MACRO CLEAN Project is an international cooperation initiative supported under the European Union Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. The project is implemented through a partnership between Sinop University and Marmara Municipalities Union from Türkiye, Batumi State University from Georgia, and Shumen University from Bulgaria.
Within the scope of MACRO CLEAN Project, the Acceleration Programme for Blue Economy and Macroalgae has been launched to support innovative ventures related to the blue economy and macroalgae ecosystem.
What Does the Programme Offer to Entrepreneurs?
The Acceleration Programme aims to support start-ups working in the fields of blue economy, macroalgae (seaweed), or algae-related solutions by helping them structure their journey from idea to market, strengthen their business models strategically, and become ready to engage with investors.
Participating ventures will gain:
- A clear, sustainable, and scalable business model
- A strong value proposition
- A realistic growth and market entry strategy
- Structured feedback from experienced mentors and experts
- The ability to deliver effective and professional presentations to investors and industry stakeholders
Programme Objectives
The main objective of the Acceleration Programme is to support innovative business ideas based on or related to the blue economy and macroalgae ecosystem, help ventures mature their business models, and facilitate their engagement with investors.
Applications are open to ventures at all stages, including idea, concept, early-stage, and advanced-stage initiatives.
There is no requirement for an MVP, sales, or company registration.
Within the scope of the programme, participants will benefit from:
- Training and mentorship support
- Business model development workshops
- Demo Day and investor presentations
Application Criteria
Individuals and teams with the following qualifications are eligible to apply:
- Start-ups developing macroalgae (seaweed), microalgae, or algae-based solutions, or ventures whose products or services directly or indirectly interact with algae
- Teams that use or plan to use macroalgae or algae in sectors such as materials, food, feed, fertilizers, bioplastics, textiles, architecture, design, environmental applications, carbon capture, waste management, or water treatment
- Ventures with business ideas focusing on the blue economy, sustainability, climate action, circular economy, and nature-based solutions
- Early or advanced stage ventures that may still be at the idea, concept, conceptual design, or prototype stage, even if they have not yet generated sales
- Individuals and teams aiming to transform their ideas into scalable start-up models
** This start-up program is only for Turkish investors
