MOPC-App/docs/candidatures_2026.csv

Full name,Application status,Category,"Comment ",Country,Date of creation,E-mail,How did you hear about MOPC?,Issue,Jury 1 attribués,MOPC team comments,Mentorship,PHASE 1 - Submission,PHASE 2 - Submission,Project's name,Team members,Tri par zone,Téléphone,University
Chaima BEN GRIRA,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,,TN,2023-01-19,cbengrira@blueeconomy.ogs.it,,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,false,,,Bluepsol,"Eskander ALAYA, Chaima BEN GRIRA, Nabil FOGHRI, Ahmed BACCOUCHE, Adel JELJLI","Africa, Tunisia",+393508394071,
James Carter-Johnson,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"To Farm Giant Kelp at Scale, on special racks, capturing 30x more C02 than forrest per hecare. Harvest 4 times a year for oganic fertilizer, algin and materials for bio-plastics. All these replace highly polluting oil based products on land.",GB,2024-06-06,james@bigkelp.com,You contacted me I think.,Mitigation of climate change and sea-level rise,,,false,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R5-IfGbETFri6ZX0RnJY8W6wan7cLoz-?usp=drive_link,,Big Kelp,James Carter-Johnson MA MBA; Prof. Carole Llewelyn  MSc  PhD; Vincent Doumeizel; Carlos Vanegas  MSc PhD; James Sainty  BA  MBA; Akhthar Swaebe  BT MSc  MBA; Peter Rivera  MSc PhD; Alessio Massironi MSc PhD; Johannes van der Merwe ME  CE  PhD; Oliver Parker  BSc MSc,UK,+447899791166,
Silvia Ruiz-Berdejo,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We are a biofoodtech startup specializing in microalgae and plant-based functional ingredients within the blue economy. Our R&D targets sectors like Functional Food Formulation, Precision Food Nutrition, and Nutricosmetics.

We develop new ingredients that replace fats, sugars, and additives in ultra-processed foods while replicating traditional textures, colors, and flavors to ease consumer transitions to healthier diets.

Our clean-label formulations support easy industrial integration and rapid scale-up for B2B clients in the food industry, health and wellness groups, innovative food brands, and sports teams. This advances sustainable functional nutrition aligned with blue economy principles",ES,2024-01-11,silvia@omnivorus.com,Linkedlin,Other,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A8jzY7h4pfebbQKvCtg0Fc0AKzUE1F_q?usp=drive_link,,Omnivorus Smartfood,"Silvia rui-Berdejo CEO -Cofounder , Toni Gonzalez CPO - Cofounder, Luis Pascual CFO , Jose Tornero R&D Funtional Food  , Carlota Villanueva-Tobaldo R&D Nutro cosmetic","Europe, Spain",+34622381855,
Achyut Karn,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"OceanGuardian AI: Predictive Ocean Protection Through Autonomous Intelligence

The Problem We're Solving

Ocean conservation today operates in crisis mode. We discover dead zones after they form, find pollution after it spreads, and detect coral bleaching after ecosystems collapse. Current monitoring methods are expensive, sporadic, and reactive—providing data only after irreversible damage occurs. The ocean needs an early warning system, not an autopsy report.

Critical gaps in current approaches:
- Monitoring covers less than 5% of critical marine zones
- Research-grade equipment costs $50,000+ per unit, limiting deployment
- Data collection happens quarterly or annually—far too slow for dynamic threats
- No predictive capability to prevent ecosystem collapse before it happens
- Communities lack real-time information to protect their local waters

Our Innovation: The World's First Predictive Ocean Protection Network

OceanGuardian AI deploys networks of affordable, solar-powered autonomous underwater drones that create continuous, real-time monitoring of marine ecosystems. But we don't just collect data—our AI predicts threats 2-8 weeks before critical damage occurs, enabling intervention while ecosystems can still be saved.

Core Technology Components:

1. Affordable Autonomous Drones ($800/unit)
- Solar and wave-energy powered for perpetual operation
- Multi-sensor array monitors 15+ parameters simultaneously
- Computer vision and acoustic sensors for marine life tracking
- Swarm intelligence enables coordinated monitoring
- Modular design adapts for different missions

2. Predictive AI Engine
- Machine learning models trained on oceanographic data
- Predicts coral bleaching events, harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion
- Identifies microplastic accumulation hotspots
- Detects illegal fishing and pollution incidents in real-time
- Creates digital twin models of monitored ecosystems

3. Real-Time Intervention System
- Automated alerts to authorities, NGOs, and c",IN,,achyut.karn.2025@sse.ac.in,Linkedin,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,OceanGuardian AI,"Rishan Narula, Saanvi Mahajan",Asia,+916204778589,Symbiosis School of Economics
Laurent BUOB,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Whisper 360, a foiling boat with the performance of a thermal boat, powered by electricity: 45 knots, 100 nautical miles, zero emissions.",FR,2024-09-30,l.buob@whisper-ef.com,We were incubated at Monaco Tech,Sustainable shipping & yachting,,,false,,,Whisper eF,Vincent Lebeault,"Europe, France",+33675090543,
Adrien BARRAU,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Seavium is an AI platform that reduces the environmental footprint of offshore operations by eliminating unnecessary vessel movements.
Fragmented data and inefficient sourcing lead to avoidable transits, excess fuel use and emissions across the sector.

Seavium matches each offshore need with the closest, most suitable vessel in real time, using technical data and AIS availability. This optimisation cuts transit miles and fuel consumption at scale.

Early results show 18–25% fewer miles sailed and 5–12% fuel savings per operation.
With 20 000+ vessels mapped and 118 companies already engaged, the model is globally scalable.

Seavium combines a SaaS subscription with performance-based fees, ensuring that environmental impact increases with platform adoption.",FR,2024-04-01,adrien@seavium.com,via GreenwaterFoundation,Technology & innovations,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fUCrWCyXQHWEcacseTa338-RPn53KnZy?usp=drive_link,,SEAVIUM,Adrien BARRAU / Samuel DRAI,"Europe, France",+33646221977,
Nitya Gunturu,Received,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"We aim to create innovative, sustainable mycelium-based packaging materials designed to replace single-use Styrofoam and plastic in transportation and e-commerce sectors. 
Problem and Solution Statements 

Problem 1: Plastic Pollution (Land, Water, Air) and Non-Biodegradability
The Problem:
Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with around 45% being single-use packaging. Styrofoam and plastic foams take up to 500 years or more to decompose, causing persistent pollution.

Our Solution:
We develop 100% biodegradable mycelium packaging that decomposes naturally in 30 to 90 days, enabling a circular economy. 

Problem 2: High Carbon Footprint of Production
The Problem:
Plastic production contributes about 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Our Solution:
Our process uses renewable agricultural waste and fungal growth, reducing carbon emissions by up to 70–90% compared to plastics.

Problem 3: Less Use of Plants and Other Natural Resources
The Problem:
Conventional bio-packaging often requires dedicated crops, which leads to over-exploitation of valuable land and water resources. 

Our Solution:
We convert locally sourced agricultural waste into packaging, requiring significantly less land or water resources. 

Problem 4: Agricultural Waste Mismanagement
The Problem:
India produces over 500 million tons of crop residue annually, much of which is burned, causing severe air pollution impacting millions.

Our Solution:
We utilize this waste as raw material, reducing harmful burning and creating economic value for rural producers.",IN,,nityagunturu95@gmail.com,University,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1322p0iOzB-d66xlZV85oBEOf9gWOsNkq?usp=sharing,,MycoWrap,Nitya Gunturu and Avni Mishra,Asia,+917680093169,"Ashoka University, India"
Hasan Noor Ahmed,Received,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"The Blue Coast Guardians Initiative is a youth-led, community-centered program designed by Bilan Awdal Organization to combat coastal pollution, restore marine ecosystems, and create sustainable blue-economy opportunities along the Somaliland/Somalia coastline.
Our approach combines innovative low-cost technologies, community livelihoods, and education, enabling coastal communities to protect the ocean while improving their economic resilience.

The project targets urgent threats in the region, including plastic pollution, illegal fishing, coastal erosion, and the loss of marine biodiversity.",SO,,biland.awdal.org@gmail.com,Fund for NGO,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,false,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Oz9lQCfhQqw818QegNj9S_SvArSQwZFw?usp=drive_link,,BlueGuard Africa – Community-Driven Ocean & Coastal Protection Innovation Hub,"Hasan Noor Ahmed – Chairman & Founder  Amina Abdillahi Ibrahim – Program Director (Health & Nutrition)  Mohamed Abdi Warsame – Finance & Administration Officer  Hodan Ismail Ali – Climate & Environment Program Lead  Abdirahman Yusuf Farah – Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer  Fardowsa Ahmed Jama – Community Outreach & Protection Coordinator","Africa, Somalia",+491737752964,Bilan Awdal Organization – Training & Capacity Development Unit
ssentubiro billy,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,allow needy children access quality education,UG,2016-08-13,lemanfoundation16@gmail.com,via social media,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,schoolarships,Nakayulu Grace and ssentubiro billy,"Africa, Ouganda",+256708630034,
Ramsay Bader,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"PosidoniaGuard is a turnkey service that helps Mediterranean marinas and coastal authorities stop anchor damage to Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows by installing seagrass-safe “eco-moorings”, managing no-anchoring zones via a simple booking app, and quantifying the blue-carbon and biodiversity benefits for funders and regulators. Posidonia meadows are critical “blue forests” that store large amounts of carbon, support fisheries and protect coasts, but up to about 34% have already been lost, with tens of thousands of hectares damaged annually by anchoring.

