Empowering sustainable tourism, protection and innovation in underwater cultural heritage
Programme Overview (organized by the Bulgarian HUB under BCThubs project (bcthubs.eu)
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 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.
Objective
To support innovative initiatives 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
Programme Details
- 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
Target Participants
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
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
Core Workshops and 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
For questions or additional information, please contact: cuasozopol@gmail.com
Apply for the Programme until February 15th, 2026 by filling in the Questionnaire