5th Call: Targets Marine Pollution and Ocean Ecosystem Recovery

Donor Name: Ocean Innovation Challenge

Reference URL:https://dev.oceaninnovationchallenge.org/5th-call-marine-pollution-reduction-coastal-and-marine-ecosystem-restoration-and-sustainable-blue

The Ocean Innovation Challenge supports private sector organizations with innovative solutions for marine pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economy development in select Asian countries.

The Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) was established to catalyze private sector-driven solutions that address urgent ocean and coastal challenges while advancing a sustainable and inclusive blue economy. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the OIC aims to generate measurable environmental, social, and economic impacts through innovative approaches that can be replicated and scaled.

This fifth call focuses on supporting implementation-ready innovations that tackle marine pollution, restore and conserve coastal and marine ecosystems, and promote sustainable blue economy enterprises. The program specifically seeks solutions that benefit Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam, with a strong emphasis on projects that empower women, youth, and marginalized communities. Preference will be given to women- and youth-led or owned innovations.

Selected innovators will receive up to USD 100,000 in financial support through a deliverable-based contract, along with up to 17 months of implementation and incubation, technical mentoring, project management support, communications and outreach assistance, fundraising and investment-readiness mentoring, and opportunities to engage with investors and global networks. The program also offers increased visibility through knowledge-sharing platforms and events.

Eligible applicants include legally registered private sector organizations such as start-ups, SMEs, private companies, social enterprises, and other entities developing innovative ocean-related solutions. While applicants do not need to be based in the beneficiary countries, the innovation must be implemented in at least one of the target countries with the approval of local authorities. Partnerships with local organizations are strongly encouraged.

For more information, visit OIC.

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