SeaCras has been selected to join the Sedrah Accelerator Program 2026, led by EWAx within Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
The programme brings SeaCras closer to one of the world’s most ambitious sustainability ecosystems, where environmental protection, water security and technology-led growth are advancing side by side. As one of 10 startups selected from hundreds of applications, SeaCras will contribute its Coastal Intelligence system, combining satellite Earth observation, artificial intelligence and environmental science to support better decisions across Saudi Arabia’s coastal,aquatic environments and biodiversity protection and conservation.
Supporting Environmental Innovation Through the Sedrah Program
The Sedrah Program is dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia’s environmental sector. It supports startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative responses to environmental challenges while building the wider conditions needed for these solutions to grow, from access to expertise and investment to regulatory development, market opportunities and partnerships.
Its priority areas include water quality, biodiversity, air quality, meteorology, waste management, soil quality and desertification. Sedrah specifically recognises the role of satellite technology, environmental monitoring, sensing, geographic information systems, artificial intelligence and data analysis, creating a strong strategic fit with SeaCras’ approach.
EWAx and MEWA: Building an Ecosystem for Environmental Entrepreneurship
Sedrah is run through EWAx, the General Administration for Entrepreneurship within the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. EWAx supports entrepreneurship and business development across the environment, water and agriculture sectors, connecting innovators with the institutions, investors and market actors needed to turn promising technologies into deployable solutions.
MEWA plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s transition towards more sustainable management of natural resources. Its responsibilities span environmental protection, water security, agriculture and food security, with technology, research and private-sector participation increasingly important to the implementation of national priorities.
‘Coastal Intelligence’ Aligned With the Saudi Green Initiative
SeaCras’ participation also connects with the wider direction of the Saudi Green Initiative, which brings together climate action, environmental protection and land and sea conservation under a national framework. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reduce emissions, expand protected areas, restore ecosystems and reach net-zero emissions by 2060 through the Circular Carbon Economy approach.
For coastal and aquatic environments, progress depends on the ability to understand environmental change at scale and act on reliable information. SeaCras transforms satellite observations and scientific data into actionable intelligence, helping organisations identify risks, monitor environmental conditions and strengthen evidence-based planning.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 Through Scalable Environmental Technology
Environmental sustainability is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, alongside economic diversification, innovation and stronger private-sector participation. The Vision includes objectives related to reducing pollution, safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
SeaCras has been adopted to One of 1,000 Ocean Startups initiative, joining a global community of companies working to develop and scale solutions for a healthier ocean.
Led by 1000 Ocean Startups and World Economic Forum, the initiative connects some of the most promising ocean innovators with a wider ecosystem of investors, accelerators, competitions, matching platforms and organisations supporting ocean impact. By strengthening connections between promising technologies, investment and organisations capable of putting them into practice, the coalition also gives greater visibility to solutions already demonstrating how innovation can contribute to healthier and more resilient ocean ecosystems.
The coalition’s ambition is clear: help scale at least 1,000 transformative startups by the end of the UN Ocean Decade and contribute to the restoration of ocean health and the objectives of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
SeaCras was invited to join the initiative during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where its solutions were showcased at both the World Economic Forum (WEF) booth and the Digital Twin of the Ocean booth.
For us, being included among these companies is both an important recognition of our work and an opportunity to contribute to a much wider movement.
From Ocean Innovation to Scalable Environmental Impact
Protecting marine and coastal ecosystems increasingly depends on turning scientific knowledge and new technology into solutions that can work at scale. Below are a few examples of our work where we can point to clear, measurable environmental impact and tangible results:
The recognition also reinforces the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges that extend far beyond individual organisations, sectors or borders. No single technology or company can solve the pressures facing marine ecosystems. Progress depends on an ecosystem of solutions that can complement one another and scale.
We look forward to contributing to that ecosystem and continuing to turn innovation into practical tools for better ocean management.
SeaCras’s position is that the future of scalable and improved global marine monitoring is digital and from space. That is why we are committed to pushing forward the much-needed technologies behind the 1 of 1000 Ocean Startups and OceanEye initiatives.
One solution will not save the ocean. But 1,000 might.
