Climate change, shrinking arable land, and deteriorating water resources are putting global food security at risk—and Europe is no exception. As the continent seeks resilience and self-sufficiency, innovative solutions that maximize resource efficiency and reduce dependency on external inputs are urgently needed. One such solution is the international project ProRMAS, which is developing a circular and sustainable food production system based on Recirculating Multitrophic Aquaponic Systems (RMAS).

Science, Innovation, and Collaboration

Funded by the Green ERA-Hub initiative, the ProRMAS project unites science, innovation, and international collaboration to redefine the future of sustainable aquaculture. At its halfway point, the consortium, led by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI, Germany) with key partners Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP, Lithuania) and the University of Padova (Italy), has already achieved significant progress toward building a resilient, resource-efficient food system.

Building the Circular System

By the middle of this year, the ProRMAS project partners had made significant progress in implementing various project activities:

Polychaete Rearing System: In collaboration with Greenhub GmbH, a prototype system was developed, initial biomass tests were conducted, and daily handling protocols were established for feeding, salinity, and temperature control.

Alternative Proteins for Shrimp Feed: KMTP adapted aquaculture systems for experimental trials using polychaete meal and Ulva algae as feed additives.

Biofertilizers from Shrimp Sludge: UNIPD analyzed the nutrient profile of shrimp sludge and began growing Salicornia, a salt-tolerant halophyte, using nutrient-rich water from shrimp culture.

Demonstration Farms: Pilot systems are being prepared in Italy and Lithuania to showcase the full RMAS model, integrating shrimp, polychaetes, algae, and halophytes. These will serve as educational and outreach platforms.

Changes between implemented activities 

During the first project phase, the international team successfully launched research and development activities, fine-tuning the essential components of the RMAS: shrimp, polychaetes, algae, and halophytes. New prototypes for polychaete rearing and shrimp feed production have been established, while initial trials have already shown promising results. At the same time, a clear strategy to transform shrimp sludge into natural biofertilizers is being implemented, demonstrating how circular principles can create value from resources that would otherwise go to waste.

In Lithuania, KSTP has taken a leading role in setting up the infrastructure for experimental trials, adapting recirculating aquaculture systems, developing handling protocols, and preparing for the integration of algae and halophytes. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for the next phase of the project.

Meanwhile, partners are already preparing demonstration farms in Italy and Lithuania that will showcase the complete RMAS model and serve as educational and outreach platforms. These pilot systems will demonstrate how circular food production can thrive even in saline or resource-limited environments, helping Europe move closer to protein self-sufficiency and sustainable fertilizer use.

A Circular Vision for Europe

ProRMAS is more than a research initiative – it’s a vision for a greener, smarter, and more circular Europe. By transforming saline water into high-quality proteins and organic fertilizers, RMAS systems reduce waste, recover nutrients, and optimize water use. The project directly contributes to the goals of the European Green Deal, promoting protein self-sufficiency and fertilizer efficiency.

The consortium is proud of the first tangible results achieved so far and the strong collaborative spirit that drives the project forward. ProRMAS is more than a research project – it is a vision for a greener, smarter, and more circular Europe. By turning scientific innovation into practical solutions, the project contributes directly to the ambitions of the European Green Deal.

About ProRMAS:

ProRMAS is part of the Green ERA-Hub that is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 1010568. This international research and development project is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Republic of Italy. Total budget of ProRMAS – €732 000.

More information about ProRMAS project and its activities: ProRMAS project webpage and ProRMAS LinkedIn.

About Green ERA-Hub (GEH):

The Green ERA-Hub is a Coordination and Support Action under Horizon Europe that brings together relevant ongoing and self-sustaining networks in the Agri-food and biotechnology sectors. It represents a significant part of Europe’s national ministries, funders, and research institutes, providing transnational co-programming of national research priorities and funding, organising joint scientific research, knowledge valorisation, and science-policy dialogue activities.

More information about Green ERA-Hub: www.greenerahub.eu

“The project ProRMAS was carried out under the Green ERA-Hub, a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation (R&I) programme under Grant Agreement No. 101056828.”.  

This international research and development project is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Republic of Italy.

