AIDA Cruises has selected three winning projects from more than 150 ideas submitted for the company’s 2026 Innovation Hub.

The winners were announced following the final event in Rostock on September 16. Nine finalists presented their proposals to a five-member expert jury in three categories: decarbonization, sustainability, and artificial intelligence and smart solutions.

In the decarbonization category, revincus GmbH from Weimar won with technology designed to recover thermal energy from wastewater. The recovered heat could be reused aboard cruise ships, helping reduce the energy required for hotel operations.

An automated cleaning system is designed to keep the heat-transfer surfaces working efficiently during operation.

The German Aerospace Center, or DLR, won the sustainability category with its WoodShip project. The proposal explores new ways of using wood-based materials in shipbuilding as an alternative to conventional materials.

Contagt GmbH from Mannheim won the artificial intelligence and smart-solutions category with an indoor-navigation system. The technology could help passengers find their way around large cruise ships while also reducing the number of routine direction-related questions handled by crew members.

AIDA said the winning teams will have an opportunity to develop their proposals with the cruise line through feasibility studies or pilot projects aboard its ships.

While the three concepts are still at an early stage, each addresses a practical challenge aboard modern cruise ships: reducing energy consumption, finding more sustainable construction materials and making large vessels easier to navigate.