This autumn, EIT Water offers three different opportunities for startups, innovators and early-career professionals working with water, marine and nature restoration solutions, from startup pitching events to practical training in Berlin. Which one is the right fit for you? It depends on the solution you are developing and the stage you are currently at.
1. Working on water, climate resilience or industrial sustainability solutions?
EIT Water WAVEMAKER Baltics 2026 will take place on 26 September at Klaipeda Science and Technology Park, during the international PORTATHON 2026 hackathon. The programme is open to startups, SMEs and research-based teams developing solutions in the following areas:
- water efficiency, recycling and circularity;
- climate resilience and adaptation;
- marine and freshwater quality;
- industrial decarbonisation.
Selected teams will take part in pitch training, receive feedback from mentors and business experts, and present their solutions to a jury. The three highest-rated teams will receive EIT Water membership for 2027, while the winner will be invited to represent the Baltic region at the EIT Water Launch Event.
This opportunity is a good fit if you are already developing an innovation and want to present it to a broader Baltic and international audience.
More information and registration:
https://www.deep-ecosystems.com/eit-water-wavemaker-baltics-2026
2. Is your startup focused on marine conservation or nature restoration?
The WAVEMAKER Marine Conservation Start-up Award final will take place in Berlin on 16 September. The competition is open to European startups and spin-offs developing solutions that contribute to marine ecosystem protection or nature restoration. Five finalists will be selected and will receive expert mentoring as well as financial support towards travel to Berlin. The three highest-rated finalists will receive one year of EIT Water membership, while the winner will progress to the European WAVEMAKER final in Malaga and compete for a €5,000 award.
Applications are open until 20 August.
More information and registration:
https://blueactionmatch.hivebrite.com/events/217627
3. Looking to strengthen your knowledge and practical skills?
Nature Restoration Academy is a free programme for students, early-career professionals and practitioners interested in marine and freshwater ecosystem restoration. The two-day training will take place in Berlin on 29–30 October and will cover topics including:
- nature-based solutions for marine and freshwater restoration;
- practical European restoration case studies;
- citizen science and digital monitoring;
- restoration in offshore wind farms;
- business models and funding for restoration projects.
Up to 30 participants will be selected. Applications are open until 15 September.
More information and registration:
https://blueactionmatch.hivebrite.com/events/218363