Objectives:

1. Protect and restore Posidonia meadows by replacing destructive chain moorings and ad-hoc anchoring with certified eco-moorings in high-pressure bays.

2. Guide boaters away from seagrass using a digital map and reservation system that clearly marks no-anchor zones and available eco-moorings.

3. Measure and monetise impact by estimating hectares of seagrass protected and associated blue-carbon storage and ecosystem-service value, creating reporting for marinas, municipalities and impact investors.",US,,Ramsay.Bader@gmail.com,Through my University.,Blue Carbon,,,true,,,PosidoniaGuard,Ramsay Bader. Caroline Hulbert.,US,+16468972588,University of St Andrews. United Kingdom.
Adrian Colline Odira,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Our project aims to build a fully circular, climate smart aquaculture model that reduces pressure on overfished natural water bodies while empowering coastal and lakeside communities. By integrating sustainable fish production, renewable energy systems (biogas and solar), digital traceability, and community led cage farming, we create an alternative source of affordable, high quality protein that eases exploitation of lake and ocean ecosystems.

Objectives

Reduce dependence on open water fishing by scaling sustainable cage and pond aquaculture systems.

Empower women and youth with ownership of production units, fair market access, and technical training.

Increase ocean and freshwater protection by promoting regenerative practices, responsible feed use, and cold-chain efficiency to minimise post harvest loss.

Deploy digital tools to track origin, ensure transparency, and support ecosystem friendly decision making.

This approach strengthens food security, grows blue economy incomes, and protects aquatic ecosystems through a scalable, community-centered model.",KE,2018-08-20,adrian@riofish.co.ke,LinkedIn,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Rio Fish Limited,"Adrian Colline Odira, Loren Edwina Odira","Africa, Kenya",+254742838455,
Mohammad Badran,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Vision
Our vision is to be a global supporter to marine and coastal ecosystems’ stewardship, fostering a future where tropical and subtropical marine environments thrive in harmony with human activities. We envision vibrant resilient marine ecosystems that support biodiversity, enhance climate stability, and contribute to viable sustainable development with diversified livelihoods for the local communities. 

Mission
Our mission is to deliver innovative and sustainable management solutions that advance development in tropical and subtropical marine and coastal areas maintaining ecosystems’ health and resilience. We endeavor to harness broad stakeholders’ involvement, community engagement, scientific research, local knowledge, and cutting-edge technology for supporting development in tropical seas to protect and restore ecosystems’ biodiversity and functionality while achieving stakeholders’ interests and local communities’ contentment. 

Approach 
Our approach is to harness the local knowledge and expertise in all our projects. We will do consultancy work and target nationally, regionally and internationally supported initiatives. We will keep a small team for coordination and management, but our heavy weight will be the local performers in the field. Implementing multiple local projects, we will build an effective Platform for Global Dialogue and Exchange of Experience     

Objectives 
Our objectives are highly ambitious and divers. We realize the hard work ample time they need to be achieved. But we trust that our approach that counts on the local knowledge and expertise will make our mission achievable. Our objectives include:
	Conservation and Restoration
o	Develop and implement science-based and local knowledge strategies for conservation and restoration of critical marine habitats and the biodiversity they support, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
o	Monitor and assess coastal and marine ecosystems’ health and the stressors they face to gu",JO,2024-08-30,ceo@martropic.com,From Canada's Ocean Supercluster,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,MarTropic Canada Inc.,Mohammad Badran and Hala Marouf,Asia,+18733557575,
Danail Marinov,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"What it is (TRL 4–5): Pilot-ready, AI collaborative platform for GHG emissions Scope 1–3 monitoring, compliance reporting and forecasting for ports/terminals/shipping companies. RedGet.io was among the selected companies and participated in ADT4Blue, EY Startup Academy Germany, Blue Readiness Assistance and Green Marine Med (by Port of Barcelona) programs.
Value: Up to 60% reduction in reporting efforts and costs, emission forecasting for EU-ETS regulations, AI maritime assistant and decision-ready visibility to plan and verify decarbonization.
Status & partners: Confirmed pilot with Port of Gdynia (Jan 2026) and Port of Talling (Jan 2026); negotiations with Port of Valencia, Port of Huelva, and EY Bulgaria.",BG,2024-12-01,dmarinov@redget.io,A friend of mine shared this opportunity to me,Technology & innovations,,,false,,,RedGet.io,"Danail Marinov, Dobromir Balabanov, Alexander Valchev","Bulgaria, Europe",+359895497694,
Shelby Thomas,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Ocean Rescue Alliance International, through its Coastal Resilience Solutions for-profit arm and the We Restore initiative, deploys scalable living shoreline and hybrid reef technologies to restore degraded coastal and marine ecosystems while enhancing climate resilience for vulnerable communities. The project’s objective is to deliver measurable ocean biodiversity recovery, erosion reduction, and carbon co-benefits through science-based, nature-positive infrastructure that can be replicated regionally and globally.",US,2019-12-01,admin@oceanrescuealliance.org,via Email Newsletter,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,Coastal Resilience Solutions: WeRestore,"Dr. Shelby Thomas, Dr. David Weinstein, Lindsay Humbles,",US,+13866897675,
Maaire Gyengne Francis,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Problem and Solution 

Urban cities across Africa face a severe plastic waste crisis driven by rapid population growth, heavy consumption of plastic-packaged products, and inadequate formal waste management infrastructure. Most households lack convenient, reliable, and affordable waste disposal options, forcing them to depend on informal collectors with limited capacity and inconsistent schedules - or resort to harmful practices such as burning, burying, or illegally dumping plastic waste in gutters, waterways, and open spaces. This results in widespread pollution, health hazards, clogged drainage systems, flooding, and the loss of valuable recyclable material that could support local and global circular economy markets. Also, recycling companies lack consistent, traceable, and high-quality access to plastic feedstock.

Our solution is to develop an AI-powered platform that helps urban households dispose of plastic waste by connecting them with local collectors through image, video, or weight-based pricing and cashless payments. It tackles severe plastic pollution in African cities caused by limited collection capacity and unsafe disposal practices. With millions of households generating increasing waste, the market potential is vast across Ghana and other rapidly urbanizing regions. Once consistent collection volumes are reached, WasteTrack will expand into a global plastic trading marketplace, enabling recyclers worldwide to buy verified, traceable plastic waste - positioning the startup as a major player in the circular plastics economy.

Our AI-driven waste management and digital payment solution is designed to make plastic disposal easy, convenient, and traceable for urban households. Key features will  include photo, video, or weight-based AI analysis to estimate disposal fees; secure digital payments; GPS-linked pickup requests; and unique tracking codes for every waste package. The platform also supports community micro-dumpsites for flexible drop-off and pr",GH,2025-01-01,gyengnefrancis90@gmail.com,Google search,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Rv9W6h5zQESX7A68bQio5JWy5TML86rH?usp=drive_link,,WasteTrack,"Frank Faarkuu, Prosper Dorfiah","Africa, Ghana",+233208397960,
Vincent Kneefel,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,,NL,2024-04-16,vincent@vitalocean.io,Linkedin,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Vital Ocean,Joi Danielson,"Europe, Netherland",+31622514465,
Raismin Kotta,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,Sustainability fisheries and Aquaculture,ID,,raisminkotta88@gmail.com,I hear and read MOPC in website and interested to apply,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,The Pearls cultuvation & Pearls jewelry,"Raismin Kotta, aya sophia, Lalu harianza,asril junaidy",Asia,+6281342018565,"45 University, Mataram Indonesia"
Anastasiia,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,Take technology onto another level,UA,,grozdova.anastasiia@gmail.com,Social media marketing,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Innovations in ocean environment,Darina Mitina,"Europe, Ukraine",+380680650309,
Raphaëlle Guénard,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Filae transforms end-of-life fishing nets into ultra-light, modular supports for plant-based shading and greening (façades and canopies), helping cool down dense urban areas without heavy structures.
Our goal is to scale a Mediterranean circular model, from local net collection to on-site deployment, reducing waste and embodied carbon while boosting thermal comfort and biodiversity through real-world pilots.",FR,2025-03-21,contact@filae.eu,"from Marine Jacq-Pietri, Coordinatrice du Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge",Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Filae,Raphaëlle Guénard & Killian Bossé,"Europe, France",+33663688277,
Pavel Kartashov,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Scalable and capital-light hybrid ocean energy platforms harvesting wave, sun and wind energy in near-shore areas for shore and offshore energy end-users",MK,2025-03-05,pavel.k@wavespark.co,Social media post,Technology & innovations,,,false,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vdcWHlPUURdN69T-Ek7wsqOTrLNaODq0?usp=drive_link,,WaveSpark Green Marine Energies,"Pavel Kartashov, Rodrigo Caba, Francisco Perez, Glib Ivanov","Europe, Macedonia",+38975588771,
Coral Bisson,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,- Reduction of ocean plastics through development of swimwear using recycled ocean plastics,JE,,coralbisson@icloud.com,University,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Corali,Coral Bisson,"Europe, Jersey",+377643915342,International University of Monaco
Carol Nkawaga Moonga,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,,ZM,2024-07-11,moongacaroln@gmail.com,I saw an advertisement on LinkedIn,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wEWiGREhq-dWPkFqGqmSK89PcuOjhsXX?usp=drive_link,,Kacachi General Dealers,Cathrine Kapesha,"Africa, Zambia",+260979164462,
Peter Teye Busumprah,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"This initiative aims to bridge the gap in ocean data across Africa by establishing a standardized platform for accessing African Ocean Biodiversity information. The project involves developing an African Ocean Biodiversity Atlas that provides detailed data on Blue Carbon and Fisheries ecosystems, including GPS coordinates, high-resolution images, and videos illustrating the state of coastal environments throughout Africa. To ensure accessibility, we are utilizing affordable, locally developed technologies and multifunctional ocean applications to map key ecosystems such as fisheries, seaweeds, seagrasses, mangroves, and other ocean biodiversity ecosystems along the continent’s coastlines. 

