FAROS: the Blue Economy Accelerator presents the 10 start-ups of the 3rd edition

The Third Edition of FAROS Accelerator Kicks Off: Meet the 10 Startups Driving Innovation in the Blue Economy

The third edition of FAROS, the Blue Economy Accelerator of the CDP National Network, is in full swing. Designed to promote a sustainable marine economy in Italy, Faros is the country’s first accelerator dedicated to this sector.

Launched in 2021 Faros is an initiative promoted by CDP Venture Capital SGR in partnership with the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea - Port of Taranto,  and managed by the programme manager a|cube and by the local manager (La Spezia) Wylab.

The selection process was highly competitive. Out of approximately 200 applications, 36 startups pitched to the program’s partners, and 23 made it to Selection Day. In the end, 10 of the most promising startups were chosen for their potential to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability in the blue economy. 

• Aeffe's Keelcrab is a robotic solution for hull cleaning and inspections on leisure boats and yachts, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and preventing invasive species

• Algae Scope creates sustainable seaweed bioproducts, including a PFAS-replacing biocoating, biofuels, and biostimulants, promoting circular economies and ocean regeneration

• BetterSea Power offers modular, sustainable port solutions, integrating solar energy, water purification, and environmental monitoring without new infrastructure, transforming ports into eco-friendly hubs

• Blue Gold provides SaaS solutions to reduce water waste by detecting leaks and inefficiencies, combining engineering, wireless tech, and API integration for sustainable water management.

• Deepvision 3D uses AI, real-time 3D digital twins, and LiDAR to optimize maritime infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve efficiency with autonomous drone integration.

• E-ssence offers electric boat sharing and fleet management, driving sustainable tourism and digital transformation in the nautical sector

• Ecodrone offers modular, modular autonomous marine drones for real-time monitoring and data collection, promoting sustainability and efficient ecosystem protection

• ElectriFly's Aqualev is a zero-emission, maintenance-free marine propulsion system using magnetic levitation for unparalleled efficient and maintenance-free transport

• Navia transforms recreational boating with AI-powered electric boats, offering sustainable solutions, improved performance while promoting environmental responsibility and shaping a greener future for the industry

• S-Cube’s modular Reefer Racks offer quick assembly, scalability, flexibility and automation for electrical connections and data monitoring, improving safety and digitalization in the reefer sector

The Acceleration programme

All selected startups are participating in an intensive acceleration program at Faros hubs in Taranto and La Spezia. The program includes masterclasses, one-on-one coaching, mentoring with industry experts, and networking opportunities with national and international stakeholders.

Additionally, they engage in open innovation activities with corporate partners and has access to investment of minimum €75,000, with potential follow-on funding of up to €400,000 for the most promising projects. The program will culminate in a Demo Day in March.

For more information visit: https://farosaccelerator.com/en/ or contact us at [email protected]

Our Strategic partnerships

Faros operates in close collaboration with institutional and corporate partners:

Taranto Hub carries out its activities thanks to the collaboration with Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea - Port of Taranto. The Main Partners: Intesa Sanpaolo and Fincantieri. Institutional Partners: Comune di Taranto, Camera di Commercio di Brindisi-Taranto and Università di Bari Aldo Moro - Dipartimento Jonico Taranto. 

La Spezia Hub carries out its activities thanks to the collaboration with Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Orientale - Porti di La Spezia e Marina di Carrara. The Co-investors: Crédit Agricole Italia and Duferco; Main Partner: Fincantieri. Institutional Partners: Comune della Spezia, Fondazione Carispezia and PromoStudi La Spezia. 

Faros relies on the support of a network of Corporate Partners: #Joule - la Scuola di Eni per l'Impresa, BCC San Marzano, RINA and Snam. Their expertise and industry connections enhance the program’s impact, facilitating networking and pilot project development with leading business units.

Stay tuned for updates as these groundbreaking startups shape the future of the blue economy!

#BlueEconomy #Innovation #Sustainability #Startups