Innovation is reshaping the blue economy! Meet 10 European startups leading the shift

The blue economy, which traditionally encompassed fishing, shipping, and offshore energy, is undergoing a transformation. Emerging startups are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as climate technology, AI, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced water treatment to enhance the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of ocean and water resource utilization.

According to EU-Startups' 2026 report, Europe's blue economy is attracting investments across a broader spectrum of technologies and business models. Noteworthy funding rounds include €17 million for cargo.one and its acquisition of Cargofive, as well as €10 million for marine-biofuel developer Kvasir Technologies. These investments reflect a broader funding climate where startups address diverse challenges related to Europe's water and marine resource management.

Innovation is reshaping the sector in various ways. From restoring coastal ecosystems and generating tidal power to removing hazardous pollutants, improving wastewater treatment, supporting aquaculture, automating maritime operations, and digitalizing shipping workflows, startups are driving change. The following profiles highlight 10 European startups founded between 2020 and 2026 that exemplify this innovation.

Apolownia, based in Paris, operates at the intersection of ClimateTech and environmental stewardship. The company focuses on coastal ecosystem restoration and blue carbon projects, utilizing satellite imagery, drones, and AI to monitor ecosystem recovery, carbon capture, and environmental verification. Raised €1 million in funding, Apolownia's approach ensures data-driven results in ecosystem improvement and verification.

Blue Activity, headquartered in Heidelberg, specializes in sustainable water treatment solutions for industrial cooling systems. By replacing toxic biocides with natural microorganisms and employing biopolymer-based additives supported by digital monitoring, Blue Activity reduces chemical usage, water and energy consumption, maintenance needs, and operational costs.

This innovation contributes to cleaner industrial water practices and minimizes harmful discharges, enhancing environmental sustainability. The company secured €8.5 million in funding.

Caudal Energy, launched in Oxford in 2024, introduces a bio-inspired tidal power system that harnesses ocean currents for renewable electricity generation. Their technology employs moving fins inspired by marine animals instead of conventional rotating turbines, offering a lower-impact solution with simplified installation and maintenance.

Caudal Energy's approach provides a more predictable source of renewable energy, supporting the transition from fossil fuels and utilizing marine resources more sustainably. They have raised €6.43 million in total funding.

Enzo, based in Heidelberg, targets water damage prevention through its one-drop sensor. This device attaches to a building's main water pipe and uses AI to monitor water usage patterns and detect leaks in real time. Early leak identification can prevent water waste, costly repairs, and unnecessary material and energy consumption, promoting more sustainable water management. Enzo raised €6.3 million in funding.

Lir Labs, based in London, applies AI-powered microscopy to wastewater treatment. Their automated sensors use deep-learning models to analyze microscopic activity in water, providing real-time operational insights. This enables treatment plants to identify problems early and adjust processes preemptively, reducing pollution, unnecessary energy and chemical use, and the risk of contaminated water reaching natural ecosystems. Lir Labs raised €245k in funding.

Mirai Robotics, a Maritime Technology startup, develops AI-powered systems designed to enhance maritime operations. While specific details about their innovation are scarce, their work aims to improve efficiency and safety in maritime activities through advanced AI technologies. Mirai Robotics raised an undisclosed amount in funding.