Our team has grown significantly from 8 to 40 members, representing 20 African nations. Currently, over 800 users are engaged, and a pilot map encompasses ten African countries. We anticipate generating approximately $240,000 annually from app downloads and technology sales, with projected monthly revenues of about $20,000. This includes $7,000 from subscriptions, $7,000 from data sales, $3,000 from licensing, and $3,000 from consulting services.

The database is designed for policymakers and academic institutions, offering precise data crucial for policy formulation, research, and publication activities. Additionally, we aim to involve private sector stakeholders who depend on reliable data to inform their investments in a sustainable blue economy.

Key features include the development of a Fisheries Atlas and a Blue Carbon Biodiversity initiative focused on Africa’s landing beaches, providing strategic recommendations for the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The project also promotes data sharing among local indigenous fishermen and enhances understanding aligned with the UN Ocean Decade objectives. It will create a comprehensive data repository covering various marine species, including fish, mangroves, algae, and seaweeds.

Links:
https://oceandecade.org/action",GH,2024-01-01,petervegan1223@gmail.com,MOPC Linkedin.,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,African Ocean Biodiversity Atlas,Mavis Essilfie,"Africa, Ghana",+233544671951,
Nilas Neuhauser,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"The NAUTILUS team is developing the latest generation, and most advanced Autonomous Underwater Glider with the goal of flexibly facilitating the collection of crucial data for aquatic research. By doing so, we seek to create a cost-effective and minimally invasive aquatic research robot. 
After conducting first successful tests this year, we seek to continue testing our glider in Swiss lakes until summer and then, in September, set off for a 2 week mission to test in the Norwegian Ocean.
Find our website here: https://aris-space.ch/our-projects/nautilus/",CH,,nilas.neuhauser@aris-space.ch,from the 1000 Ocean Startups LinkedIn,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Nautilus,45+ members (Management -> PM: Phillip Zenger ; DPM: Nilas Neuhauser ; SE: Matias Betschen),"Europe, Switzerland",+41792977194,"ETH Zurich, Zurich"
Aki Allahgholi,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We will solve the extreme coral restoration bottleneck when it comes to outplanting. The logistical limitations of farming, transporting and outplanting cannot be overcome through the classical methods as of now. Our patented coral paint and spraying mechanism will solve that hurdle.",CH,2025-08-13,aki@corall.eco,LinkedIn,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,false,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M8KGN87ZSTEqFP8T2eUccYOE7K7DZNrV?usp=drive_link,,CORAlliance,"Chris Glaser, Peach Zwyssig, Tamaki Bieri, Dave Gulko","Europe, Switzerland",+41763879261,
Irina Kharitonova,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"EcoPlaton Tracker is a digital educational and action-oriented platform aimed at protecting oceans by addressing the root causes of pollution on land. The project helps children and families understand how everyday habits—plastic use, chemical products, water consumption, and carbon footprint—affect rivers, lakes, seas, and ultimately the oceans.
The platform combines carbon and water impact tracking, eco-challenges, audio guides, and storytelling, including stories about lakes, oceans, and industrial water pollution. It guides users from awareness to action and delivers real environmental impact: part of the project’s revenue supports reforestation and environmental initiatives, with over 1,300 trees already planted in industrial regions of Kazakhstan.
EcoPlaton Tracker integrates a Water & Ocean Impact Tracker module that visualizes the “land–water–ocean” pollution pathway and encourages measurable behavior change.",KZ,2025-07-07,irinakharitonova0201@gmail.com,We learned about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge last year through Instagram and have been preparing our application since then.,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,EcoPlaton Tracker: From Land to Ocean,"Irina Kharitonova, Alexandra Kharitonova, Platon Nechayev",Asia,+77012141077,
Fritz Noel Bayong Momha,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"GeoCosta : Application of Geodesign to understand and Innovate in Coastal Protection Planning / Balaz Studio
Objectives :
 -Understand the development of coastal protection in order to contribute to a concerted management focused on adaptation and coastal resilience 
- Use the concepts of Geodesign and coastal resilience, landscape approach, and consultation in our diagnosis of the protective planning process
- Mapping  of  infrastructures  and  different  actors  will  illustrate the  actions  and scenarios of the future vision of this site.",CM,2021-02-07,fbayong@balazstudio.com,LinkedIn,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,GeoCosta : Application of Geodesign to understand and Innovate in Coastal Protection Planning /Balaz Studio,Fritz Bayong,"Africa, Cameroun",+32467868495,
Rasmus Borgstrøm,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"FlowMinerals captures CO₂ from seawater and converts it into fossil-free calcium carbonate, contributing to the mitigation of ocean acidification while reducing reliance on land-based limestone mining. The solution enables industrial decarbonization using ocean-compatible materials, with a strong focus on environmental safety and minimal marine impact.
www.FlowMinerals.com",DK,2023-09-24,rasmus@blueplanetinnovators.com,LinkedIn,Mitigation of ocean acidification,,,true,,,FlowMinerals,"Rasmus Borgstrøm, Esben Jessen","Denmark, Europe",+4527117113,
Amelia Martin,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,We manufacture an eco-friendly alternative to marine foam (marine grade styrofoam).,US,2023-06-13,amelia@mudratsurf.com,Google!,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Mud Rat,"Jack Tarka, Patricio Acevedo, Brian Lassy",US,+18606824426,
James Kalo Malau,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,,VU,2026-01-01,malau_jk@hotmail.com,Funds for NGOs Premium,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Coral Reforestation,"John Maliu, Josue Jimmy, Nalo Samuel, Manu Roy, James Sulu",Oceania,+6787774965,
Jonas Wüst,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Tethys Robotics builds compact autonomous underwater robots that replace emission-intensive vessel operations with remote, low-impact subsea inspection. Our goal is to make offshore maintenance safer and more sustainable by reducing CO₂ emissions, preventing environmental damage through early detection, and improving the reliability of renewable marine infrastructure.",CH,2024-08-15,jonas@tethys-robotics.ch,BRIDGE by Innosuisse forward us.,Technology & innovations,,,false,,,Tethys Robotics,Pragash Sivananthaguru,"Europe, Switzerland",+41766307924,
João Manuel de Gouveia Firmino,Received,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Project idea: Convert local fish discards on Madeira into a hygienic, fermented fish sauce (small-batch artisanal → scalable).

Objectives: Reduce waste; add value for fishers; create local jobs; supply restaurants/retail; position as circular blue-economy premium product.

Key details: Source = local landings; partners = fishers + certified processor + food-safety lab; compliance = HACCP/food regs; go-to-market = horeca, gourmet stores, e-commerce; pilot → scale path.",PT,,9822@novalaw.unl.pt,Through Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.,Other,,,false,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pbf4FwTfAfqklel_a94CYA7dZsmvPfGH?usp=drive_link,,Atlantic Fish Sauce,João Firmino / Duarte Fernandes,"Europe, Portugal",+351969136436,NOVA University Lisbon (Nova School of Business & Economics) / University of Madeira (Faculty of Sciences and Engineering)
Francesco Ruscio,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,Enhance monitoring of benthic habitats using robotics and artificial intelligence.,IT,,francesco.ruscio@ing.unipi.it,linkedin,Technology & innovations,,,false,,,PerSEAve,"Francesco Ruscio, Simone Tani, Alessandro Gentili","Europe, Italia",+393756436501,"University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy"
Lorna Mudegu,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"WAVU is a market and aggregation platform that connects verified aquaculture producers to buyers through organised, predictable supply chains.

In many coastal and inland markets, fish buyers source from informal channels where farmed fish and wild-caught fish are indistinguishable. This lack of separation sustains demand for capture fisheries and contributes to overfishing in already stressed marine and freshwater ecosystems. By aggregating aquaculture producers, forecasting demand, and directing buyers toward farm-based supply, WAVU helps shift market demand away from unregulated wild catch.

As more buyers rely on planned aquaculture sourcing, pressure on wild fisheries is reduced while livelihoods are supported through sustainable fish production. Each tonne of farmed fish absorbed into formal markets represents demand that would otherwise be met through extraction from natural fish stocks.