 Social media channels: GEH X: @GEH_era;

GEH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/green-era-hub/ and 

GEH YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GreenERAHub. 

When transitioning to green energy in small and medium-sized port ecosystems (SMEs), the most important thing is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce the impact of industry on aquatic ecosystems. This change requires not only technological but also managerial solutions – the first step on this path is self-assessment.

Today, ports around the world are becoming not only logistics and trade hubs, but also leaders in the circular economy, sustainability, and digitalization. Given the goals of the European Green Deal and growing environmental requirements, the port sector needs clear guidelines to help it move purposefully towards green transformation.

That is why self-assessment becomes an essential tool for understanding the current situation, evaluating energy efficiency and environmental impact, and discovering opportunities for improvement. This is the starting point for achieving the strategic goal of creating a sustainable, competitive, and climate-neutral port.

To achieve this goal, the Interreg South Baltic Program project DigiTechPort2030 presents the Green Compass methodology – an innovative, structured, and practical tool for assessing the progress of port sustainability and planning further steps in a targeted manner.

Europe – towards a green course: Fit for 55 and Green Deal commitments

The European Green Deal has set a clear goal – by 2050, Europe must become the first climate-neutral continent. One of the key steps towards this goal is the Fit for 55 package of measures, which requires a reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Maritime transport is included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which means that every ship and every port terminal must assess its sources of emissions and take measures to reduce them. Such changes inevitably affect smaller ports as well – they must be prepared not only to adapt, but also to take advantage of new opportunities.

DigiTechPort2030 – a green roadmap for Baltic ports

The European Union’s Interreg South Baltic program project DigiTechPort2030 continues the successful Connect2SmallPorts initiative and takes another step towards a more integrated, data-driven, and sustainable port ecosystem. The aim of the project is to develop practical tools and guidelines to help small and medium-sized ports implement green transformation and prepare for EU requirements for 2030-2050.

By the end of 2026, the project, whose partners are universities, port authorities and other port companies operating in the South Baltic region (Wismar University, KSTP, Motus Foundation, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Maritime University of Szczecin, Elblag Sea Port Authority, EURO-TERMINAL REAL ESTATE Swinoujscie), aims to provide small and medium-sized ports with two solutions: a green energy harmonisation toolkit and an EU green policy compliance action plan.

Contribution of Klaipėda Science and Technology Park

Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP) is one of the main developers of the Green Compass methodology. KSTP experts, who have many years of experience in the field of maritime innovation ecosystem development, enlisted the help of external experts to contribute to the creation of the methodology structure, evaluation criteria, and digital tools.

Their insights helped to make the methodology not only scientifically sound, but also a practical tool that truly responds to the needs of ports – from data collection to decision-making on sustainable infrastructure investments.

The Green Compass – a guide to assessing port sustainability

The self-assessment methodology developed by KSTP allows each port to systematically assess its progress in five areas:

1. Strategy – do the port’s operational plans, documents, and objectives reflect the direction of EU green policy.
2. Management – are managers and employees ready for transformation, are there centers of responsibility and a training system in place.
3. Infrastructure – does the port have or plan to have renewable energy sources, is the infrastructure adapted to electric vehicles.
4. Superstructure – whether the port’s technology, equipment, and loading processes are powered by green energy.
5. External participants – how partners are involved in the process: carriers, terminal operators, suppliers, shipping companies.

The tool helps to mathematically assess the port’s ecological footprint – for example, the amount of CO₂ emissions per ton of cargo or passenger. Based on this data, each port receives an individual sustainability profile and recommendations for further steps.

Invitation to ports: self-assess and move forward

Klaipėda Science and Technology Park invites all ports in the South Baltic region to use the Green Compass methodology and conduct a self-assessment. This is the first and most important step towards responsible, data-driven sustainability.

Each port that self-assesses according to the Green Compass methodology contributes to the common goal of cleaner seas, a healthier environment and a more competitive Europe. Green transformation is not just a vision of the future – it is a process that starts here and now.

