ANCONA
TO NAVIGATE
THE SEA
EDITION
MAY 22-23, 2025 | ANCONA
The Blue Way Hackathon
48 hours to navigate the sea and ideate new solutions for the Blue Economy’s future.
The sea is the new frontier of research and experimentation — a connective fabric for the economy of the future and a fertile ground for launching new enterprises.
On May 22–23, 2025, the city of Ancona will host the second edition of The Blue Way Hackathon.
The blue way hackathon 2025
The Challenge: Shaping the Future of the Nautical Sector
Get ready for 48 hours of hands-on innovation: you’ll work in multidisciplinary teams to design prototype solutions addressing real challenges submitted by SMEs in the nautical industry.
At the heart of the challenge:
Transition 5.0 – technologies and models that combine digital transformation with human-centered values
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) – environmental sustainability, social impact, and transparent governance
The most promising ideas may evolve into products or services ready for adoption by participating businesses, with a real impact on the sector.
Who Can Join
The Blue Way Hackathon is open to:
University graduates
Young startuppers (whether already launched or in the planning phase)
Eligibility requirements:
Italian or Croatian citizenship
Or currently studying, residing, or working in Italy or Croatia
Why Join
Receive a Certificate of Participation, recognized as a valuable learning experience
Collaborate with real SMEs, who may offer internship or project opportunities after the event
Join the international BLUESLINKS Innovation Hub (part of the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme)
Get Ready!
We’re setting the stage for you to shine.
- The Hackathon will take place in person in Ancona, but don’t worry if you can’t make it to everything — the opening session and final awards will also be streamed online, so no one misses the big moments.
- To keep things smooth and international, the official language is English. But you won’t be on your own — bilingual facilitators (Italian and Croatian) will be by your side throughout the event.
- And because great ideas need fuel, we’ve got your meals covered — so you can focus on innovating, collaborating, and building real solutions, with no distractions.
Schedule
DAY ONE
THURSDAY MAY 22, 2025
3.00 PM
Welcome session: Registration and reception
Confirmation of registrations and distribution of materials.
Networking among participants, tutors, and organizers.
4.00 PM
Kickoff and presentation of the Challenge
Introduction to the objectives and the challenge.
Explanation of guidelines, rules, and evaluation criteria.
Presentation of tutors and jury.
5.00 PM
Session 1: Sharing and brainstorming
Interactive activities to stimulate creativity and innovation.
Analysis of best practices and case studies.
Formation of teams based on skills, brainstorming of best ideas.
7.00 PM
Session 2: Operational work: initial development
Definition of project scope and concrete objectives.
Initial consultations with tutors to validate ideas.
Planning of subsequent development phases and state-of-the-art analysis.
8.30 PM
Dinner
9.30 PM
Session 3: Design and prototyping
Development of ideas into detailed concepts or prototypes.
Feasibility tests and validations with expert support.
Initial simulations to validate the project.
11.30 PM
Session 4: Advanced development
Possibility to continue with overnight work.
Support available from some tutors.
DAY TWO
FRIDAY MAY 23, 2025
8.00 AM
Breakfast & Checkpoint with tutors
Feedback on development phases.
Possible adjustments to optimize the project.
9.30 AM
Session 5: Finalization of video pitch
Structuring the pitch to effectively present the project.
Production of supporting materials (video, slides, demo).
Technical rehearsals for the presentation.
12.30 PM
Lunch break
2.00 PM
Session 6: Final pitch and presentation to the jury
Official project presentations (predefined format).
Q&A session with the committee.
5.00 PM
Award ceremony
Announcement of winners and awarding of teams.
Tutors
Throughout the Hackathon, you’ll never be alone: teams will be guided step by step by mentors carefully selected and trained by the partners of the Interreg BLUESLINKS project – professionals ready to support you in the process of ideation and prototyping.
It’s a unique opportunity to work side by side with experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the Blue Economy, with whom you’ll be able to share ideas, receive strategic feedback, and turn insights into high-impact solutions.
🔹 DELTA 2000 – Ostellato (FE), Italy – Lead Partner
Local development agency of the Emilia-Romagna Delta and recognized Local Action Group (LAG). With over 20 years of experience in European projects, it promotes innovation, sustainable growth, and the enhancement of coastal and rural areas.
🌐 Website: www.deltaduemila.net
🔹 POLO TECNOLOGICO ALTO ADRIATICO “Andrea Galvani” (POLOAA) – Pordenone, Italy
A technology and innovation hub and business incubator, hosting around 100 enterprises. It specializes in digital transformation, smart manufacturing, sustainability, and maritime innovation.
🌐 www.polotecnologicoaltoadriatico.it
🔹 CONFCOOPERATIVE VENETO – Padua (PD), Italy
A key representative body of the cooperative movement in the Veneto region. It supports enterprises operating in fisheries, agriculture, services, and social sectors, promoting inclusive and sustainable local development.
🌐 www.veneto.confcooperative.it
🔹 FLAG Costa dei Trabocchi – Chieti (CH), Italy
A public-private consortium dedicated to the integrated development of coastal communities in the Abruzzo region. It focuses on sustainable fisheries, diversification of local economies, and enhancement of maritime heritage.
🌐 www.flagcostadeitrabocchi.it
🔹 University of Salento (UNISALENTO) – Lecce, Italy
A research-driven university active in innovation and sustainability, with strong expertise in marine sciences, environmental protection, and biodiversity.
🌐 www.unisalento.it
🔹 ZADRA NOVA – Development Agency of Zadar County – Zadar, Croatia
A regional development agency supporting economic growth and EU project implementation. It works closely with SMEs, local governments, and institutions to foster territorial cohesion and sustainable development.
🌐 www.zadra.hr
🔹 ARGONAUTA – Association for the Environment and Sustainable Development – Murter, Croatia
An environmental NGO based on the Dalmatian coast. It engages youth and communities through education, citizen science, and sustainable development activities in marine and coastal environments.
🌐 www.argonauta.hr
🔹 University of Dubrovnik (UNIDU) – Dubrovnik, Croatia
A specialized higher education institution focusing on maritime studies, applied ecology, and sea technologies. It plays a key role in knowledge transfer and international cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian area.
🌐 www.unidu.hr
Giada Bargione
Ricercatrice – IRBIM CNR
Salvatore Dore
Professore Business planning – Università di Trieste
Francesca Perretta
Project Manager – Agenzia Marche Agricoltura Pesca
Alessandro Domogrossi
Direttore Marina Dorica
Location
Polyfunctional Hall
Faculty of Engineering – Polo Montedago
Boxe Hall
Mole Vanvitelliana
Project partners
Hackathon partners