WAVU builds on ongoing operations in East Africa and offers a scalable, market-driven pathway to reducing pressure on wild fisheries in regions facing overfishing and informal fish trade.",KE,2024-07-30,lornaafwandi@gmail.com,LinkedIn,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_Y9YW-Y_kd2Tpz80fH5juc9Ol1TR7DKq?usp=drive_link,,WAVU,Don Okoth | Vincent Oduor | Chris Munialo | Loise Mudegu,"Africa, Kenya",+254718059337,
Shamim Wasii Nyanda,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"SUNWAVE provides small-scale fishers in Tanzania with solar-powered ice-making units to reduce fish spoilage. These machines, powered by solar energy, offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to fish preservation, especially in remote areas where access to the power grid is limited. By keeping fish fresh for longer, these units help fishers reduce spoilage, maintain higher-quality products, and increase income. The ice-making machines are operated by trained personnel to ensure proper use and efficiency.",TZ,2024-03-01,shamim@sunwaveltd.com,It was shared by SUNWAVE's Advisory Board member.,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,SUNWAVE,Ridhiwan Mseya,"Africa, Tanzania",+255764190074,
Olaleye Rofiat Olayinka,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Eco Heroes is an incentive-based, tech-enabled recycling solution that prevents ocean-bound plastic waste from entering rivers and marine ecosystems. The project mobilizes communities to collect and exchange post-consumer plastic for rewards such as cash and essential services, creating a reliable supply of recovered plastic while improving livelihoods. Recovered materials are recycled and transformed into value-added products, including sewing threads, ensuring financial sustainability and scalable impact. The objective is to measurably reduce plastic pollution, create local economic value, and build a replicable model for coastal and river-connected communities.",NG,2021-11-08,olaleyerofiatyinka@gmail.com,I learned about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge through my involvement in an entrepreneurship and innovation programs focused on the blue economy and plastic pollution solutions.,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Eco Heroes Nigeria limited,Olaleye Rofiat Olayinka  Salaam Lateef Oladimeji  Akinsanya Dorcas  Olaleye Hassan  Ogundairo Ganiyat,"Africa, Nigeria",+2348038877293,
Christian Mwijage,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Every year, 9 million tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans, polluting marine ecosystems and threatening ocean life. At this rate, by 2050 the ocean could contain more plastic than fish. At the same time, the world loses over 2 billion trees annually to meet the demand for timber in the furniture and construction industries—making deforestation the second leading driver of climate change.
We address both crises through a chemical-free, energy-efficient, AI-powered technology that transforms ocean-bound plastics and post-consumer packaging waste into high-quality, sustainable materials for furniture, building, and construction applications. By converting low-value, hard-to-recycle multi-layer plastic (MLP) waste into durable products, we are advancing the circular economy and giving new life to materials that would otherwise damage the environment.
We address one of the most persistent challenges in the plastics value chain: waste streams that lack viable conventional recycling pathways. We focus specifically on two difficult-to-recycle categories - multi-layer plastics (MLP), which combine multiple plastic layers and/or aluminum foil, and mixed plastic waste that cannot be economically or efficiently segregated. Globally, an estimated 6 billion tons of plastic waste have been generated, approximately 14% of which consists of MLP. Due to technical and economic limitations, these materials are typically landfilled, incinerated, or left uncollected, contributing significantly to environmental pollution and ecosystem degradation.",TZ,2022-12-21,chrissmwijage@gmail.com,Social Media,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,ECOACT Tanzania,"• Mr. Bernard Ernest, Technical Director overseeing all production activities, holds a Master of Engineering in Biochemical Engineering. Mr. Christian Mwijage, Managing Director responsible for overall operations, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Ms. Elineca Ndowo, Chief Finance Officer, holds a Master’s degree in Project Management and Financing from the University of Dar es Salaam.","Africa, Tanzania",+255711457346,
Rasheed Aliu,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Land-based pollution is the largest contributor to ocean degradation, yet sanitation failures in coastal communities remain overlooked. In flood-prone coastal regions of Africa, fragile septic systems collapse during flooding, releasing untreated human waste into groundwater, rivers, lagoons, and ultimately the ocean.
I witnessed this firsthand in coastal Lagos, Nigeria, when flooding destroyed local sanitation systems and a neighbour’s 4-year-old daughter died from cholera, a preventable waterborne disease. This tragedy reflects a systemic failure. Over 90% of Nigerian households rely on sanitation systems that leak sewage, contributing to 117,000 annual child deaths from waterborne diseases, according to UNICEF.
In the absence of centralized wastewater infrastructure, outdated septic tanks costly to build and maintain are frequently evacuated or overflow during floods, with waste discharged into coastal waters. This drives marine pollution, eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and degradation of near-shore ecosystems critical to food security. 
At Pod we design and manufacture LoopBox, LoopBox is a solar-powered, IoT-enabled, self-contained sanitation system designed for coastal and flood-prone communities. Unlike traditional soakaway pits that leak, our tech uses embedded sensors and microbial treatment to track, treat, and recycle human waste into reusable water. Through our cloud dashboard, users and local authorities can monitor sanitation performance and water quality remotely. We also provide nearby borehole treatment as a service. LoopBox is 5x more cost-effective than conventional systems, eliminates 100 dollars/year in waste evacuation costs, and requires minimal space. Built with scalable hardware and software, it is designed to be deployed across low-income, climate-vulnerable communities bringing safety, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making to sanitation in Nigeria and Africa. 
The project delivers a flood-resilient, decentralized sanitation s",NG,2025-05-06,rasheedofpod@gmail.com,BFA Global TECA Alumni Group( Tyler),Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ur6FAveOOAtS77TOGXuLGbVfqTF8mG9p?usp=drive_link,,Pod,"Rasheed Aliu, Gabriel Simon , Habeeb Lasisi and MaryJudith Chiamaka","Africa, Nigeria",+2348160238021,
Chelsey Karbowski,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Mikjikj Mniku, Mi’kmaq for “Turtle Island”, is an Indigenous-led consulting firm working at the intersection of ocean protection, community governance, and workforce development.

We help governments, philanthropies, and conservation organizations design ocean and climate initiatives that last beyond funding cycles by embedding Indigenous knowledge, ethical engagement, and local stewardship from the start.

Our work focuses on strengthening Indigenous and coastal governance, building inclusive workforce pathways in fisheries, marine monitoring, and ocean-adjacent clean energy, and making social impact measurable and defensible through socio-economic and SROI frameworks.

In a global push to protect more ocean faster, we ensure protection efforts are community-supported, socially resilient, and future-proofed, because conservation only succeeds when the people closest to the ocean are empowered to carry it forward.",CA,2025-03-01,chelsey.m.karbowski@gmail.com,Linkedin,Other,,,true,,,Mikjikj Mniku Consulting Ltd.,Chelsey Karbowski,Canada,+19026314362,
OLUTOKI FEYISHAYO FUNMI,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"To develop and inplement a sustainable food production (crops and animals) that specifically reduces a known threat to the Ocean (e. go, pollution, overfishing pressure, habitat destruction).

We will take measures using circular economy, by developing a system where waste products from our farm are treated and used in a way that prevent them from entering marine ecosystem

We will work on water management and pollution reduction and sustainable sourcing /supply chain",NG,2024-12-12,rebugssolutions@gmail.com,,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xCJ_8EpTEdBORiJHYwIRZO22z8e54fbx?usp=drive_link,,Operation feed the children,"Adewuyi Feranmi, Olutoki sewafunmi victor, Ayodele joy, Babalola gbenga","Africa, Nigeria",+2348038226106,
Anshika Sarraf,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Auralis Blue is tackling a problem few people see but that is harming our oceans: underwater noise pollution. Ships, ports, and offshore construction create constant sound that travels far underwater, interfering with how whales, dolphins, and fish communicate, migrate, and reproduce. Auralis Blue measures this invisible threat and turns it into clear, actionable data, helping maritime stakeholders protect marine life while continuing sustainable operations.

Underwater noise is an invisible threat, but its effects are very real: studies show that marine mammals rely on sound to survive, and high noise levels can cause stress, confusion, and even death in fish populations. Despite this, there are almost no tools that measure or manage noise systematically. Auralis Blue fills this gap, providing a science-based, scalable solution that can protect marine ecosystems worldwide.

Objectives:
1) Measure and Map noise pollution
2) Marine life protection
3) Encourage better and sustainable practices
4) Support policy, investment & encourage systemic change in blue economy",IN,,anshika.sarraf_ug2024@ashoka.edu.in,LinkedIn,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Auralis Blue,Anshika Sarraf,Asia,+917897130506,Ashoka University + Sonipat
Neville Agesa,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"The Tsunza Community, located on Kenya’s South Coast in Kwale County, is a vital ecological hub linking mangrove forests, wetlands, and the Mwache River estuary. These interconnected ecosystems support fisheries, biodiversity, and local livelihoods but face increasing pressure from degradation, pollution, and declining fish stocks.

This project aims to protect and restore mangrove and wetland ecosystems while strengthening sustainable blue livelihoods. Through community-led mangrove restoration, marine pollution awareness, and youth and women engagement in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, the project promotes ocean protection alongside economic resilience.