Ports that self-assess according to this system receive not only their sustainability profile, but also the opportunity to consult with the DigiTechPort2030 expert team, which helps to create an action plan – from small optimizations to strategic innovation projects. Ports also find themselves on a digital map where they can compare their indicators with data from other ports. The project aims to transfer good practices to ports and provide high-quality expert advice on improving indicators and preparing for change.

“The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of its author(s) and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union, the Managing Authority or the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021–2027.”

Klaipėda Science and Technology Park shares the invitation of the EU-Japan Industrial Cooperation Center and encourages companies in our community to actively participate in the events. This is particularly relevant information for businesses operating in the green energy sector and seeking to position themselves or explore business opportunities in the Japanese market.

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is relaunching its successful online B2B matching event targeting entities active in green transition sectors.

The platform brings together Japanese and European companies and research institutions, fostering partnerships that contribute to a low-carbon society and lead to innovative green technologies, processes, and applications between the European Union and Japan.

Target fields

Hydrogen / Fuel cells and electrolysers
Battery/storage technologies
Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies
Grid technologies
Onshore wind and offshore renewable technologies
Carbon Capture and storage (CCS) technologies
Heat pumps and geothermal energy technologies
Energy Efficiency Technologies
Green materials / Low-carbon construction and manufacturing
Circularity / Product lifecycle management (PLM) and Recycling
Environmental Monitoring Analysis and Assessment Equipment
Environmental services

Eligibility

Access to this platform is reserved for representatives of enterprises, research and educational institutions and other related organizations, active in the above target fields and headquartered in Japan or the European Union. Individuals are not eligible for participation.

Organisers will review registrants’ profiles and accept them if they are eligible and appropriate for the event.

Registrations are open and the platform will be active until end of March 2026.
https://www.b2match.com/e/eu-japan-green

Four pilot studies under the EU-funded TETRAS project are exploring innovative ways to make recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) more sustainable and circular.

In Denmark, Business Lolland-Falster is testing methods to clean and reuse saltwater from land-based fish farms, achieving drinking water quality and exploring industrial reuse opportunities. Meanwhile, Guldborgsund Municipality focuses on raising awareness of RAS and introducing African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to Danish consumers through education and tasting events.

The project promotes industrial symbiosis, connecting aquaculture with other industries to reuse water and nutrient sidestreams, turning waste into new value.

As explained by Freya Robinson (Submariner Network) and Erika Zavackienė (Klaipėda Science and Technology Park), TETRAS links research, business, and policy to support the circular blue economy and develop business models for sustainable aquaculture across the Baltic Sea region.

📘 Read the full article on European Researcher or download pdf to learn how TETRAS pilots are shaping the future of land-based aquaculture opportunities.

Information prepared according to:

Robinson, F., Zavackienė, E., Løttrup-Moore, A. ir Jørgensen, M. (2025) „Nauji santykiai žuvų auginimui remti“, ES tyrimai, 2025 m. ruduo, t. (43), p. 25–27.

On September 26–28, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park brought together creators, technology and business representatives for the seventh time for the international maritime innovation marathon PORTATHON 2025. This year, the event once again became not only a creative space, but also a real business tool – a platform where ideas turn into applicable solutions.

Innovation Weekend – Amazing

The hackathon PORTATHON 2025, organized by Klaipėda Science and Technology Park together with the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster, has once again invited participants to a live-only event after a long time, where teams worked for 48 hours non-stop.

This year’s hackathon attracted 120 participants from Lithuania, Sweden, Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Mauritius, South Korea and India, 20 teams competed, 19 of which managed to present final solutions. The event participants were advised by an international team of 22 mentors from the business, science and military industry sectors.

This year’s event required novelty and unusual technological searches due to the variety of challenges. Innovative solutions were obtained that combine not only engineering, but also aspects of national and international geopolitical security in the maritime and transport sectors. The concept of the event has also changed somewhat: the prize fund has been increased to EUR 5,500, and the four winning teams have been ranked by placing after summing up the competition jury scores.

Technological solutions – from cybersecurity to sustainable mobility

The challenges for the hackathon organized by KSTP were, as usual, provided by the event partners: Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, international green energy company Ignitis Renewables, AB Western Shipyard BLRT Grupp, Klaipėda FEZ, and Hamburg and Blekinge Universities of Technology.

