Maltese startups and SMEs operating in the maritime and blue economy sectors are being encouraged to apply for a new EU-funded acceleration programme that could help them scale their innovations beyond Malta’s shores while contributing to the country’s long term sustainability ambitions.
The MED-Hubs Acceleration Programme, supported under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), is designed to fast track innovative solutions in marine renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, smart ports and green maritime transport.
The initiative also offers a timely opportunity for Maltese companies seeking international exposure, pilot testing and investor access in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-driven maritime landscape.
Coordinated by Spain’s Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena and delivered by a consortium of 11 European partners, including Malta based accelerator MaltAccelerate, the 24 month project aims to strengthen interregional cooperation and accelerate sustainable blue economy innovation across the Western Mediterranean.
For Malta, an island nation whose economic and social development has always been closely tied to the sea, the programme aligns closely with the objectives set out in the country’s Vision 2050 strategy, which places sustainability, digital transformation, climate resilience and higher value added industries at the centre of future growth.
The acceleration programme, which runs from April 2026 to September 2027 and is delivered fully online in English, is open to startups incorporated from 2019 onwards that are operating at Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 8.
It is free of charge and equity free, removing a key barrier for early stage companies that may be hesitant to dilute ownership in exchange for support.
Selected participants will receive tailored one-to-one coaching and mentoring, introductions to equity investors, guidance on accessing public funding and support in developing and piloting minimum viable products across European testbeds.
Companies will also benefit from international business development assistance and showcase opportunities, including a Demo Day in Naples in 2027 and visibility at global events such as the Global Sustainable Islands Summit.
The programme is structured around two flagship innovation hubs that provide real world testing and validation environments.
The Marine Energy Hub in Spain focuses on small scale marine renewable energy technologies capable of powering port infrastructure, supporting onboard vessel systems and supplying energy to coastal communities.
It provides progressive testing facilities ranging from feasibility assessment and laboratory validation to controlled open-sea trials and real-case deployment scenarios.
The ALFA Fisheries Hub in Italy, meanwhile, supports the digitalisation of small scale fisheries through AI powered species recognition, automated digital logbooks, environmental monitoring systems and blockchain-based traceability tools designed to improve sustainability, transparency and market value.
These focus areas are particularly relevant to Malta, where ports, fisheries, aquaculture and maritime services remain critical pillars of the economy.
Technologies that reduce emissions and noise in ports, improve energy efficiency, minimise overfishing, cut fuel consumption and enhance traceability are increasingly important as Malta aligns itself with EU climate targets and broader Green Deal objectives.
By participating in MED-Hubs, Maltese innovators can validate their solutions through a structured ‘Trusted Pilots’ process, strengthen investor readiness and access partnerships that would be difficult to secure independently.
Stephanie Vella, CEO at Malta West-Med Initiative and a member of the observatory panel of the MED-Hubs Acceleration project, said, “The blue economy is central to the long-term prosperity, sustainability and climate resilience of Malta, reflecting its island reality and deep socio-economic ties to the sea. Malta’s economy is driven largely by micro and small enterprises, making the targeted support, innovation access and international scaling opportunities offered through MED-Hubs essential for strengthening competitiveness.
“As the National Hub for the West-MED Initiative in Malta, it is of great interest to note that MED-Hubs’ focus on marine renewables and sustainable fisheries directly advances West-MED priorities by tackling shared regional challenges such as maritime decarbonisation, sustainable resource management and coastal resilience.”
Interested companies can download the programme brochure here and submit their application online here