The Institute for Water ‘Josip Juraj Strossmayer’, in partnership with SeaCras, has developed a new system that combines satellite observations with field measurements to support more comprehensive, next-gen water body monitoring. More precisely, the monitoring of inland, coastal waters as well as the open sea.
The approach makes it possible to monitor a large number of water bodies at the same time, from large and small rivers to lakes, water reservoirs, fish ponds and accumulation lakes, coastal areas and seas. By connecting remote sensing data with traditional field monitoring, the system can evaluate biochemical and physical parameters defined by Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directives (MSFD). Also, the system helps to detect rapid changes of water quality earlier and provide a clearer picture of how aquatic ecosystems respond to environmental pressures and protection measures. Especially important aspect is cross-border monitoring to assess what migrates to Croatian waters from upstream in the Danube river system, as well as from territorial waters of neighbouring countries at the Adriatic sea.
Just under a year ago, we signed a cooperation agreement with the Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute. Today, partners are introducing a new generation of satellite-based monitoring for the condition of dynamic and stationary water bodies by cutting-edge technology, which puts Croatia in the top performing countries.
By monitoring the quality of riverine systems and streams in Croatia, SeaCras is able to record human impacts within the national territory, as well as transboundary influences that may affect water conditions upstream and downstream. This allows for the first time to evaluate the effect of the river system on its endpoints – seas and lakes.
Similar technologies are already being applied in several European countries, including Germany, Finland and Sweden. Through this cooperation, we have launched an advanced water monitoring technology we can be proud of — a best-in-class solution developed through domestic expertise and production.
From the Drava River to Broader Water Monitoring
The first demonstration was carried out on the Drava River, following the launch of one of Croatia’s largest wastewater treatment plants. According to the Water Institute, the comparison of conditions before and after the facility began operating showed early signs of improvement in water quality, while satellite observations confirmed the findings gathered through field monitoring.
The analysis recorded changes in several indicators used to assess ecological pressure and eutrophication in river ecosystems, which refers to excessive nutrient enrichment, mainly from nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, which in turn causes algal blooms. These parameters are important for understanding how nutrients and other pressures affect aquatic environments, particularly in relation to algal growth and overall ecosystem balance.
High spatial resolution also enables the system to go beyond major rivers and lakes. It opens the possibility of monitoring smaller waterways as well, supporting more detailed assessments at local, national and cross-border levels.
Satellite view of the distribution of chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Drava River near Belišće, produced in collaboration between the Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute and SeaCras.
Better Data for More Confident Decisions
For water management, this marks an important shift. Investments in environmental protection can be assessed not only through the infrastructure built, but also through measurable changes in the environment itself. By combining satellite data and field measurements, decision-makers can better understand what is happening in the water after interventions are made.
The same approach has strong potential for wider use across the Adriatic and other coastal areas, which has already proven to be successful in coastal areas such as Zavrtnica and Jablanac. It can support the monitoring of coastal urbanisation, wastewater treatment impacts, river inflows, climate-related pressures and individual events that leave visible traces in water or the sea.
For SeaCras, the collaboration reflects the growing role of satellite-based intelligence in protecting water ecosystems. By turning complex environmental data into practical information, the system can support earlier detection, stronger evidence and more informed decisions for the sustainable management of rivers, lakes, coastal areas and seas.
SeaCras CEO Mario Špadina, PhD, joined global leaders in Dalian, China, for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026, widely known as Summer Davos.
Held from 23 to 25 June under the theme “Innovating at Scale”, the meeting brought together more than 1,800 leaders from business, government, academia and international organisations across more than 200 sessions, according to the World Economic Forum.
SeaCras participated in a curated program organised by Uplink, World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation engine. Sessions included Uplink network members and alumni, but also invited representatives of governments, IGOs, NGOs, and companies. The name of the game was to find a way to bridge the gap between existing environmental societal and economical hurdles by Theory of Change.
Dalian was also a particularly relevant setting for SeaCras, being one of China’s major maritime centres, and the visit included several important moments:
invited visits to the leadership of the city and region of Dalian
a visit to Dalian Maritime University
a national television interview with Mario on bringing oceanographic science closer to business, decision-making, and environmental management
For SeaCras, World Economic Forum’s UpLink network member, the gathering was a valuable opportunity to bring coastal and marine technology into a wider conversation about how innovation moves from promising ideas to practical systems that support economies, communities and the environment.
