EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
The 2B-BLUE project aims to accelerate the introduction and transfer of Blue Biotechnology (BBt) solutions throughout the Mediterranean region. The project addresses the main barriers that have slowed down the integration of BBt into the blue economy sectors in the past. These challenges include technological and financial constraints, regulatory fragmentation and the need for effective knowledge transfer mechanisms.
The 2B-BLUE project will test the application in targeted BBt value chains at demonstration sites (DS) based on the established Joint Research Unit.
DS in the 2B-BLUE project are real-world testing grounds for BBt solutions in six partner countries of the 2B-BLUE project in the Mediterranean region: Albania, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Spain.
In the DS, the practicality and impact of innovations will be assessed in order to move them from research to application. The implementation of pilot projects will be carefully monitored and documented so that a detailed report can be produced for each country involved in the activity at the end of the 12-month test period. The data collected and analysed will make it possible to create a DS model that can be transferred to other areas and promote a wider adoption of BBt in the Mediterranean blue economy.
The members of the 2B-BLUE project have officially launched a call for applications to become an implementing partner of DS. Any organisation that meets the requirements is invited to apply.
ALBANIA
The call is now CLOSED!
On April 17th, 2025, the Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (ACEPSD) launched a search for a partner in the aquaculture sector to run a demonstration of innovation in blue biotechnology. The aim is that in this Demonstration Site (DS) it will be established the first pilot unit about the Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and later we will develop together with this partner a business model. It means that first we need to create the Joint Research Unit (JRU) together with the partner from the aquaculture sector in Albania. This strategic approach will enable the 2B-BLUE pilot in Albania to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aquaculture solutions.
ACEPSD carried out the selection process using a qualified panel of experts. The process was discretionary and based on applications received at albaniancenterforepsd@gmail.com by midnight 6 May 2025. After reviewing the applications, a decission was made on May 13th to select “Alb-Adriatico 2013” sh.p.k.
Find additional information:
Bay of Vlora (ACESPD).
FRANCE
May 14th, 2025. Develop your project in the blue biotechnology sector thanks to this call launched by Pôle Mer Méditerranée and IFREMER! Application deadline: May 29th, 2025.
2B-BLUE supports SMEs and project leaders based in the South of France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur or Occitanie regions) specialized in blue biotechnologies. The aim is to stimulate the development of advanced technologies for the cultivation and processing of marine organisms, as well as innovation in aquaculture. The project offers personalized support to help you develop innovative solutions, including networking opportunities, access to research facilities, funding monitoring, etc.
Use this online application form (in French)
Find more information (in French) here
GREECE
May 11th, 2025. Call for shelfish aquaculture in the Halastra area. Application deadline: May 26th, 2025.
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) invites shellfish aquaculture professionals to express their interest in participating in the development of a Demonstration Site (DS) located in the Halastra area, on the western coast of the Thermaikos Gulf, Greece. This initiative explores the integration of sea cucumber (Holothuria spp.) farming as a nature-based solution for sediment bioremediation in mussel farming areas. Planned activities include the pilot-scale deployment of bioremediation systems, with ongoing monitoring to evaluate improvements in sediment quality. The project will also assess the commercial potential of sea cucumber-derived products, analyze associated operational costs, and evaluate the system’s scalability and maintenance requirements under real-world aquaculture conditions. The Demonstration Site is part of a broader effort led by the Greek Blue Biotechnology Hub (BBHub) to foster knowledge sharing, drive innovation, and promote cross-sector collaboration for the sustainable growth of the blue bioeconomy in the region.
Learn more (in Greek) here
SPAIN
The call is now CLOSED!
On April 16th, 2025, the University of Murcia launched a call for expressions of interest to identify partner organisations for the creation of a blue biotechnology demonstration site, as part of the European 2B-BLUE project. This initiative aims to integrate the cultivation of macroalgae in port environments as a solution for the bioremediation of water and the reduction of CO₂ emissions, promoting public-private collaboration and innovation in the marine bioeconomy sector. The deadline for applications was May 9th, 2025. All related information to the call is available at (in Spanish) in the following link: https://www.um.es/web/gtc-economia-azul/anuncios
On May 14th, 2025, the University of Murcia, through the Selection Committee made up of members of the Knowledge Transfer Group Blue Economy: Marine Biotechnology and Innovation, has carried out the selection process on a discretionary basis, after receiving the applications in due time and form. The selected candidate was: Mediterranean Algae S.L.
Find the full of the text of the resolution here.
Algas del Mediterráneo (Aarón Herrero).
SLOVENIA
On May 14th, 2025, the National Institute of Biology launched a call for expressions of interest for Demonstration Sites. Application deadline: May 28th, 2025.
Interested parties should carry out activities in one of the three thematic fields described below:
- Large-Scale Microalgae Production for Cosmetics.
- Valorization of Fisheries and Aquaculture By-Products
- Development of Innovative Sea Sponge Aquaculture Systems
Find detailed information below:
Find the online applications below:
Marine Biology Station Piran – The National Institute of Biology