By integrating nature-based solutions, environmental education, and livelihood innovation, the initiative positions Tsunza as a scalable model for community-driven ocean conservation and sustainable development.",KE,2023-02-01,agesanevil@gmail.com,Gensea opportunities,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Sustainable Blue Food & Livelihoods Innovation,"Robert Meya,Hannah Mathenge,JohnChaka","Africa, Kenya",+254796438122,
Veronica Nzuu,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"My project focuses on empowering children and youth in my community to take action on plastic pollution through simple, community led learning and action. The objective is to build awareness, responsibility, and leadership by combining environmental education with practical activities such as waste segregation, plastic collection, creative upcycling, and community dialogue. By using participatory and inclusive approaches, especially for girls and marginalized youth, the project aims to strengthen community ownership of sustainability solutions and inspire long term behavior change at the local level.",KE,2023-05-29,veramichael2000@gmail.com,Social Media linked in,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,Furies,Angelo Mulu,"Africa, Kenya",+254748488312,
Fiona McOmish,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,We replace toxic PFAS chemicals in textiles with a water- and fire-resistant coating made 100% from seaweed. We sell our high-performing solution to textile manufacturers and formulators in a 'drop-in' format.,IT,2024-12-16,fiona.mcomish@algae-scope.com,LinkedIn,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Algae Scope,Natasha Yamamura; Alejandra Noren; Farshid Pahlevani,"Europe, Italia",+447722083419,
Nesphory Mwambai,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"seamo.earth initiative focused on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to explore, document, monitor, and preserve the mariculture and seascapes of the Pwani regions. This project aims to enhance our understanding and protection of marine environments through the development of eco-friendly and climate adaptive technologies.",KE,2024-08-22,mwambai@seamo.earth,email news letter,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eOyDGZwwlNNAzbwwC-CUVmJi4gM3kDLI?usp=drive_link,,seamo.earth,"Nesphory Mwambai, Lewis Kimaru","Africa, Kenya",+254714520023,
Yahuza Sani Hudu,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"CleanUp Multi Dyna mic Concept (CleanUp MDC) is a Nigeria-based social enterprise advancing inclusive climate-tech solutions within the circular economy. Our flagship innovation, JoliTrash, is a toll-free, AI-powered, voice-based recycling platform that allows households and informal waste actors to sort and sell recyclable waste using a simple AI phone call in their local language without the need for smartphones, internet access, or digital literacy. Nigeria generates about 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, yet less than 10% is recycled (World Bank). At the same time, over 70% of Nigerians lack easy access to recycling facilities, locations, or clear recycling processes (NESREA, 2022), and 48% of the population has poor or no internet connectivity (NCC, 2023), making most app-based recycling platforms inaccessible to low-income and marginalized communities. CleanUp MDC was created to bridge this gap by enabling users to dial a toll-free number on any basic phone (cell-phone) and interact with our AI in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin, or English with no language barrier, our AI identify users location, connect with nearby verified waste collectors, and user earn income from recyclables. Our target market includes low-income households, women, youth, informal waste pickers, and underserved urban and peri-urban communities across Nigeria, as well as recycling agents and aggregators seeking reliable recyclable feedstock. To date, we have onboarded over 30,163 active users from underserved communities, 17,907 of them women, and facilitated the recovery of more than 10,000 tons of plastic waste, positioning our operations to contribute to an estimated 25,000 tons of CO₂ emissions reduction annually, equivalent to removing about 4,000 fuel-powered cars from the road each year. We partner with the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), we are scaling nationwide with the long-term goal of expanding across Africa. Our main goals are to expand access to recycli",NG,2024-02-26,ysanihudu@gmail.com,"The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources of Kaduna State Government, Nigeria Share's the link with my startup",Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,CleanUp MDC,"Abner Ayuba Atuga, Ameer Saeed","Africa, Nigeria",+2348146036089,
Emeka Nwachinemere,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Pelagos is developing autonomous, bio-hybrid ocean regeneration machines that restore marine ecosystems while capturing atmospheric carbon. These AI-guided ocean drones re-mineralize seawater to combat acidification, stimulate safe plankton growth to enhance blue carbon sequestration, and support coral regeneration in degraded reefs.

Objectives:

Restore ocean health and biodiversity at scale

Enhance natural blue carbon capture and climate resilience

Provide real-time ocean intelligence data

Build a commercially viable, globally scalable blue-economy solution

Pelagos aims to transform oceans into self-healing climate engines while creating measurable environmental, social, and economic value.",NG,,nwachinemere.emeka@gmail.com,Linkedin,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,Pelagos,"Nwachinemere Emeka, Nduka Miracle","Africa, Nigeria",+2348062148183,"University of Nigeria, Nsukka"
Rodrick Nyendwa,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Mitigation about climate change and its impact and issue that community are aware .,ZM,2023-12-12,rodricknyendwa2016@gmail.com,Through social media on funds for NGOs,Mitigation of climate change and sea-level rise,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RlybRQMKzhAdcU9vqg8XDZHbtpSzLOCN?usp=drive_link,,"Complehensive HIV  prevention ,Treatment care support","Rodrick Nyendwa,Executive Director, Mumbi Micheal  - Finace Manager, Ementy Mweemba- Programme Manager,  Winter Musonda - Human Resource Mnager, Josiah Ndjovu -Community Liason Officer, Simata Mate - Monitoring and Evaluation Manager , Edith Bwalya -Data Entry Officer, Brona Kapindo - Office Assistant , Sylvester Chisanga - Front office Assistant","Africa, Zambia",+260977339071,
Nasibu Mtambo,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Blue EcoponicX is a climate-tech initiative that transforms marine plastic waste into 3D printed hydroponic towers for urban farming. The project addresses two interconnected challenges; ocean plastic pollution and urban food insecurity by converting waste into smart, productive food-growing systems designed for cities.

Project Objectives

1. Reduce Marine Plastic Pollution
Collect and recycle marine plastic waste, preventing it from entering landfills or degrading in the ocean.

2. Improve Urban Food Security
Enable affordable, space-efficient food production for households, youth groups, and small-scale urban farmers.

3. Lower Urban Carbon Emissions
Reduce food miles, optimize resource use, and promote localized production using energy-efficient systems.

4. Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture
Use IoT technology to minimize water, nutrient, and energy waste while maximizing crop yields.

5. Empower Communities Through Technology
Make modern farming accessible through easy-to-use smart systems, training, and data insights.

Key Features

1. Circular Economy Design: Hydroponic towers made from recycled marine plastics

2. IoT Integration: Real-time monitoring of water, nutrients, and system health

3. Low Resource Use: Up to 90% less water than traditional farming

4. Urban-Friendly: Suitable for rooftops, balconies, schools, and community spaces

5. Scalable & Modular: Easy to expand from household to community-scale deployment

Target Beneficiaries

1. Urban small-scale farmers

2. Youth and women-led agribusinesses

3. Schools and training institutions

4. Cities seeking climate-resilient food systems

Expected Impact

1. Reduced plastic pollution in coastal and marine ecosystems

2. Increased access to fresh, nutritious food in urban areas

3. Lower carbon emissions from food transport and waste

4. Creation of green jobs in recycling, manufacturing, and urban agriculture

5. Stronger climate resilience for cities",KE,2025-05-20,mtamboduke@gmail.com,Through LinkendIn,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Blue EcoponicX,"Tabitha Shali, Mohammed Athman, Terry Okwanyo","Africa, Kenya",+254742051141,
Faith Mutisya,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Tumbe sea weed farmers is a community based organization in Msambweni kwale Kenya. We focus on empowering coastal communities especially young women and youth with skills in sustainable sea weed farming. This is because as women in  kwale county we face alot of challenges such as early marriages and pregnancies most especially because women are not given the same schooling privilege as men. Therefore so many young mothers don't have any skills to provide for their young ones. Therefore Tumbe sea weed farmers has taken the initiative to empower them , and through the farming they are able to support themselves financially and at the same time contribute to global efforts in fighting climate change because weed plays an important role as a  carbon sink . And we also contribute to increase in biodiversity by provide nursery and nurturing bay for fish and other aquatic organisms",KE,2023-03-02,faithmutisya56@gmail.com,Through linked in,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,Tumbe sea weed farmers,Faith Mutisya - founder and Trainer 2. Hanifa wendo- secretary/field manager 3. Mwanamisi Mwadzumba - Treasurer,"Africa, Kenya",+254711627836,
李涵凝,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"The 10cm transparent eco-jellyfish robot carries ocean-beneficial materials, moving by mechanical legs and drifting with waves to reduce marine pollution and repair ecosystems, quietly improving ocean health",CN,2026-01-01,xbm_0201@qq.com,I found out about MOPC through an online search.,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1duMty6mbpLCOoataogbZEShA6keuK2fy?usp=drive_link,,Environmentally Friendly Jellyfish,李涵凝,Asia,+8618618164803,
Kabir Olaosebikan,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Craft Planet – Blue Guard for the Ocean is an integrated ocean-protection initiative that prevents plastic pollution before it reaches the sea. Using AI-enabled drones, we identify high-risk waste leakage points along riverbanks and coastal areas, enabling rapid collection of plastic waste before it enters rivers and oceans. Recovered plastics are recycled into durable construction materials—interlocking blocks, eco-bricks, floor and roof tiles—which are used to improve public school infrastructure, including classrooms, toilets, desks, and chairs. The project also builds capacity among coastal communities, teachers, and students through environmental education, waste management training, and circular economy skills, creating local ownership, green jobs, and long-term ocean stewardship.",NG,2023-04-17,kabir@craftplanet.org,Through online sustainability platforms and ocean innovation networks.,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jUFqGLk1zZ6afP4BysRPpp_jRXsw_9Kz?usp=drive_link,,Craft Planet  - Blue Guard,"Kabir Olaosebikan, Aminat Abdulazeez, Promise Dalero, Hanatu Abdulakeem","Africa, Nigeria",+2348142123656,
Karl Mihhels,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"The project is about converting fast-growing species of algae, with a high cellulose content (Cladophorales) into a direct replacement for wood based cellulose and cellulose products, such as paper.",FI,,karl.mihhels@aalto.fi,2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit held in Berlin on October 17th 2025,Blue Carbon,,,true,,,Shaving the Seas,Karl Mihhels,"Europe, Finland",+358447627444,"Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering, Finland"
SENI Abd-Ramane,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"_Project Title_: OceanClean Tech

_Objective_: The OceanClean Tech project aims to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans by developing a marine plastic waste collection system. The main goal is to clean up polluted marine areas and prevent new plastic waste from entering marine ecosystems.

_Innovation_: The project's innovation lies in the use of autonomous drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to locate and collect plastic waste at sea. The drones are capable of navigating autonomously, identifying plastic waste using sensors and image recognition algorithms, and collecting it for transport to a treatment point.

