Startups leading the charge in ocean regeneration and maritime innovation were celebrated at the Malta ClimAccelerator on 9th May, where three standout ventures were awarded for their contributions to the blue economy.
The event, which brought together policymakers from the European Commission, private investors and industry leaders, called on innovators to harness both policy and passion to scale impactful, sustainable solutions for ocean health, aquaculture, and maritime resilience.
In the Impact Category, Italian-based startup Ogyre was awarded top honours for its pioneering ocean-cleaning initiatives. The company works with local fishing communities across the globe to recover marine litter, transforming what is often overlooked waste into awareness and action.
Meanwhile, a tie in the Hypergrowth Category led to two winners being crowned: Planetixx and Algae Scope.
Planetixx is a data-driven startup that uses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to monitor marine environments. Their platform tracks critical indicators such as algal blooms, marine debris, aquaculture zones and blue carbon, providing decision-makers with real-time insights on ocean health.
Also recognised was Algae Scope, a company developing sustainable textile solutions. By replacing environmentally harmful substances with high-performing materials made from seaweed, the startup is setting a new standard for innovation in the circular bioeconomy.
The awards were part of the wider ClimAccelerator programme, which is supported by EIT Climate-KIC and designed to back climate-focused startups with funding, mentoring, and access to global innovation networks.
Winners of the pitching competition are meant to receive:
With the blue economy emerging as a key frontier in climate and economic resilience, the success of these startups offers a clear signal: Scalable solutions for ocean sustainability are not only possible, but urgently needed.
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