It is gratifying that all the challenges raised at the hackathon received solutions. Among the favorites are as many as three of them: the most relevant ones received four solutions each – both challenges submitted by Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, related to GPS interference in navigation and smart ticket sales. The green energy company Ignitis Renewable, formulated on the topic of safety and logistics digitalization of offshore wind farms, also had a lot to choose from – innovative technological solutions were presented.

For the first time in the history of the event, the port’s theme was diversified by the challenge “FutureFlows” of the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone Company, related to a sustainable environment, employee motivation, and transport flow management.

Inspiring victories

The first place went to the team “SHIKAKU”, which created an artificial intelligence-driven defense system against GPS spoofing attacks. The solution combines multi-source data analysis, radar and AIS signals, and an operator warning system. This is the first technology of its kind adapted to the specifics of port operations.

The technological uniqueness of this system is that for the first time the principles of cybersecurity are applied to maritime navigation. It is also the first anti-spoofing system specifically designed for port operations in narrow approach channels, combining military-grade resilience with practical civilian use.

The second place went to “Young Developers”, who presented an interactive GPS interference map generated in real time from open data sources. The most important technological aspect is live monitoring of the data stream, which allows for immediate detection of anomalies. In addition, the system creates historical maps that help identify recurring interference locations and predict recurring patterns, increasing navigation safety.

“FutureFlows” – a new theme at the port hackathon

The third-place winner is the “PortVision” team from Romania, which proposed “FutureFlow” – a sustainable mobility platform designed to change daily commuting habits in the FEZ community.

The solution combines game principles, artificial intelligence-based ride and route matching, and a multi-tiered employer-sponsored reward system. Employees can easily choose between walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing, and the platform ensures trust and transparency using advanced tracking, safety features and fraud prevention mechanisms.

The developers presented a multimodal model for solving the problem with clear benefits for the employer, where direct CO₂ savings reporting summaries, employment, cost-effectiveness and safety indicators are obtained.

Fourth – Klaipėda University’s young engineers’ team “#KU_Engineers”. The latter took on the challenge set by Blekinge University of Technology – artificial intelligence-based cargo flow forecasting and sustainable supply chain support. At the event, the young engineers presented a solution where, based on historical ship route data, a prototype of a machine learning model was trained, which is able to predict trajectories. An artificial intelligence assistant was also created, which acts as an intermediary between mathematical forecast models and historical data processing functions and a decision maker. Such a solution would facilitate the planning and management of ship routes, potentially reduce congestion of ships entering the port, and accordingly reduce delays in logistics links, and help optimize ship fuel consumption.

Platform – where ideas turn into solutions

It is pleasing to note that in addition to financial motivation, other opportunities open up for participants in the PORTATHON hackathon: the solutions they create are applied in real-world business activities, and meeting mentors and partners often becomes a springboard for creating startups.

PORTATHON is the only such platform in the port city, where innovations meet reality, and ideas turn into solutions that can have an impact in the blue and green policy sectors, the circular economy, contribute to environmental and cybersecurity protection, and strengthen the Lithuanian innovation ecosystem.

PORTATHON – comprehensive solutions for business, a platform for talents

PORTATHON marathon partners are traditionally generators of challenges. This year’s event is no exception in this regard. Since the hackathon takes place in a port city, the usual dominant theme is maritime, but it is gratifying that partners of a different nature are also joining the marathon ranks – partners dealing with renewable energy, security, and sustainability issues.

The consistent participation of business partners shows that the hackathon has real value and benefits created, and its results meet market needs. Such value is seen and felt by long-time partners Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, AB Western Shipyard BLRT Grupp, Hamburg University of Technology and Blekinge University of Technology, who joined the partners this year but have supported the event before – the international green energy company Ignitis renewables and Klaipėda FEZ.

Hackathons today are becoming not only creative experiments, but also part of business strategy. These are intensive events where specialists from various fields create new technological or business solutions that generate real value in a few days.

