MIA
Maritime Innovation Accelerator
Where Innovation Sets Sail
About
The Maritime Innovation Accelerator (MIA) is a Greece-based program dedicated to fast-tracking the most promising startups in the maritime and ocean tech sectors. Launching in September 2025, MIA brings together entrepreneurs, leading maritime corporations, and strategic investors to accelerate breakthrough solutions that address the industry's most pressing challenges. With a global outlook and strong local roots, MIA offers a hybrid platform for collaboration, pilot opportunities, and scalable growth—positioning Greece as a central hub for maritime innovation.
May-June-July
Application & Selection: Rigorous selection process to identify high-potential startups with market-ready solutions.​
october
Acceleration Phase: Structured program including workshops, mentorship, and pilot project development over four months.
January
Demo Day: Showcase event where startups present their solutions to sponsors, investors, and industry stakeholders.​
february
Post-Program Support: Continued access to the program's network, resources, and potential funding opportunities.​
Program Structure
Our Mentors and Speakers
Ilona Drozdov
Maritime Security Strategist I International Affairs & Innovation Advisor
Hilla Ovil-Brenner
Investor, Founder of Yazamiyot - Women Entrepreneurs, & Showcase IL, Former MD, Techstars TLV
Jonathan Passwell
Former Vice President Strategic Partnerships at WaveBL
Tal Weinblum
Startups & Digital Natives Marketing Lead at Microsoft
Dr. Anat Lea Bonshtien
Investor, Partner at Mobilion Ventures
Anna Leizerovici
Principal, Head of Business Development and Value Creation at Mobilion Ventures
Recent Articles
Maritime Innovation Accelerator (MIA) is dedicated to revolutionizing the maritime industry through innovation and collaboration. Our mission is to drive positive change by fostering cutting-edge solutions and empowering visionary startups and sponsors to shape the future of maritime technology.
AI
Smart Ports
IoT
Route Optimization
Cyber
Ship Health Monitoring
Energy
Regulation
FAQ
Do I need to give up equity to join MIA?
No. MIA is a non-dilutive program. Startups join without giving up any ownership or equity in exchange for participation. This allows you to benefit from mentorship, access, and exposure while retaining full control of your company.
Where does the program take place?
MIA is a hybrid program. It includes in-person sessions and events in Greece, alongside online workshops, mentorship, and collaboration sessions that can be accessed remotely.
Why is this an Israel–Greece collaboration?
Israel brings deep technology and dual-use innovation expertise. Greece, with its strategic geographic location and robust maritime industry, serves as a natural launchpad into the European market. Together, this partnership creates a powerful ecosystem for startups to scale and validate globally.
Is MIA focused on dual-use technologies?
Yes. MIA focuses on dual-use technologies—solutions that have both civilian and defense applications. This includes maritime defense, port cybersecurity, logistics intelligence, energy resilience, and more.
What kind of startups are you looking for?
We accept early-stage startups, primarily at the pre-seed to seed stage. You should have at least a validated concept, an MVP, or early traction. We value technical strength, relevance to maritime/logistics/dual-use sectors, and a committed team.
Are technologies that are not purely maritime eligible?
Yes. If your technology is not core maritime but is applicable to the maritime or naval sectors (e.g., logistics, cybersecurity, sensors, energy, AI), you are welcome to apply. We’re open to adjacent and cross-sector innovation.
Do you provide pilot or PoC opportunities with partners?
Potentially, yes. One of the key goals of the program is to facilitate proof-of-concept (PoC) or pilot opportunities with corporate and governmental partners. These are arranged based on mutual interest and startup readiness.
Is mentorship part of the program?
Absolutely. Each startup will be matched with relevant mentors—experts from the maritime industry, defense ecosystem, venture capital, and technology sectors—who provide weekly support throughout the program.
Will I get exposure to investors?
Yes. MIA provides curated investor access and pitch opportunities to venture capital funds, family offices, and corporate innovation units from Israel, Greece, and across Europe. A final showcase or Demo Day will be part of the program.
What happens after the program ends?
You’ll become part of the growing MIA alumni network, with continued access to networking events, ecosystem connections, and potential investor or partner opportunities. We’ll also offer post-program support to help you navigate next steps.