_Impact_: The OceanClean Tech project has several expected impacts:
1. _Environmental_: Significant reduction of plastic waste in the oceans, protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
2. _Social_: Raising public awareness of marine pollution and involving local communities in clean-up actions.
3. _Economic_: Creating new economic opportunities related to sustainable marine waste management and the development of clean technologies.",BJ,2025-12-29,seniramane@gmail.com,"I heard about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge on LinkedIn, it immediately caught my attention!",Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,OceanClean Tech,"SENI Abd-Ramane, DJIBRIL Samir, SOULÉ SEIDOU Mansoura","Africa, Bénin",+2290161149564,
Omoding Olinga Simon,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Dagim Fisheries directly advances equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable food while improving planetary health through zero-waste processing and sustainable fishing. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates nutrition science, food engineering, supply chain management, environmental conservation, and economics. We address malnutrition, reduce waste, empower fishing communities, and protect Lake Victoria's and Kyoga's ecosystem creating regenerative food systems scalable across East Africa toward the billion-lives impact goal.",UG,2024-01-05,simonomoding.ace@gmail.com,Through Linkedinn social media,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Dagim Fisheries (U) Ltd,"Omoding Simon, Ilukat Musa, Omiel Peter, Omongole Richard, Fellista Nakatabirwa","Africa, Ouganda",+256773351242,
Mutave Nelly,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Hrkb,KE,1997-01-24,mutavenelly.mn@gmail.com,Friend shared link,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Revamp Flips,Nthatisi Lesala,"Africa, Kenya",+254704458380,
Ketty Shamakamba,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Lake Farms is establishing an academy dedicated to preserving Lake Kariba and its communities. It is a center for training, innovation, and direct action.

Core Mission: Halt fish stock depletion and foster a sustainable blue economy.

Key Initiatives:

Training Hub: Equip local fishers with skills in sustainable aquaculture, ecosystem management, and cooperative business.

Innovation & Deployment: Design and deploy ethical, lake-friendly cage systems and restorative practices to rebuild wild stocks.

Community Enterprises: Launch community-owned ""Aqua-Hubs"" that provide food security, create livelihoods, and empower women.

This academy would create a lasting legacy of ecological restoration, poverty reduction, and resilience for Lake Kariba's people, directly honoring a commitment to ocean and freshwater preservation.",ZM,2021-11-30,ilovesolarfreezers@gmail.com,"We learned about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge through the communication channels of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and its associated networks, which highlight pioneering solutions for ocean and freshwater conservation.",Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,LAKE FARMS AND FISHING LODGE LIMITED,"Board and Management Team    Chisanga Mambwe – Board Chairperson (Strategic oversight)   Provides governance leadership, investor relations support, and high-level oversight of the executive team.  Ketty Shamakamba – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)   Leads overall strategy, fundraising, partnerships, gender lens work, and company growth. Oversees business development, climate initiatives, and solar cold-chain expansion.  Chiozya Mwanza – Chief Operations Officer (COO)   Responsible for day-to-day operations, cage management, production planning, logistics coordination, and community engagement with fishers and women traders.  Hamando Hamalabbi – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Accountant)   Manages finance, accounting, compliance, investment reporting, budgeting, and financial controls.  Muzalema Zimba – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) (Sales & Marketing Manager)   Oversees sales strategy, distribution channels, branding, customer acquisition, and premium market relationships (hotels, restaurants, wholesalers).  Joshua Mwanza – Chief Operations Manager / Deputy COO (Operations Manager)   Supports operations, distribution logistics, procurement, cold-chain coordination, and team supervision.  Micheck Chulaula – Chief Farm Manager (CFM) (Farm Manager)   Oversees cage management, feeding regimes, harvesting, processing coordination, and ensuring biosecurity and aquaculture standards.  Mabel Kaunda – Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) (HR Manager/Secretary)   Manages staff welfare, recruitment, training, compliance, and gender-inclusive workforce policies.  Our operations team includes experts in farm management, logistics, and business development, ensuring efficient production, processing, and distribution. The finance and technology staff oversee solar freezer leasing, mobile payments, and digital monitoring systems, enabling scalable, sustainable impact.  Many team members, including the founders, have personal connections to the communities we serve, which drives our ","Africa, Zambia",+260971094443,
Torrigiani Aurore,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Sea Blocks develops modular, low-tech artificial reefs designed to restore marine habitats in port environments.

Each reef is co-designed and assembled through participatory workshops involving companies, citizens and local stakeholders, then installed in partnership with ports. The modules are made from low-carbon materials and locally sourced shell waste, enhancing ecological functionality and accelerating colonisation by marine species.

The project combines ecological restoration, circular economy and awareness-raising, with scientific monitoring conducted by marine biology experts to assess biodiversity recovery and long-term impact.",FR,2021-02-03,seablocksrecif@gmail.com,Through professional networks and partners involved in ocean and coastal innovation.,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,Sea Blocks,Olivier Meynard,"Europe, France",+33647780342,
Godfrey Noel,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Project Title: Bamboo Stewardship for Mangrove Protection: Building Sustainable Livelihoods Along the East African Coast

The Problem
East African coastal mangrove ecosystems spanning from Somalia to Mozambique face catastrophic degradation, with communities harvesting mangroves for fuel and construction because alternative income sources remain unavailable. This extraction destroys critical carbon sinks, eliminates natural storm surge barriers, and collapses fish nursery habitats that sustain coastal food security. Traditional conservation approaches exclude communities from protected areas without providing viable economic alternatives, guaranteeing enforcement failure and continued ecosystem loss.

Our Solution
Kilimora, in strategic partnership with EarthLungs, is implementing a bamboo based mangrove protection system that transforms coastal communities from ecosystem exploiters into paid ecosystem stewards. We employ community members to cultivate and harvest fast growing bamboo (Bambusa species with 3 to 5 year harvest cycles and continuous regrowth capacity) in designated buffer zones adjacent to mangrove forests. This bamboo provides sustainable construction materials and biomass fuel alternatives that eliminate economic pressure on mangrove stands while generating verifiable income for participating households.

Technical Innovation
The initiative integrates drone based mangrove health monitoring with ground truth verification by community stewards, creating high resolution ecosystem data that supports both conservation management and carbon credit generation. Kilimora provides the artificial intelligence powered verification infrastructure and blockchain based transparent payment systems ensuring stewards receive direct compensation tied to measurable mangrove protection outcomes. EarthLungs contributes marine ecosystem expertise, coastal community organizing capacity, and connections to corporate blue carbon credit buyers.

Scale and Impact
The program cu",KE,2024-01-04,gnoel@kilimora.africa,LinkedIn network,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ouz8-deBPfgUl7VYIwofxUwEYG4D9iMw?usp=drive_link,,Kilimora CLG,"Godfrey Noel, Zuhra Nagib, Matthew Muange, Hildah Gichuru, Ezra Maruti, Hildah Gichuru","Africa, Kenya",+254795647634,
Hellen flavine akinyi,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Plastic pollution from urban markets and streets flows into rivers ad ultimately into the ocean. single-use plastic  paper bags are among the most common sources of marine debris.preventing plastic waste at the source is the most effective ad affordable solution than ocean multi-million clean up efforts,KE,2021-02-09,artworkspace1@gmail.com,thro. funds- for- Ngo newsletters,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bFnRFeWaxyD2g52MG0l_Y6q_rQOCYbnc?usp=drive_link,,"STOPING OCEAN PLASTICS AT THE SOURCE;DIGITAL ECO-PACKAGING SOLUTION LED BY A YOUNG AFRICA WOMAN,KENYA 2026026","KIMBERLY ADHIAMBO CONIE, MAISON JOHN &PETER WAMBURA","Africa, Kenya",+27631484516,
Tochukwu Uwakeme,Received,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Coastal Blue-Skills Hubs by Pikia is a scalable, community-led training and microenterprise program that equips coastal youth and women with practical skills, tools, and starter microgrants to reduce ocean pollution and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods through waste-to-value (plastic collection/sorting), sustainable fishing practices, and mangrove/coastal restoration. The program will run through local “Hub” partners (NGOs/co-ops/schools), a lightweight mobile curriculum, and a train-the-trainer model, paired with verified community monitoring (simple metrics + photo evidence) to prove impact and unlock blue-economy buyers and sponsors.
Objectives:
•	Cut land-to-ocean leakage by organizing community collection, sorting, and resale of plastics, with tracked volumes diverted.
•	Increase resilient incomes by training and supporting community micro-enterprises (waste-to-value, eco-services, sustainable seafood handling) and link them to off takers.
•	Restore natural coastal defenses through mangrove/coastal habitat restoration tied to local stewardship incentives and verified survival rates.
•	Create a repeatable “Hub-in-a-box” model that can scale across coastal regions quickly with clear KPIs and partner networks delivering positive, measurable ocean impact in the short to medium term, consistent with MOPC’s focus on ocean-positive business concepts",US,,uwakemet@bu.edu,United Nations SDGs Newsletter.,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ph6DBmqeSGvSSqxQkymPx9rlU-ZmGFnr?usp=drive_link,,Pikia Marine,"Tochukwu Uwakeme, Moses Imoleyo, Ihuoma Ohaegbulam",US,+12024255839,Boston University / United States
Veronica Nzuu,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"My project focuses on community-based climate and ocean education for children and youth, using storytelling, play, and interactive learning to build awareness around plastic pollution, waste segregation, and environmental responsibility. The objective is to transform how young people and families understand and relate to plastic consumption moving from awareness to everyday action. Through games, facilitated sessions, and community learning spaces, the project empowers children to become informed advocates within their households and neighborhoods, strengthening long-term behavior change and community ownership of sustainability solutions.",KE,2023-05-23,veramichael2000@gmail.com,Social media linked in,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,Furies,Angelo Mulu,"Africa, Kenya",+254748488312,
Cristiano da Silva Palma,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Project Idea & Scientific Context

The project develops a next-generation modular OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) system, combining innovative deep-ocean structures, ultra-optimized thermodynamic cycles, and AI-based monitoring to deliver continuous (24/7) clean energy, with initial pilot operation targeted from 2027. The system is designed for scalable deployment in tropical and island regions, validated through a pilot-scale OTEC unit operating with deep-water intake (~1000 m or more) and real-time intelligent control.