But before we go into more details about the event, let’s remind you of what Summer Davos is.
AMNC26 and Why Is It Called ‘Summer Davos’
Often described as Summer Davos, the Annual Meeting of the New Champions is the World Economic Forum’s flagship China-based gathering, established in 2007 to spotlight entrepreneurship, innovation, emerging economies and the companies shaping the next generation of global growth. Its name links it to the Forum’s winter meeting in Davos, while reflecting its summer timing and stronger focus on technology, new business models and Asia’s changing economic landscape.
For China, it is an important platform for presenting its economic priorities and engaging with international leaders, while globally it helps frame how developments across China and Asia may influence investment, innovation and growth worldwide. The meeting alternates between Dalian and Tianjin, two major coastal cities that have become integral to its identity: Dalian brings the international outlook of a leading port and innovation hub, while Tianjin reflects the industrial strength and strategic importance of northern China.
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions has become one of the World Economic Forum’s leading global platforms for science, technology, entrepreneurship and next-generation growth companies. This year’s programme focused on how emerging technologies, shifting markets, advanced manufacturing, AI, energy transition and global competitiveness can shape the next phase of economic progress.
SeaCras’ Active Role at the AMNC26
Our CEO represented SeaCras throughout the event, returning from Dalian with new connections, new perspectives and stronger momentum for the work ahead. As part of the UpLink – World Economic Forum network, Dr. Špadina took an active role in conversations on how technological progress can move from global discussion to practical use, especially in areas where oceanographic science, business, decision-making and environmental management increasingly meet.
Being featured in this year’s UpLink Annual Impact Report as one of only 11 case studies is a strong validation of the direction SeaCras is taking. For us, it confirms that our work in marine and coastal monitoring is creating measurable value and gaining recognition on a global stage.
It also reflects the momentum behind SeaCras: a growing team, stronger technological capabilities and partnerships that are bringing environmental intelligence into real-world monitoring systems. More than a milestone, this recognition reinforces our ambition to make reliable, scalable environmental data a foundation for better decisions worldwide.
As part of the AMNC26 programme, Mario also attended the UpLink Welcomeand UpLink Dinner. The visit also included several important moments connected to Dalian’s role as one of China’s major maritime centres, including:
Invitation to present our company at Dalian District Government Office for the expert delegation
Invitation to visit Dalian Ocean University
Our CEO’s interview with China’s television network, discussing how oceanographic science can better support business, decision-making, and environmental management
Together, these moments brought oceanographic science closer to the institutions, businesses, and decision-makers shaping one of China’s key maritime regions.
Scaling Innovation for Coastal and Marine Resilience
The theme of this year’s meeting, “Innovating at Scale”, closely reflects the challenge SeaCras works on every day: turning complex environmental data into reliable insight for the people responsible for protecting coastal areas, ports, marine ecosystems and blue economy assets.
From satellite-based monitoring to AI-supported environmental analysis, coastal technology is no longer a niche topic. It is becoming part of how destinations, public institutions and private operators understand risk, measure impact and make better decisions around the sea.
Being present at AMNC26 gave SeaCras the chance to connect its work with a broader global agenda: one where innovation is expected to leave the conference room and prove its value in the real world.
For us, Dalian was not only a meeting point for technology and policy. It was a reminder that the future of coastal resilience will depend on collaboration across sectors, borders and disciplines, and on solutions that can work where they are needed most.
Over the past six months, SeaCras has been part of Batch 6 of the CASSINI Business Accelerator, one of Europe’s leading growth programmes for space-based startups and scale-ups. The experience provided us with valuable mentorship, business development support, and connections that will continue to shape our future growth and international expansion.
CASSINI is the European Union’s entrepreneurship initiative for the space sector, designed to support companies that leverage EUSPA-managed EU space services. The programme brings together startups and scale-ups from across Europe that are applying space technologies to solve real-world challenges in fields ranging from climate resilience and environmental monitoring to logistics, mobility, agriculture, security, and public services.
The CASSINI Business Accelerator is part of the European Union’s broader effort to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in the space sector. Led by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), the initiative helps startups and scale-ups transform space-based technologies into successful commercial businesses.
