UPTEC is launching, under the European project Blue Shuttle, an open call for startups in the blue bioeconomy sector seeking to accelerate the implementation of ESG — Environmental, Social and Governance — practices. The initiative is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises with activities related to water management, climate resilience and the sustainable use of resources.

The Blue Shuttle Support Programme on ESG Digital Implementation will select up to three organisations to benefit from fully funded access to a digital ESG platform until 31 October 2026. The project aims to accelerate the adoption of good practices, improve the management of sustainability data and prepare companies for new environmental, social and governance reporting requirements.

Throughout the programme, the selected companies will receive practical support to structure ESG data, identify areas of environmental impact, calculate their carbon footprint across the value chain, define improvement actions and prepare a VSME — Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard — sustainability report. The goal is to reduce the complexity associated with ESG data management and help companies respond to the growing expectations of clients, investors, partners and regulators.

Applications are open to SMEs — small and medium-sized enterprises — registered in Portugal, Spain, France or Ireland, operating in the blue bioeconomy sector and with processes related to water management. Applications must be submitted in English, through the online form, by 8 May.

Proposals will be assessed according to four criteria: alignment with the blue bioeconomy and environmental impact; ESG maturity and data readiness; strategic impact and value chain integration; and the company’s operational commitment. In Portugal, applications will be assessed by UPTEC.

The results will be announced by 22 May, and the programme is expected to be completed by 31 October. The selected companies may also take part in the Blue Shuttle Transnational Open Innovation Event, taking place from 14 to 16 September 2026 in Cádiz, Spain. Applications are open until 8 May and can be submitted here.

5 May 2026