The French Maritime Cluster launches the third edition of the Blue Tech Index. This national program aims to identify and highlight young innovative companies in the blue economy. Applications are open until November 2025.
The French Maritime Cluster is opening registrations for the 2025 edition of the Blue Tech Index. This program identifies and promotes already established startups active in the maritime economy. Eight sectors are involved: food, data and artificial intelligence, energy, environment and biodiversity, boating and yachting, robotics, health/biotech/cosmetics, transport and mobility.
Created in 2023, the Blue Tech Index highlights the sector’s innovative projects each year. The selected candidates will be revealed at an event in Paris at the end of November 2025. Investors, industry leaders, and public stakeholders will be present.
A structured support for winners
The selected companies will benefit from support along three axes. First, national and sectoral promotion. Then, connections with financiers, industry leaders, and support networks. Finally, integration into a maritime ecosystem that is being structured.
This initiative is supported by several national and regional partners. Among them: Indosuez Wealth Management, Nextinnov Banque Populaire, Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest, MEDEF, the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Sea, the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, as well as Ouest-France – Le Marin.
The 2025 edition is part of the Maritime Innovation Days. The French Maritime Cluster announced the opening of applications via a LinkedIn post.
Increased visibility due to the international context
In June 2025, Nice was the focal point with the United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC) and the Nice Ocean Business Forum. The presence of international decision-makers and institutional partners is expected to enhance the reach of the Blue Tech Index. These events highlight the role of French initiatives in the ecological and industrial transition of the maritime sector.
The previous season illustrated the dynamism of the Azur ecosystem. Two local companies had been distinguished. Inalve, based in Nice, develops microalgae cultivation technology for aquaculture feed. It raised 4.7 million euros in 2024 and received the EU Blue Champion title. Bioceanor, specializing in environmental monitoring using artificial intelligence, designed AquaREAL, a real-time water quality forecasting tool. It won the Blue Innovation Challenge of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
The program remains focused on promoting innovations. It targets projects offering solutions for maritime transition and adaptation to environmental challenges. By linking startups, investors, and industrial stakeholders, it seeks to strengthen the sector.
Applications are open online until November. The selected projects will join a network aimed at bringing forth concrete solutions for the blue economy on a national scale.
