Empowering Sustainable Tourism, protection and innovation in Underwater Cultural Heritage
Programme Overview
The Blue Heritage Innovators Entrepreneurial Mentoring Programme is a 12-week hybrid programme designed to support the creation and growth of innovative projects and early-stage startups focused on Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH).
The programme, organized by Bulgarian Hub, guides participants through idea validation, business development and impact assessment, preparing projects to become investment-ready and to contribute meaningfully to the blue cultural economy.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to foster innovative, sustainable and scalable solutions in the following focus areas:
- Tourism development related to underwater cultural heritage
- Maintenance and protection of underwater cultural heritage
- Innovative solutions in blue culture and digital transformation
Key Programme Information
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Programme Start: 26 February 2026
- Format: Hybrid (online mentoring, in-person bootcamp, final pitch event)
- Languages: English and Bulgarian
- Participation Fee: Free of charge
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to:
- Entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, students, divers, and cultural heritage professionals
- Teams of 2–5 participants or motivated individuals
- Applicants with innovative ideas aligned with one or more of the programme’s thematic focus areas.
No previous business experience is required, only strong motivation and innovative thinking.
Thematic Focus Areas
1. Sustainable Tourism & Cultural Heritage Experience
- Responsible tourism linked to underwater sites and coastal heritage
- Eco-friendly diving and cultural routes
- Digital experiences (AR/VR tours, virtual museums, 3D reconstructions)
- Community-based tourism involving coastal towns
2. Maintenance & Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Monitoring and conservation technologies for underwater sites
- Data collection and mapping (GIS, photogrammetry, robotics)
- Environmental protection of maritime ecosystems linked to heritage
- Training programmes for divers and heritage professionals
3. Innovative Solutions for Blue Culture
- Blue economy innovations combining culture, science, and technology
- Digital tools and platforms for education, storytelling, and dissemination
- Circular and sustainable materials or practices in maritime industries
- Partnerships between creative industries and marine research
Workshops & Mentoring Model
- Weekly online sessions focused on thematic and practical skill-building
- Schedule: Every Thursday, 16:00–18:00 (EET), starting 26 February 2026
- Ongoing mentor consultations available throughout the full duration of the programme
- Each participating team is assigned two dedicated mentors:
- Heritage Mentor – expert in archaeology, diving, or conservation
- Business Mentor – expert in entrepreneurship and startup development
In-Person Bootcamp
- Location: Bulgarian BCT Hub, Sozopol
- Duration: 2 days (early May 2026)
Programme Format:
- Day 1: Interactive sessions on scaling projects, funding opportunities, and stakeholder engagement
- Day 2: Final Pitch Event and networking with local stakeholders, including tourism boards, cultural institutions, investors, and municipalities.
Optional Side Activity:
Guided dive or coastal heritage visit to connect participants with real-world sites.
Accommodation:
Free shore-based, self-catering accommodation is provided for programme participants during the bootcamp.
Awards & Recognition
Non-Monetary Awards:
- Best Tourism Experience Project
- Best Innovation in Protection & Maintenance
- Most Innovative Digital Solution in Blue Culture
- Audience Choice Award
All participants will receive:
- A certificate of completion
- Inclusion in the Bulgarian BCT Hub
Ready to shape the future of Underwater Cultural Heritage?
Apply to Blue Heritage Innovators and turn your idea into a sustainable, impactful project!
👉 Apply before 15 February 2026
For questions or additional information, please contact: cuasozopol@gmail.com
