innovation projects in five priority areas:
- Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTOs) at sub-basin scale
- Transitioning the blue economy sectors, and the development of the coexistence and the marine multi-use infrastructures
- Climate-Smart Planning and managing sea-uses at the regional level
- Blue Bioresources; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and new bio-based products
- Resilient Coastal Communities and Businesses
Key deadlines:
- Pre-proposals: 17 November 2025
- Full proposals (provisional): 17 June 2026
Eligibility:
Projects must include partners from at least three different eligible countries. Applicants are encouraged to engage stakeholders, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industries, authorities, public administrations, associations, as well as civil society organisations, to enhance innovation, societal impact, and policy relevance.
Support opportunities:
- Information webinar: 6 October 2025 – guiding applicants through the submission process
- Matchmaking platform: connect with potential project partners and build your consortium
- Call for experts: launching soon for those interested in evaluating proposals
With a total budget of €43.5 million, this co-funded call also contributes to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, promoting research that strengthens both European seas and global oceans.
For detailed information, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit the SBEP call page.
