On 18–19 June 2026, social economy SMEs, cooperatives and practitioners from across Europe will gather on the shores of the Baltic to explore what digitalisation and sustainability strategies in the blue economy look like when put into practice.

⚓ Two days of workshops, site visits and peer exchange, built around the question of a sustainable digitalisation that doesn’t leave communities behind.

The programme features a keynote by Christian Felber, co-founder of the Economy for the Common Good. On the evening of 19 June, participants will also be there for the opening of Kieler Woche, the world’s largest sailing event.

💶 Financial support is available. Selected organisations can receive up to €800 to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for up to two participants.

👉 Apply by 15 May 2026: https://prosperity.diesis-network.coop/bluedots/financial-support/
📋 More information on the agenda will follow soon.

Legacoop FVG Coceta innova eG Irish Social Enterprise Network Baltic Sea & Space Cluster

Financial support

Open Calls for Proposals: Financial Support for Social Economy SMEs in the Blue Economy Sector

Bluedots Germany Living Lab: 18-19 June 2026

The Financial Support Call for the upcoming Living Lab in Kiel, Germany is officially open.

This event invites social economy SMEs and enabling organisations in the blue sector to participate in the upcoming Living Lab on Blue Tourism Economy and Responsible Tourism, which will be held on 18 and 19 June in Kiel, Germany.

Eligible organisations can apply for a lump sum contribution of up to €800 to support travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs for up to two participants.

Designed as a collaborative Living Lab, this event will bring together practitioners, experts, and innovators to co-create solutions, exchange experiences, and strengthen the social economy’s contribution to a smarter, greener, and more inclusive blue economy.

Over two days, participants will explore strategies for digitalisation and sustainability, take part in practical workshops and site visits, and build new connections with European organisations working across fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, marine technology, and related sectors. The programme will feature a keynote by Christian Felber, co-founder of the Economy for the Common Good, and will also offer participants the chance to experience the opening of Kieler Woche, the world’s largest sailing event and one of Germany’s biggest public festivals, on 19 June.

Funding is linked to the distance between the applicant’s legal headquarters and Kiel.

The call is open from 1 April 2026 at 12:00 CET until 15 May 2026.

If your organisation is ready to learn, contribute, and collaborate with peers from across Europe, this is your opportunity to step into an international space for innovation in the blue economy. Apply now and be part of the movement building a blue economy for the common good!

Capacity Building Event

This event will provide:

Opportunities to exchange knowledge with international experts, SMEs, and enabling organizations.
Insights into integrating digital-social innovation principles into blue economy operations.
Practical workshops and networking opportunities.

What you will get from these two days?

Concrete examples and best practices you can adapt to your context
Practical insights on digital tools and solutions to support sustainability, inclusion and visitor management
Space to discuss the real challenges on the ground, from overtourism and biodiversity to mobility, accessibility, waste and water impacts
Curated networking and business speed dating to meet the right partners and build collaborations

Application guidelines

Please read the full call carefully to access all details before applying.