Blue Bastion - Innovation projects for maritime security
The second Blue Bastion call was launched on 28 August and will remain open until 1 October. This call is open to Research and Demonstrator projects. Submit your project.
Through the Blue Bastion calls, the Royal Higher Institute for Defence and The Blue Cluster provide a framework for collaborative innovation aimed at protecting critical maritime infrastructure. All projects contribute to a safe and resilient North Sea and align with our Strategic Roadmap for Maritime Security.
Depending on the maturity of a project idea and its intended impact, organisations can apply through three complementary tracks:
- Research projects develop new knowledge, technologies and concepts to address maritime security challenges;
- Demonstrator projects validate and demonstrate innovative solutions in a representative operational environment;
- Operational Innovation projects support the introduction and deployment of innovative solutions in an operational context.
Together, these instruments create an innovation pathway that spans from applied research and development, through demonstration, to near-operational implementation, while ensuring continuity and impact across the maritime ecosystem.
Submit your project
Projects within Blue Bastion can be submitted through the calls launched by the Royal Higher Institute for Defence and The Blue Cluster. We strongly encourage you to contact one of our Maritime Security Innovation Managers when preparing your project proposal.
The second Blue Bastion call runs from 28 August until 1 October 2026 and is open to both Research and Demonstrator projects. The call page contains all relevant documents, eligibility conditions and practical submission guidelines.