Deadline: 01-Oct-2025
Entries are now open for the Pure Ocean Challenge to support innovative applied research projects worldwide, contributing to the protection of fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
The initiative is built around 4 major themes: The Pure Ocean Challenges (based on the 10 United Nations Ocean Decade Challenges). Understand marine pollution and tackle it at the source, Protect biodiversity and restore degraded marine ecosystems, Build resilience and adaptation to climate change, Improve their understanding of the ocean system. Focus Points include Offering alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, Fighting illegal fishing with satellite monitoring, Studying life in the deep sea, and projects Conducted on the French coast (Atlantic, Mediterranean, Corsica).
Pure Ocean is looking for projects addressing one or more of these challenges in any region of the world. While there is no age limit for applicants, early-career candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Only non-profit organizations such as research institutes, universities, and NGOs are eligible, though collaborations with private actors like companies and startups are possible. Applicants are also required to indicate any co-funding opportunities as well as a minimum operational budget in case the foundation cannot cover the full requested amount.
Selected projects will receive up to €40,000 per year, with an average of €25,000 annually, for a duration of one to two years, depending on the Scientific Committee’s decision. This means that a two-year project could receive a maximum of €80,000, with the possibility of renewed support for certain initiatives.
Proposals will be evaluated on several indicators, including their innovative approach, relevance to the Pure Ocean Challenges, feasibility of objectives and methods, level of stakeholder collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and their dissemination and engagement plans. For locally focused projects, it is essential that at least one stakeholder ensures territorial anchoring and the involvement of the local population.
This year’s call for projects includes two selection phases. Phase 1, open to all applicants meeting the eligibility criteria, requires a short online form detailing the project, the lead applicant, the organization, a graphical summary, and keywords. From this stage, 40 candidates will be selected for Phase 2, where they will be invited to submit a complete proposal outlining the project’s context, objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and scope. Applications are open until October 1.
For more information, visit Pure Ocean.