CASSINI builds on the capabilities of the EU Space Programme, whose services—including Copernicus Earth observation and Galileo satellite navigation—are managed and promoted by EUSPA, the European Union Agency for the technological leadership.
Over a six-month period, participants work closely with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, business developers, and sector specialists to strengthen their commercial strategies and prepare for international growth.
Building on Previous Collaboration with the CASSINI Ecosystem
SeaCras’ relationship with the European space ecosystem extends beyond the accelerator itself. As a company built around the application of satellite Earth observation data and artificial intelligence for marine environmental and maritime monitoring, we have long been active within European space initiatives.
Our participation in the CASSINI Business Accelerator represented a natural next step in strengthening our commercial capabilities and expanding the reach of our technologies.
Over the years, SeaCras has demonstrated that advanced Earth observation solutions can successfully address real-world environmental and operational challenges for ports, marinas, municipalities, national parks, tourism operators, and maritime industries throughout the Mediterranean region and Europe.
The accelerator provided an opportunity to build on this foundation and prepare for our next stage of growth.
What We Learned and Achieved
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was its strong focus on practical business development.
Throughout the accelerator, we worked closely with experienced coaches and mentors who challenged our assumptions, helped refine our sales strategy, and provided new perspectives on scaling a deep-tech company internationally.
The programme helped us improve several key areas:
Sales strategy and sales process development
Market positioning and customer acquisition
International business development
Partnership development and ecosystem building
Scaling strategies for global expansion
Investor and stakeholder communication
Equally important were the relationships established with fellow Batch 6 companies. The accelerator brought together startups from different sectors, technologies, and countries, creating opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and future innovation.
Many of these connections have already evolved into discussions around joint projects, technology integration, and future business opportunities.
For SeaCras, this reinforced an important lesson: innovation rarely happens in isolation. The most impactful solutions are often created when expertise from different sectors and disciplines comes together.
The Next Chapter for SeaCras
While the accelerator programme has come to an end, its impact is only beginning.
SeaCras has already proven that satellite Earth observation technologies can be successfully adopted across Mediterranean and European markets. Through our Coastal Intelligence platform, we continue to demonstrate how high-resolution satellite imagery and artificial intelligence can support environmental monitoring, pollution detection, marine management, and climate resilience.
Our next objective is to expand beyond Europe and bring these capabilities to new international markets.
The knowledge, tools, and connections gained through CASSINI will play an important role as we continue scaling our solutions globally and developing new applications of Earth observation technologies for the blue economy and environmental intelligence sectors.
Looking Ahead
We would like to thank the entire CASSINI team, EUSPA, DG DEFIS, our coaches and mentors, and all fellow Batch 6 companies for an exceptional experience.
The programme may be over, but the journey is only beginning.
Following the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, SeaCras and Center of Excellence MARBLE met on May 12, 2026, to move the partnership from shared intent into concrete next steps. The meeting focused on practical opportunities for collaboration across maritime technologies, robotics, coastal monitoring, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
From shared vision to joint R&D opportunities
The discussion opened several areas of mutual interest, including joint research and development, future pilot activities, and the use of advanced technologies to support safer, cleaner, and more resilient marine environments.
For SeaCras, the meeting represents an important step in connecting satellite-based marine intelligence with the wider maritime robotics technology developers and providers. SeaCras develops solutions for sea monitoring and coastal surveillance based on high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced data processing, with applications ranging from pollution detection to environmental reporting and smarter spatial planning at sea.
CoE MARBLE brings strong research and infrastructure capabilities to the partnership. The Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy is focused on key areas such as maritime robotics and autonomous systems, green endurance, maritime IoT, and digital twins, with applications across maritime security, aquaculture, coastal tourism, smart marinas, and maritime transportation.
Building stronger maritime technology from Croatia
The MoU between SeaCras and CoE MARBLE establishes a framework for public-private partnerships as they are meant to be — transparent, agile and with sharing of knowledge and the technology, with the goal of public good.
This collaboration also reflects a wider shift in the blue economy: innovation is no longer limited to isolated research or individual technology platforms. Real progress happens when scientific expertise, operational needs, and market-ready solutions meet.
Want to explore how satellite-based marine intelligence could support your port, coastline, marina, or maritime operations? Contact the SeaCras team to discuss practical use cases and collaboration opportunities.
