AQUABATOR: Incubator for Sustainable Aquaculture in the Black Sea Basin

Project Code: BSB01321 Regular project

Programme: Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin

Duration: 24 months (September 12, 2025 - September 11, 2027)

Total Budget: €1,404,517.51

Interreg Funds: €1,264,065.75

 

Fostering Innovation. Building a Transnational Ecosystem.

The aquaculture sector in the Black Sea Basin faces major challenges due to outdated practices, limited access to modern technologies, and insufficient stakeholder collaboration, which together hinder both sustainability and economic development.

The AQUABATOR project directly addresses these critical issues by fostering research and innovation, promoting advanced technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and building a collaborative transnational ecosystem to modernise and sustainably grow aquaculture in the region. The goal is to move the sector beyond traditional methods and establish a foundation for smart, efficient, and environmentally responsible production.

Partner Countries and Organisations

The AQUABATOR project is a collaborative effort bringing together 4 organisations from Black Sea countries to design and implement effective solutions:

• Lead Partner: Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centres (Ukraine)

• Partner 2: Sinop University (Türkiye)
• Partner 3: Bulgarian Association for Transfer of Technology and Innovation (Bulgaria)
• Partner 4: Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University (Ukraine)

What AQUABATOR Will Achieve

The project's roadmap, focused on innovation and knowledge transfer, includes key, high-impact deliverables:

• Database Creation: Creating a dynamic, user-friendly database of advanced fish farming technologies, with a specific focus on Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).

• Smart Aquafarm Establishment: Establishing two smart demonstrative aquafarms in Türkiye and Ukraine, showcasing the implementation and benefits of RAS technologies.
• Digital Tools: Development of digital twins for aquafarms to enable real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge Sharing: Organisation of “Demo Days” at the smart aquafarms to share best practices and showcase innovative technologies.
• Training & Capacity Building: Design and implementation of comprehensive vocational training programs for aspiring aquaculture professionals, aligned with industry needs.

Sustainable Impact Across the Black Sea Region

AQUABATOR is driving Social Innovation by promoting the adoption of advanced, sustainable technologies across the region. The project will deliver a jointly developed solution and a tested model for smart aquaculture, creating a lasting impact:

• Technology Transfer: Accelerating the adoption of modern, efficient technologies like RAS, improving sustainability and economic viability.

• Workforce Development: Training programs will equip a new generation of professionals, raising industry standards and closing skills gaps.
• Policy Integration: The project's findings and pilot actions will inform future policy recommendations for institutionalising smart aquaculture practices in the Black Sea Basin.

AQUABATOR is building resilience and innovation in the Black Sea's blue economy, transforming local challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.