The final bootcamp of the Blue Heritage Innovators entrepreneurship programme took place in Sozopol in May 2026, bringing together participants from different countries both on-site and online. The programme is implemented within the framework of the BCThubs project and was organised by the Bulgarian Hub.
Throughout the bootcamp, participants had the opportunity to present and further develop their ideas, exchange feedback, and connect with experts and peers working at the intersection of underwater cultural heritage, sustainability, innovation, and the blue economy. The event created a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere, marked by positive energy, creativity, and strong motivation to support more sustainable solutions for the future of the blue economy.
Awarded Projects
During the final bootcamp, three projects were awarded for their innovative approaches and potential contribution to blue culture, sustainable tourism, and the protection of marine and cultural heritage.
Best Tourism Experience Project
Blue Heritage Passport – 100 Underwater & Coastal Sites
The project proposes the creation of a national network of underwater and coastal sites, connected through an interactive “passport”, available in both physical and digital form. The idea aims to promote sustainable tourism, enhance visitor engagement, and make underwater heritage more accessible to a wider audience.
Best Innovation in Protection & Maintenance
WaterWarden
WaterWarden is a platform for monitoring and forecasting water environment parameters in near real time, using satellite data. The solution has strong potential to support the protection of both the marine environment and underwater cultural heritage sites.
Most Innovative Digital Solution in Blue Culture
MU-SCAN – Muon-based Underwater Scanning
MU-SCAN introduces an innovative, non-invasive technology for investigating shipwrecks using cosmic ray muons. The solution enables the visualisation of internal structures and the assessment of potential risks without the need for physical intervention.
The Blue Heritage Innovators programme once again highlighted the value of combining science, technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage. Through this collaborative process, participants explored new ways to protect, promote, and sustainably manage underwater cultural heritage, while contributing to the broader development of the blue economy.
We would like to warmly thank all participants — those who joined us in Sozopol and those who participated online from around the world — for their inspiring ideas, dedication, and active engagement throughout the 12-week programme.