Such formats act as catalysts for innovation – limited time, a clear goal and team dynamics encourage non-standard creativity and rapid implementation of ideas. For participants, it is an opportunity to reveal talents, gain insights from valuable mentors and expand professional connections, and for business – an excellent critical environment and solution platform, where a specific problem is examined in a complex way, covering various aspects and levels of competence – from a strategic approach to practical implementation.

The EU-India-TTC-WG2 Ideathon calls for EU and Indian participants to bring bold and game-changing ideas to combat marine plastic litter. This initiative fosters collaboration, inviting startups, businesses, researchers, and sustainability enthusiats to develop solutions for marine plastic pollution. The co-created solutions to challenges like data management to track plastics, plastic reduction, and awareness will be pitched in a final hybrid ceremony in India. The top three India-EU teams will receive tailored advisory services and rewards to further develop their ideas.

Discover more

We are excited to invite you to take part in the EU-India Ideathon on Marine Plastic Pollution, a unique international challenge launched under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). This initiative offers an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with peers from India, co-create impactful solutions, and showcase your ideas on a global stage.
Marine plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time. The Ideathon welcomes individuals and teams from across Europe’s academic and innovation ecosystems to co-create impactful solutions in one of the following areas:

Challenge 1: How can we improve methods for identifying and tracking marine plastics to enable more targeted cleanup and prevention?
Challenge 2: What effective approaches can be developed to remove plastic pollution from marine environments?
Challenge 3: How can we raise awareness about marine plastic pollution to inspire and mobilise communities and individuals toward action?

Why apply?
• Work in EU-India teams to tackle real-world challenges
• Access expert mentoring and guidance during the online phase
• Compete for awards and tailored advisory support for your solution
• If selected, present your idea at the final in-person event in India this November/ December, with all travel and accommodation costs covered

The Ideathon officially launches in September 2025. An online phase will run through October and November, offering matchmaking, mentoring, and skills workshops. The final event will take place in India in November/December 2025, where selected teams will pitch their ideas to a jury of experts.

Applications are now open until September 25th!
Apply here: https://urlr.me/nGXh8R

On October 14 (Tuesday) from 9:30 am. Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts is organizing the final conference of the EU project “Coastour” “Shaping a Sustainable Future of Coastal Tourism”. The event will present sustainability requirements for companies, and will provide an opportunity to learn more about sustainability and ecological certification systems.

The event is intended for companies that strive to operate sustainably and are interested in implementing sustainable solutions in business, sustainability certification labels, EU requirements and future forecasts. Networking and training on the company self-assessment platform are planned during the event.

Program of event download here 

Venue: Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (Vilhelmo Berbomo g. 10, Klaipėda).

Language: English.
Participation: FREE, but registration is required.

REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/RF51Z3rc8WGE5m389 

Registration is open until October 10.

Since January 2023, the Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, together with partners from Denmark, Slovenia, Italy and Portugal, has been implementing the EU-funded project “Coastour”. It focuses on coastal tourism companies that want to implement sustainability measures. During the project, companies from Western Lithuania were provided with consultations on the European Union’s sustainability systems and the possibilities of operating in accordance with sustainability principles.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us by e-mail at zinios@kcci.lt 

On September 26–28, the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park will host the seventh international port technology hackathon Portathon 2025. More than 100 participants from Lithuania, Sweden, Romania and Georgia will develop technological solutions that will help solve the challenges of the maritime sector, defense, pollution reduction and sustainability.

This year, the tasks for the teams’ creation were submitted by the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, AB Vakarų laivų zamykų group, the international green energy company Ignitis renewables, Klaipėda FEZ, Hamburg University of Technology and Blekinge University of Technology. They include issues of GPS interference in navigation, smart ticketing, air pollution reduction, safety of offshore wind farms and digitalization of logistics.

The goal of the event is to unite the forces of science, business and creative teams to turn ideas into real-life solutions.

The event is more than a hackathon

For three days, teams at Klaipėda Science and Technology Park will develop innovative solutions in the areas of security, sustainability, shipping and pollution reduction. This year, more than 100 talented students, science, business and startup representatives from Lithuania and abroad registered for the event. Portathon has become an important innovation platform in Western Lithuania and the entire Baltic Sea region, and the ideas born here are successfully applied not only in Lithuania but also abroad. The event unites talents from engineering, IT, marine technologies, business and science, helping to turn challenges into real solutions.