Sur le plan scientifique, la technologie OTEC repose sur l’exploitation de la différence de température entre les eaux de surface chaudes et les eaux profondes froides afin d’alimenter un cycle thermodynamique de production d’électricité, conformément aux analyses reconnues par la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (UNFCCC).

Dans les régions tropicales, où les eaux de surface peuvent dépasser 25 °C tandis que les eaux profondes se situent autour de 5 °C, le différentiel thermique (ΔT) peut excéder 20 °C, condition généralement considérée comme favorable à une application efficace de l’OTEC, comme le soulignent de nombreuses publications académiques, notamment celles de la MDPI.

En revanche, dans le bassin méditerranéen, y compris autour de la Principauté de Monaco, les données actuelles indiquent un ΔT généralement inférieur aux seuils classiques de viabilité de l’OTEC à grande échelle. Toutefois, à partir de 2027, evolving ocean temperature profiles, combined with AI-assisted thermodynamic optimization, high-efficiency working fluids, operation restricted to periods of maximum thermal contrast (summer), intake at greater depths, and high thermal-efficiency piping, may enable experimental and seasonal OTEC operation, positioning the Mediterranean as a future testbed for advanced ocean energy technologies.

By aligning scientific rigor with technological innovation, the project contributes to ocean protection",BR,2024-08-09,cristianospalma@yahoo.com.br,"I learned about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge through institutional email exchanges within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including communications with the UNFCCC Global Secretariat, notably Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, as well as with UNFCCC National Focal Points in Monaco and France. These included Carl Dudek (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco), Dietmar Petrausch and Wilfred Suddath-Deville (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France), and Yue Dong and Bénédicte Jenot (French Ministry for the Ecological Transition).",Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Tabernacle Space Islands,Cristiano da Silva Palma,South America,+5511978020540,
Titus Nyandoro,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We are a Kenyan-based, ocean-minded for-profit fintech venture for fishing coastal communities that are dedicated to the sustainable blue economy",KE,2024-01-01,ktnyandoch@gmail.com,WhatsApp,Technology & innovations,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1twpoOtR1RIei27iSRXNquyV4iMBA9HdC?usp=drive_link,,VUA SOLUTIONS,"Matthew Egessa, Titus Nyandoro","Africa, Kenya",+254743378884,
Mzuvukile Benayo,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Spatial Planning Collective more about engaging stakeholders and driving education.,ZA,2011-07-07,mzuvukilejames@gmail.com,FundsforNGOS email,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,Youth Innovation Programme,Zenande Mnethu,"Africa, South Africa",+27738223994,
Abdoulaye Sarr Ndour,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"AI-powered gamified learning platform for ocean conservation education (Duolingo-style for oceans). The platform features an AI tutor powered by ChatGPT-4/Claude, 4 educational modules covering Biodiversity, Climate, Threats, and Solutions, gamification elements including XP points, badges, and mini-games, plus professional certifications.

Target customers include B2C users (parents/students) paying 9.99 EUR/month subscriptions, schools paying 800-1,500 EUR/year for licenses, corporations paying 2K-50K EUR for CSR training programs, and professionals purchasing certifications for 49-299 EUR each.

Year 1 objectives: 10,000 users generating 207K EUR revenue. Year 3 objectives: 200,000 users generating 5.8M EUR revenue. Overall mission: 1 million ocean-literate people by 2030.

Tech stack: Next.js frontend, Supabase backend (PostgreSQL + Auth + Storage), OpenAI API for AI tutor functionality.

Timeline: 90 days to launch following MVP development, beta testing with 100 users, then public launch.

Initial budget required: 15-30K EUR covering development, educational content creation, and marketing expenses.",SN,,ndour.ecobox@gmail.com,Linkedin,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,OceanEdu AI,"Omar Cissé Faye, Fatou Cissé, Coumba Gueye","Africa, Senegal",+221775110218,"Saint Louis Gaston Berger University, Senegal"
Christopher Enriquez Urban,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Project: AI-powered offshore infrastructure for Sargassum monitoring, harvesting, and conversion into industrial biomass.

Problem: Massive Sargassum blooms devastate Caribbean coasts but remain unused due to unpredictable availability and high logistics costs.

Solution: Neural-operator forecasting systems predict bloom movements with high accuracy, guiding automated offshore platforms that harvest and preprocess algae at sea—delivering consistent, industrial-grade feedstock.

Objectives: Create reliable supply chains for bio-based materials, reduce coastal environmental damage, generate jobs and enable circular economy applications in construction, energy, and agriculture.

Impact: Transforms environmental crisis into economic opportunity while addressing climate goals through fossil material substitution.",DE,,christopher@algrid.tech,LinkedIn,Other,,,true,,,Algrid,Valentina Iunosheva,"Europe, Germany",+4915679760251,"University of Leeds, Leeds, UK"
Sarfraaz Khan AYAZ KHAN,Received,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Poseidon transforms ocean-recovered plastic into certified, customizable, high-end solid surface materials for architects, designers, artists, and sustainability-driven businesses.
Our advanced material development and manufacturing ensure durability, aesthetic quality, and long-term reuse as alternatives to conventional surfaces - integrating ocean plastic back into the economy. Each sheet removes approximately 15–30 kg of ocean plastic and includes a digital product passport that provides full traceability from collection to final use. Incubated at MonacoTech, Poseidon aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals and empowers creative professionals to lead eco-innovation, contributing to ocean cleanup, circularity, and measurable environmental impact.",MC,,info@poseidon-monaco.com,"Last year MOPC competition , JCI CCE event and news letter",Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11GEc6IYyLaZnQ_rtkgNHeafVPnuOZ2bz?usp=drive_link,,POSEIDON,Sarfraaz Khan AYAZ KHAN,"Europe, Monaco",+33745384992,SKEMA Business School and POLIMI Graduate School of Management
Francesca Rose Turner Prichard,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Restore society’s relationship with the ocean by building connections between women and the ocean through sport, art and conservation activities.",ES,,francescaroseturner@gmail.com,Linkedin,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,Residensea,"Francesca Turner, Aoife Martin, Alberto Rangel","Europe, Spain",+34671298357,Southampton Solent University
Brian Ochieng Aliech,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Our project seeks to address the pervasive challenge of plastic pollution that has afflicted urban centers and aquatic ecosystems across the globe.
By converting discarded plastic into durable construction materials, we aim to alleviate the strain on finite natural resources traditionally employed in the building industry, thereby reducing both costs and inefficiencies.
In addition, this initiative seeks to generate meaningful employment opportunities for young people in underserved communities, empowering them to achieve economic stability and dignity. Ultimately, our vision is nothing less than to contribute to the preservation and renewal of our planet.",KE,,ochiengaliech@gmail.com,Through a friend.,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,NOLA AFRICA,"Brian Aliech, Charles Okutah, Hussein Hezekiah, Kevin Onsongo, Lidah Makena","Africa, Kenya",+254757008417,"University of Nairobi, Nairobi"
Adhithi Mugundha Kumar,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,We aim to provide a solution to invasive blue crabs in the Mediterranean by developing a bait-induced fishing method.,GB,2026-01-06,Adhithimukhundh@gmail.com,,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Blue crabs,Xenia Anagnostou,UK,+447512296331,
THIERRY BOUSSION,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Yuniboat develops an industrial model dedicated to the eco-reconditioning of leisure and professional boats, designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of boating activities.

By extending the lifespan of existing boats rather than building new ones, Yuniboat directly contributes to the protection of oceans and marine ecosystems. Reconditioning avoids the extraction of new raw materials, limits fiberglass and plastic waste, and reduces emissions linked to manufacturing and end-of-life destruction.

Key Environmental Impacts
Reduction of marine pollution by preventing abandoned and end-of-life boats from becoming waste at sea or in ports.
Preservation of marine fauna and flora through lower emissions, reduced noise pollution, and cleaner propulsion systems (electric, biofuel, hybrid).
Lower pressure on natural resources, with up to 80% of boat components reused.
Decrease in carbon footprint, contributing to climate action and healthier marine ecosystems.

