The MENA Maritime Accelerator (previously Maritime ClimAccelerator), through its vast network of collaborators, will offer participating start-ups funding, training, peer to peer coaching and theme-specific mentoring (both virtually and in-person). Up to 5 startups will be accepted per year and will be asked to provide innovative solutions for the transition to sustainability of the maritime industry, both locally and globally, and will be given the opportunity to present their ideas in front of investors, port authorities and shipping companies. The MENA Maritime Accelerator will thus provide start-ups with a unique opportunity to test, demonstrate and validate their solution.
You can access the brochure introducing our start-ups HERE
The Maritime ClimAccelerator is run by the Cyprus University of Technology, Sustainable Development Unit of ATHENA RC, Cyprus Energy Agency, Chrysalis LEAP, and Cleantech Bulgaria together with our vast network of collaborators and supporters from around the world.
Why sustainability?
The shipping sector accounts for about 80% of the volume of global trade, and is directly responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse (GHG) emissions. In April 2018, the IMO adopted an ambitious GHG reduction strategy with a vision to reduce at least 50% total GHG emissions from shipping by 2050.
The total cost of decarbonisation has been estimated at $1.65 trillion by 2050 and consequently poses several challenges for a range of stakeholders, from ship owners, charterers and cargo owners to ship builders, ports, designers, engine manufacturers, fuel suppliers financiers and policy makers. Thus, the key to achieving reduction of emissions is developing, maturing and scaling up solutions to a level where the cost is acceptable while ensuring the shipping industry activity.
Mission
Our mission is to develop high impact start-ups which will deliver breakthrough solutions to the maritime industry across the pillars of sustainability, supporting them in their transition to Climate Neutrality.
Funding
If you get selected, it means we believe in your idea! We want to support you in scaling it up and reaching the marke. Promising startups will get the chance to secure funding through our vast network of investors, collaborators, and relevant industry players. The amount to be invested and the terms and conditions will be based on bilateral discussions between the Startups and the MENA Maritime Accelerator Partners. Acceptance to the programme does not guarantee funding.
Mentoring
The ΜΕΝΑ Maritime Accelerator is a mentorship-based programme. We are interested in developing high impact startups which will deliver breakthrough solutions to the maritime industry. Hence, we will not only invest money in your idea, but we will provide everything needed to accelerate your startup’s success. The successful applicants will be instantly connected to our multidisciplinary network of mentors drawn from external maritime experts and from our in-house consortium partners (academia and research). Candidates will receive training, coaching, and tailored mentoring (both virtually and in-person) with the aim of accelerating their idea towards commercialisation.
Equipment and Infrastructure
One of the most significant challenges maritime startups face is testing and developing their solutions in real conditions. The ΜΕΝΑ Maritime Accelerator has been designed to help selected startups to overcome these challenges. We will help successful applicants to demonstrate the feasibility of their idea in maritime conditions by providing access, both locally and globally, to our vast network of collaborators and their infrastructure (i.e. ports), equipment, machinery and other assets (laboratories) as well as human resources (i.e. IT developers).
Below, you can find information about the events hosted by the MENA Maritime Accelerator:
- MENA Maritime Accelerator – The 1st Introductory Workshop for Ports and Marinas – 07/04/23
- The 1st MENA Maritime Accelerator webinar on ‘Blue Growth, Sustainable Shipping & Ports’” – 26/05/23
- MENA MARITIME ACCELERATOR’s Matchmaking Event – 19-20/06/23
- “Green Energy, Energy Savings, Energy Communities” | second seminar of the MENA Maritime Accelerator 29/06/23
