Financial support
Open Calls for Proposals: Financial Support for Social Economy SMEs in the Blue Economy Sector
Bluedots Germany Living Lab: 18-19 June 2026
The Financial Support Call for the upcoming Living Lab in Kiel, Germany is officially open.
This event invites social economy SMEs and enabling organisations in the blue sector to participate in the upcoming Living Lab on how to build a Blue Economy for the Common Good, which will be held on 18 and 19 June in Kiel, Germany.
Eligible organisations can apply for a lump sum contribution of up to €800 to support travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs for up to two participants.
Designed as a collaborative Living Lab, this event will bring together practitioners, experts, and innovators to co-create solutions, exchange experiences, and strengthen the social economy’s contribution to a smarter, greener, and more inclusive blue economy.
Over two days, participants will explore strategies for digitalisation and sustainability, take part in practical workshops and site visits, and build new connections with European organisations working across fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, marine technology, and related sectors. The programme will feature a keynote by Christian Felber, co-founder of the Economy for the Common Good, and will also offer participants the chance to experience the opening of Kieler Woche, the world’s largest sailing event and one of Germany’s biggest public festivals, on 19 June. At this link, you can find an info pack with all the practical info for the Bluedots Germany Living Lab in Kiel on 18–19 June 2026.
Funding is linked to the distance between the applicant’s legal headquarters and Kiel.
The call is open from 1 April 2026 at 12:00 CET until 15 May 2026.
If your organisation is ready to learn, contribute, and collaborate with peers from across Europe, this is your opportunity to step into an international space for innovation in the blue economy. Apply now and be part of the movement building a blue economy for the common good!
Capacity Building Event
This event will provide:
- Opportunities to exchange knowledge with international experts, SMEs, and enabling organizations.
- Insights into integrating digital-social innovation principles into blue economy operations.
- Practical workshops and networking opportunities.
What you will get from these two days?
- Concrete examples and best practices you can adapt to your context
- Practical insights on digital tools and solutions to support sustainability, inclusion and visitor management
- Space to discuss the real challenges on the ground, from overtourism and biodiversity to mobility, accessibility, waste and water impacts
- Curated networking and business speed dating to meet the right partners and build collaborations
Application guidelines
Please read the full call carefully to access all details before applying.
Key details of the Call
- Application period: 1 April 2026 – 15 May 2026
- Eligibility: Social Economy SMEs and enabling organisations active in the blue economy sector in Europe.
- Selected Beneficiaries: Up to 90 organisations will be chosen to participate in the Bluedots Financial Facility Programme.
Financial Support
Beneficiaries will receive up to €800 per organisation (covering expenses for up to two people) to support their travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs.
This Call is part of our mission to empower social economy actors in the blue sector to embrace digital innovation, accelerating the shift towards a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.
Closed calls
The Call for Participation for the Italy Living Lab, was open from 16 January 2026 until 27 February 2026.
Find the details of the previous call for financial support here.