The Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), has opened its 5th Call for Innovations, offering up to US$100,000 in financial support to selected private-sector organisations developing innovative solutions to pressing ocean and coastal challenges.
The 2026 call focuses on marine pollution reduction, coastal and marine ecosystem restoration, and sustainable Blue Economy solutions. Up to 10 winning proposals will be selected through a competitive process.
The opportunity is open to legally registered private-sector organisations worldwide, including start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, private companies, social enterprises and other eligible private-sector entities.
Applications are open until 15 November 2026 at 23:59 New York Time.
About the Ocean Innovation Challenge
The Ocean Innovation Challenge is designed to identify and support innovative, implementation-ready solutions that can generate measurable environmental, social and economic impacts while contributing to sustainable and inclusive development of the Blue Economy.
The initiative recognises the role that entrepreneurs and businesses can play in developing practical solutions to marine pollution, ecosystem degradation and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Through the 5th Call, the OIC is particularly interested in solutions that can contribute to healthier oceans and more resilient coastal communities, with a focus on benefiting women, youth and people living in poverty.
Preference will be given to women- and youth-led or owned innovations.
Countries Covered by the Opportunity
The call is open to innovations that directly benefit one or more of five target countries:
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Viet Nam
Applicants do not have to be based in these countries. However, the proposed innovation must be implemented in at least one of the beneficiary countries and have acceptance from the relevant government authorities.
The OIC also strongly encourages applicants to establish partnerships with local organisations.
Three Key Funding Areas
Applicants should propose solutions addressing at least one of the three thematic areas covered by the call.
Marine Pollution Reduction
The OIC is seeking innovations that can prevent, reduce, recover or manage marine pollution from both land- and sea-based sources.
This can include solutions addressing marine plastics, ghost fishing gear, wastewater and other forms of marine pollution.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Restoration
The second thematic area focuses on innovations that restore and conserve important coastal and marine ecosystems.
Potential solutions may involve coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, coastal wetlands and other marine ecosystems, particularly where they can strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience.
Sustainable Blue Economy
The third area supports innovations that promote sustainable economic activities connected to ocean resources.
Examples include sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism, blue biotechnology, circular economy approaches, ocean data solutions and other sustainable ocean-based enterprises.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to legally registered private-sector organisations developing innovative ocean-related solutions.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Start-up companies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Private companies
- Social enterprises
- Other eligible private-sector organisations
Applicants should have an innovation that is sufficiently developed to move toward implementation and has potential to generate measurable environmental, social and economic impacts.
The OIC is particularly interested in solutions that can demonstrate strong potential for replication and scaling.
What Will Selected Innovators Receive?
Up to 10 successful proposals will be selected.
Each selected innovator will receive up to US$100,000 in financial support through a deliverable-based contract under the Model Innovation Challenge Agreement (MICA).
In addition to funding, selected innovators will participate in an implementation and incubation programme lasting up to 17 months.
Support will include:
- Technical mentoring from experts.
- Project management, monitoring and reporting support.
- Communications and outreach assistance.
- Fundraising and investment-readiness mentoring.
- Opportunities to engage with investors and development partners.
- Connections with private-sector networks.
- Increased visibility through global knowledge-sharing platforms and events.
The programme is intended to help innovators strengthen their capabilities and position successful solutions for additional investment and wider deployment.
Scaling and Global Visibility
One of the key advantages of the Ocean Innovation Challenge is that support does not end with financial assistance.
Successfully implemented innovations will become part of the OIC’s catalogue of proven ocean solutions with transformational socio-economic impacts.
The programme aims to help promising innovations develop the skills, experience and investment readiness needed to attract larger investors and potentially scale or replicate their solutions in other locations.
How to Apply
Applicants should first review the official 5th Ocean Innovation Challenge announcement and application guidance and prepare their proposal using the required templates.
The OIC has provided an offline application guide to help applicants organise the information required for submission.
Applicants must submit their proposals through the official online proposal submission form. Only submissions made through the designated online form will be accepted. Applicants will need to sign in to Google to complete the form and upload the required annexes and supporting documents.
Applicants are required to use the official templates provided for the relevant sections of the proposal, including the application information form, results framework and impact indicators, project work plan, detailed budget, itemised budget, co-financing declaration, organisational capacity assessment, integrity and compliance declaration, and UNDP social and environmental risk screening checklist.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 New York Time
Opportunity Summary
Opportunity: Ocean Innovation Challenge – 5th Call
Implementing Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding Partner: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Maximum Financial Support: Up to US$100,000 per selected innovator
Number of Winners: Up to 10
Programme Duration: Up to 17 months
Applicant Type: Legally registered private-sector organisations
Target Countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam
Focus Areas: Marine pollution reduction, coastal and marine ecosystem restoration, sustainable Blue Economy
Deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 New York Time