A springboard to commercialize your knowledge and experience

The event provides participants with the opportunity not only to test their ideas, but also to implement them in real companies and establish valuable partnerships. Erika Zavackienė, KMTP project manager, says: “Hackaton is unique in that here, solutions with potential actually become reality. It is gratifying that the event has not lost its relevance and interest for several years, and its results have become a springboard for startups, acquaintances – a network of new business partnerships, and for ports and maritime business – a know-how technology center. The trust of our partners also creates great value – their attention, support and desire to implement the created solutions in real activities. “

This year’s Portathon 2025 challenges are formulated taking into account the most relevant maritime sector and geopolitical trends, and their solutions will be important for every strategic port.

It is often said that a port must be fast and safe, but today that is no longer enough. We need to be both sustainable and able to change faster than the world around us. That’s why PORTATHON is more than an event for us – it’s a place where solutions are born that can change the entire maritime sector. It’s where we see what we can be tomorrow if we dare to think bigger today”, says Algis Latakas, CEO of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

And the head of the Klaipėda FEZ Management Company, Eimantas Kiudulas, notes the uniqueness of Portathon 2025 as “collaboration opportunity that we can develop solutions to strengthen our nation’s resilience. Today, innovation is an essential pillar in safeguarding strategic infrastructure – enabling us to respond more swiftly, operate more effectively, and enhance security both nationally and internationally. I therefore invite everyone committed to Lithuania’s future to actively engage in this hackathon and contribute to the changes that will help build a safer and stronger state”.

The event would lose its meaning and continuity if there were no obvious potential in its results. Vaiva-Indilaitė Girtzė, a representative of the international green energy company Ignitis renewables, sees the value in contributing to the sponsorship of the event, because „we’re deeply dedicated to fostering a sustainable future and protecting the health of our environment. For us, the best way to make this happen is by forming long-term, trustworthy partnerships. We recognise how crucial it is to build enduring connections with local businesses and coastal communities in order to work together in a way that benefits us all”.

Record Prize Fund

This year’s hackathon is as popular as previous events. Registration for the event was suspended earlier than planned due to the limited physical space available for the event. The number of participants exceeded 100 people, 20 teams will solve challenges over the three days, and the event participants will be advised by an international team of mentors, consisting of 22 representatives of science and business.

The event is organized by the Public Institution Klaipėda Science and Technology Park and the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster. The main sponsors and partners of the event are Klaipėda University, EU-CONEXUS, Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, AB Western Shipyard Group, international green energy company Ignitis Renewables, Klaipėda LEZ, Schneider Electrics Lietuva, Omega 365 Lithuania, Phoenix Contact.

On September 26, the event will begin with welcoming speeches by the Director of Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, Romas Stubrienė, and the Vice-Rector for Studies of Klaipėda University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rasa Grigolienė, team formation and distribution of challenges.

On September 27, participants will be inspired by motivating speeches, which will be read by Sigutė Stankevičiūtė, Head of the Baltic Region and Poland of the American company Mach Industries, and Viktorija Sidarienė, Head of the Innovation Agency Miltech LAB.

On Sunday, the hackathon will reach the peak of the event – the teams will present their final solutions to the judging panel, and after calculating the evaluation scores, the winners will be announced.

What is new in the event is that this year the prize fund has increased to 5,500 EUR, and for the first time in the history of the event, teams will be ranked according to their place. Four prize places have been awarded, the monetary fund of which is distributed accordingly according to the place. The first-place winner will receive a prize of 2,000 EUR, the second-place winner will receive 1,500 EUR, and the 3rd-4th place winners will share 1,000 EUR.

It is gratifying to note that in addition to financial motivation, other opportunities open up for participants: the solutions they create can be applied in real-world business operations, and meeting mentors and partners often becomes a springboard for creating startups. Portathon 2025 is a platform where innovations meet reality, and ideas turn into solutions that can change the maritime sector and strengthen the Lithuanian innovation ecosystem.