This networking and brokerage event, co-organised by the MarLEN project and the BlueTech Cluster Alliance (BTCA) will be showcasing diverse cooperation mechanisms and funding opportunities to foster international collaborations to accelerate shipping decarbonisation. The event will connect different organisations from the international Research & Innovation sector through dedicated pitching sessions. Organisations are invited to take part in either of the two pitching sessions which will offer 5 minute presentation sessions on:

• Reverse pitching - European and non-European large industry, shipping companies, ports, investors and researchers are invited to present their challenges and needs, especially in terms of technology to accelerate shipping and port decarbonisation.
• Innovation pitching - European and non-European solution and technology developers and providers, SMEs and start-ups are invited to present their targeted solutions, technologies and project ideas to address existing challenges in the sector. 

Who can apply and why:

The following type of companies can apply to reserve a 5 minute pitching session (both European and International) actively working in the shipping sector:

• Shipping companies
• Ports
• Solutions and technogy developers and providers
• Universities and research organisations
• SMEs and start-ups

The event will provide organisations with the opportunity to delve into the current challenges hindering the decarbonisation of the shipping sector and connecting them with existing solutions and breakthrough technologies, aimed at establishing collaborations at international levels to advance Research and Innovation activities and accelerate the market uptake of technologies. 

In addition there will be thematic online rooms to discuss items such as AI & digitisation, zero-emission design, ports, onboard renewables etc.

Event details:

Wednesday 29th April 2026, 3.00-4.30pm BST, online.

To sign-up to present a 5 minute pitch at this event please click here. Deadline 15th April 2026. 

In case of any further questions about the event and the application procedure, please contact the organisers at butera@apre.it and delpizzo@apre.it.

The BlueTech Cluster Alliance (BTCA) is a global network of industry-led, maritime focused clusters designed to accelerate sustainable ocean growth, innovation and economic development. MSE International is a member of the BTCA.

MarLEN is a European partnership supporting research and technological development in maritime innovation.