what we are looking for
Faros is looking for Italian startups operating in the field of blue economy, maritime and port innovation and sustainable use of marine resources. The focus is on business models that generate a positive, purposeful and measurable impact and offer innovative solutions aimed at restoring the health of the oceans and promoting a successful transition to a sustainable blue economy.
FAROS, by means of the two Hubs, is aimed at accelerating realities that offer solutions in the following areas of innovation
what we are looking for
Faros is looking for Italian startups operating in the field of blue economy, maritime and port innovation and sustainable use of marine resources. The focus is on business models that generate a positive, purposeful and measurable impact and offer innovative solutions aimed at restoring the health of the oceans and promoting a successful transition to a sustainable blue economy.
FAROS, by means of the two Hubs, is aimed at accelerating realities that offer solutions in the following areas of innovation
Ocean Data intelligent systems and innovative technologies to collect and evaluate data from the sea and oceans for monitoring and forecasting activities
Ocean Energy Systems development of sustainable energy systems from renewable sources, including onshore and offshore technologies and innovative energy storage solutions
Sea Health & Restoration prevention, protection, restoration and monitoring of the marine environment and ecosystem using nature-based solutions
Smart Ports & Green digital and automated processes to optimise port activities, improve safety and reduce carbon emissions (decarbonisation) of maritime transport
Shipbuildinginnovative processes, technologies and products for a more sustainable shipbuilding and shipping industry
Coastal Tourism services for the development of more sustainable tourism with a view to generating positive social, economic and environmental impact
Sustainable Aquaculturebreeding and processing of fish and aquatic products aimed at reducing environmental impacts and protecting aquatic species
Disruptive Uses of Blue use and transformation of natural marine resources into innovative and disruptive industrial applications and processes
Read the Call Regulation for more specific information on eligible startups, selection criteria and membership and investment conditions.
what we offer
FAROS is committed to harnessing the potential of start-ups that offer solutions for systematic transformation in the context of a sustainable blue economy.
By fostering relationships between start-ups, companies and a broad ecosystem of stakeholders, FAROS contributes to the creation of a value chain in the sector that puts innovation and impact at the heart of processes, governance and outcomes.
what we offer
FAROS is committed to harnessing the potential of start-ups that offer solutions for systematic transformation in the context of a sustainable blue economy.
By fostering relationships between start-ups, companies and a broad ecosystem of stakeholders, FAROS contributes to the creation of a value chain in the sector that puts innovation and impact at the heart of processes, governance and outcomes.
Selected startups will have access to:
Acceleration path
Masterclasses, workshops, one-to-one coaching activities on innovation, business development, scale-up strategy, financial planning, investor relations
Open innovation
Dedicated consultancy and support for startups to design and implement pilot projects (PoC) aimed at technological validation and experimentation of new solutions with industrial partners
Events
Access to national and international events, visits to partner offices and opportunities to meet with stakeholders in the blue economy
Investment starting from €75,000
Initial investment in the form of convertendo (mandatory convertible instrument) with potential follow-on between €200,000 and €400,000
Mentoring
Individual sessions to support startups that can be modulated based on their needs. The mentor network (40+) is made up of: research institutes, corporate companies, networks and associations, universities and polytechnics, incubators and accelerators, innovation hubs
Workspace
Available to startups at the accelerator's premises in Taranto and La Spezia for the duration of the programme
The acceleration programme will take place both remotely and on-site between November 2023 and February 2024.
The acceleration programme will be run mainly face-to-face at the Taranto and La Spezia hubs, with possible online meetings
Given the international dimension of the programme and the call, and depending on the country of origin and background of the selected start-ups, teaching materials and lessons may be provided and delivered in English.
Acceleration path
Masterclasses, workshops, one-to-one coaching activities on innovation, business development, scale-up strategy, financial planning, investor relations
investment starting from 75,000€
Initial investment in the form of convertendo (mandatory convertible instrument) with potential follow-on between € 200,000 and € 400,000
Open innovation
Dedicated consultancy and support for startups to design and implement pilot projects (PoC) aimed at technological validation and experimentation of new solutions with industrial partners
Mentoring
Individual sessions to support startups that can be modulated based on their needs. The mentor network (40+) is made up of: research institutes, corporate companies, networks and associations, universities and polytechnics, incubators and accelerators, innovation hubs
Events
Access to national and international events, visits to partner offices and opportunities to meet with stakeholders in the blue economy
Workspace
Available to startups at the accelerator's premises in Taranto and La Spezia for the duration of the programme
The acceleration programme will be run mainly face-to-face at the Taranto and La Spezia hubs, with possible online meetings between November 2025 and February 2026.
inizio desktop
timeline
17 June – 7 Sept 2025
Sept – Oct 2025
Nov 2025 – March 2026
March 2026
Startups selection
Acceleration programme and pilot project development
Demo Day
fine desktop
inizio tablet
timeline
17 June – 7 Sept 2025
Sept – Oct 2025
Nov 2025 – March 2026
March 2026
Call for startups
Startups selection
Acceleration programme and pilot project
demo day
fine tablet
inizio mobile
timeline
17 June – 7 Sept 2025
Call for startups
Sept 2025 – Oct 2025
Startups selection
November 2025 – March 2026
Acceleration programme and pilot project development
March 2026
Demo Day
fine mobile
apply
Stay tuned! The new Call for Startups is launching soon
In order to participate in the 4th edition of the FAROS acceleration programme
Read the Regulation for more specific information on eligibility and selection criteria, as well as the conditions of participation and investment
Fill in your application on the F6S, the global platform that supports startup acceleration programs
The Call will close on September 7 2025
The Call closed on September 7, 2025.
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