Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
Applications are now open for a global competition that supports innovative solutions for sustainable ocean, marine, and inland water ecosystems while promoting inclusive and resilient blue economy growth.
The initiative focuses on advancing innovation across key blue economy sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems, maritime transport, ecosystem restoration, tourism, and biotechnology. Selected participants will gain access to acceleration support, expert mentoring, matchmaking opportunities, and potential pilot deployments through collaboration with UNIDO and WTCA.
About the Competition
The competition is designed to identify and support innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities within the blue economy.
The initiative encourages organizations and innovators to develop scalable technologies, products, and services that contribute to healthier water ecosystems, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth.
Successful applicants will participate in an acceleration programme that helps transform promising innovations into practical and scalable solutions.
Focus Areas
Projects should align with one or more of the following themes:
- Blue Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Blue Food Systems
- Green Maritime Transport
- Smart Ports
- Coastal and Marine Tourism
- Recreation and Sustainable Tourism
- Sea Health and Restoration
- Lake Health and Restoration
- River Health and Restoration
- Blue Technology
- Marine Biotechnology
- Environmental Innovation
- Sustainable Water Ecosystems
Purpose of the Competition
The initiative aims to:
- Support innovative blue economy solutions
- Improve ocean, marine, and inland water ecosystems
- Promote sustainable economic growth
- Strengthen climate resilience
- Encourage environmental restoration
- Advance technological innovation
- Support sustainable food systems
- Improve maritime sustainability
- Facilitate international collaboration
- Accelerate market-ready solutions
Support Available
Selected participants will receive:
- Access to an acceleration programme
- Technical cooperation support
- Expert mentoring
- Matchmaking opportunities
- Business development assistance
- Market expansion support
- International networking opportunities
- Potential pilot deployments in partner countries
- Opportunities for scaling innovative solutions
Funding information:
- No specific grant amount has been announced
- Selected projects will receive institutional and technical support
- Pilot implementation and scaling opportunities may be available
Eligible Applicants
Applications are open to:
- Individuals aged 18 years and above
- Startups
- Micro enterprises
- Small enterprises
- Medium-sized enterprises
- Large companies
- Academic institutions
- Research organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Public-private partnerships
- Development-focused organizations
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Submit proposals in English
- Comply with intellectual property requirements
- Align with at least one thematic category
- Present solutions that are beyond the conceptual stage
Technology requirements include:
- Minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher
- Demonstrated proof of concept or validated technology
- Potential for implementation and scaling
What is Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4?
TRL 4 generally indicates that:
- A technology has moved beyond the idea stage
- Basic validation has been completed
- Components or systems have been tested in a laboratory environment
- The innovation demonstrates technical feasibility
Projects that remain purely conceptual are not eligible.
Expected Outcomes
The programme seeks solutions that can:
- Improve ecosystem health
- Reduce environmental impacts
- Promote sustainable resource use
- Enhance climate adaptation
- Support economic inclusion
- Create sustainable livelihoods
- Improve water management practices
- Strengthen blue economy value chains
Importance of the Competition
The initiative provides innovators with opportunities to advance solutions that address critical environmental and economic challenges.
Key benefits include:
- Global visibility for innovative projects
- Access to international experts
- Opportunities for pilot implementation
- Business growth support
- International partnerships
- Enhanced market access
- Capacity-building opportunities
- Support for scaling impact-driven innovations
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear alignment with a focus area
- A validated solution with demonstrated feasibility
- Measurable environmental impact
- Strong scalability potential
- Practical implementation plans
- Innovation and originality
- Sustainable business or operational models
- Potential for long-term impact
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Submitting purely conceptual ideas
- Failing to meet the minimum TRL requirement
- Weak alignment with thematic priorities
- Limited evidence of impact
- Unclear implementation strategies
- Incomplete intellectual property information
- Insufficient scalability potential
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the competition?
- To identify and support innovative solutions that improve ocean, marine, and inland water ecosystems.
- To promote sustainable and inclusive blue economy growth.
Who can apply?
- Individuals aged 18 and above.
- Startups.
- Small, medium, and large enterprises.
- Academic and research institutions.
- NGOs.
- Public-private partnerships.
- Development-focused organizations.
What thematic areas are supported?
- Blue Renewable Energy.
- Sustainable Blue Food Systems.
- Green Maritime Transport.
- Smart Ports.
- Coastal and Marine Tourism.
- Sea, Lake, and River Restoration.
- Blue Technology.
- Marine Biotechnology.
Is funding available?
- A specific grant amount has not been announced.
- Selected participants will receive structured institutional support, mentoring, and opportunities for pilot deployment and scaling.
What is the minimum Technology Readiness Level required?
- Applicants must demonstrate Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher.
- Solutions must be beyond the conceptual stage.
What support will selected participants receive?
- Technical cooperation.
- Expert mentoring.
- Matchmaking opportunities.
- Business development support.
- International scaling opportunities.
- Potential pilot deployments.
What language must applications be submitted in?
- English.
Conclusion
This global blue economy competition offers innovators, businesses, researchers, and organizations an opportunity to accelerate solutions that support healthier oceans, waterways, and coastal communities. Through technical support, mentoring, pilot opportunities, and international collaboration, the initiative aims to scale impactful innovations that contribute to environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and long-term blue economy development.
For more information, visit UNIDO.