Project Objectives
Make boating more compatible with ocean preservation.
Support professionals (fishing, rental fleets) in meeting decarbonation goals by 2030.
Offer a sustainable, economically viable alternative to new boat construction.
Deploy a scalable industrial model capable of transforming the nautical and maritime sectors.
Yuniboat’s ambition is to position eco-reconditioning as a key lever for ocean protection, combining circular economy, innovation, and long-term impact on marine biodiversity.",FR,2022-06-01,t.boussion@yuniboat.com,we follow your activities on Linkedin and Instagram,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Yuniboat,Thierry Boussion,"Europe, France",+33621220023,
Daniele Tassara,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"MareNetto is a yacht-focused climate platform that automatically calculates and offsets superyacht CO2 emissions from AIS/MMSI data, then issues verifiable certificates that owners and charter managers use for marketing and ESG compliance",IT,,daniele.tassara@outlook.com,I lived in Monaco and i knew about this project,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,MareNetto,"Giambattista Figari, Giorgio Mussini","Europe, Italia",+393466376215,"Universita di Genova, Genova"
Gaia Minopoli,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Ogyre is a startup tackling marine plastic pollution through a Fishing for Litter model, working directly with fishing communities worldwide. Its mission is to clean the Ocean while turning plastic waste into a resource. By financially supporting fishers to recover marine litter during their daily activities, and by involving local partners for sorting and recycling, Ogyre delivers measurable environmental and social impact. The entire process is fully traceable through a blockchain-enabled platform, allowing companies to monitor progress and impact in real time. Active across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, Ogyre has already recovered over 800 tons of marine waste and proven a financially sustainable model—now scaling its impact globally to reach 30M kg of cumulated collection by 2030!",IT,2020-01-21,gaia.minopoli@ogyre.com,Scientific attaché of Italian Embassy in Paris,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Ogyre,Agnese Antoci Alessandro Serra Alice Casella Andrea Faldella Andrea Scatolero Antonio Augeri Chiara Maggiolini Davide Brugola Filippo Ferraris Gaia Minopoli Gian Piero Seregni Lorenzo Gastaldo Matteo Quaglio Mattia De Serio Michele Migliau Alessandro Sciarpelletti Francesco Carletto francesco notari Irene Eustazio Jurgen Ametaj Lorenzo Varas Marta Berardini  Lucrezia Napoletano Gabriele Cusimano Enrica Sandigliano,"Europe, Italia",+393393499607,
Yajaira Cristina Alquinga Salazar,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"The general objective of this research plan is to study the dynamics of coastal dunes in the southwest of Buenos Aires Province, with special emphasis on the foredune, and its relationship with climatic, oceanographic, and anthropogenic factors. In particular, the study aims to determine the degree of influence of each of these factors, especially in areas where urban settlements have been established over the last 80 years, in comparison with adjacent sectors subjected to similar environmental conditions but without anthropogenic influence.",AR,,cristinalquinga@gmail.com,LinkedIn,Mitigation of climate change and sea-level rise,,,true,,,Dynamics of Coastal Dune Fields in the Southwest of Buenos Aires Province,"Bsc. Yajaira Cristina Alquinga Salazar, Dr. Gerardo M. E. Perillo and Dr Sibila A. Genchi",South America,+541136132787,Universidad Nacional del Sur
Jovana,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Project name: Symphony of the Blue

The Idea: Converting real-time oceanographic data (currents, temperature, pH levels) into immersive musical compositions using mathematical algorithms.

Objectives:

Emotional Data Visualization: Making the ""silent"" problems of the ocean audible to the public and investors through music.

Eco-Funding: Generating revenue for marine conservation through the sale of these unique, data-driven symphonies.

Ocean Literacy: Educating younger generations by integrating science, math, and art.",RS,2026-01-07,jovanaperisic059@gmail.com,,Technology & innovations,,,false,,,EcoMath,Jovana Perišić,"Europe, Serbia",+381645655226,
Amelia Martin,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Mud Rat is a biomaterials startup creating an eco friendly alternative to marine foams.,US,2023-06-14,amelia@mudratsurf.com,Google!,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GzXe6ugfJQCFdqcZxj3lZrN4H7DSMAIE?usp=drive_link,,Mud Rat,"Jack Tarka, Patricio Acevedo, Brian Lassy",US,+18606824426,
Mulowoza Grace,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We are tackling plastic pollution through innovative upcyling solutions, our work is centered around four main objectives;
1. Reduce plastic pollution through innovative upcyling, we are transforming plastic waste into valuable resources.
2. Promote waste separation and proper waste management practices.
3. Raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
4. Empower youth to take action in environmental conservation.
Our project, combat plastic pollution through circular economy innovation aims to reduce plastic pollution which can end up into oceans by promoting circular approaches that emphasize reduction, reuse, recycling and sustainable alternatives.
Through transforming plastic waste into economic and social opportunities our team contribute to environmental protection, green job creation and sustainable development.",UG,2022-11-07,mulowozagrace@gmail.com,Facebook,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Divine youth environment initiative,"Mulowoza Grace, Nassaazi phiona, Sseruga ibraheem, Male simon , kirume Vivian Deborah","Africa, Ouganda",+256705620491,
Suraj Kumar Hota,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,Using Indian knowledge system to manage overfishing,IN,,surajkumarhota23@gmail.com,,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,No project,SubhaKant Dalei,Asia,+919776476665,Berhampur University India
Shiva,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,,IN,,shiv@gmail.com,Collage,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,NA,NA,Asia,+918529637418,
Sebastian Marzetti,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Underwater acoustics monitoring using easy to deploy systems
Our low power systems allow real-time alerts and data for immediate action",FR,2026-03-01,marzettisebastian@gmail.com,Linkedin,Technology & innovations,,,false,,,Intelligent Acoustics,Valentin Barchasz - Valentin Gies - Hervé Glotin,"Europe, France",+33766861456,
Emana Bilalović,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Ocean Asylum Certificates (OAC) establish legally protected micro-zones in the ocean by converting conservation into binding contractual commitments.
The project enables regulated no-exploitation areas that directly influence shipping and yachting behavior through enforceable restrictions, transparent monitoring, and long-term accountability.
Its objective is to embed ocean protection into maritime governance rather than rely on voluntary sustainability pledges.",XK,2025-08-18,emanabilalovic12@gmail.com,Instagram of University of Monaco,Sustainable shipping & yachting,,,true,,,Ocean Asylum Certificates,"Emana Bilalović, Alzana Bajrami","Europe, Kosovo",+381656075770,
Sabira Ayesha Bokhari,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,A gamified app to encourage sustainable coastal tourism,IN,,sabirabokhari@gmail.com,Ocean Oppurtunities,Other,,,true,,,Eco-Pirates,Aimen Akhtar,Asia,+33753635938,Universidad Catholica de Valencia
Vera Emma Porcher,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Idea: 
Eco-engineered reef systems, built on circular-economy principles, repurposing surplus marine-grade concrete and recycled oyster shells into high-performance aquatic habitats that enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services, support food security, and protect coastal communities and infrastructure at scale. 

Objectives:
-Support long-term food security by restoring, conserving and enhancing productive marine habitats. 

-Strengthen coastal protection by designing and deploying high-performance eco-structures that act as natural breakwaters, reducing wave energy and coastal erosion. 

-Continuous tracking of ecosystem health in real time through automated ecological monitoring using AI-driven analysis to maximise reef performance.

- Scalable nature-inclusive designs and eco-structure integration for offshore oil & gas and offshore wind infrastructure to enhance ecological performance and biodiversity protection.

Other relevant details:
We are currently testing prototypes in Australia and developing an autonomous monitoring system, with early results showing very positive outcomes and remarkable improvements in biodiversity.",AU,2023-11-29,veraporcher20@gmail.com,Linkedin,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,In-Depth Innovations,"Vera Porcher, Kane Dysart and Tynan Bartolo",Oceania,+61466053917,
Lee patrick EKOUAGUET,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"OCEAN-PATCH is an intelligent, autonomous maritime safety patch designed to protect human lives at sea.
It detects critical situations (man overboard, distress, abnormal conditions) in real time and transmits alerts and data without batteries, using body or environmental energy.

The project aims to improve maritime safety while generating valuable ocean data to support prevention, monitoring, and smarter decision-making through AI.",FR,2023-10-23,ogoouecorpstechnologies@gmail.com,Through online research and innovation platforms focused on ocean protection and blue tech.,Technology & innovations,,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BEc9s5h5H41vf2bRxpqvz4AHBWMZS1Xm?usp=drive_link,,OGOOUE CORPS TECHNOLOGIES,"ANDRE BIAYOUMOU, NGABOU PASCAL XAVIER, LYNDA NGARBAHAM, DUPUIS NOUILE NICOLAS","Europe, France",+33778199372,
Tshephiso Kola,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"LumiNet is our solution to the fishing industry’s two biggest headaches: catching the wrong fish and losing expensive gear that pollutes the ocean forever. We are replacing standard nylon nets with a smart, dual-action material that actually works with nature. First, our nets glow with a specific light underwater that sharks and turtles instinctively avoid, which keeps them out of the net while the target fish swim right in. Second, we’ve solved the ghost gear problem with a built-in fail-safe: as long as the net is used in the sun, it stays strong, but if it gets lost and sinks into the dark ocean, it rapidly breaks down and turns into fish food. Our goal is simple: to stop plastic pollution at the source and make fishing more efficient, saving marine life and money at the same time.",ZA,,kolatshepisho@gmail.com,Social Media,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Luminet,Tshephiso Kola,Africa,+27671509841,"University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg"
Eric & Aurélie Viard,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Use of organic edible seaweeds in daily food and gastronomy,FR,2007-03-11,eric@biovie.fr,We have been invited directly by Marine Jacq-Pietri to submit our project,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,Algues au quotidien,"Eric Viard, Aurélie Viard","Europe, France",+33695360436,
BARHOUMI Nawress,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"The project aims to develop an autonomous intelligent robot for cleaning marine environments, specifically targeting oil spills, human hair, and other pollutants. It focuses on sustainable technology, environmental protection, and smart control systems. The robot is built using recovered and recycled plastic materials, reinforcing the project’s commitment to circular economy principles and eco-friendly engineering.",TN,2024-05-05,nawressbarhoumigf@gmail.com,Newsletters,Technology & innovations,,,false,,,El Makina,"Mustapha Zoghlami, Nawress Barhoumi","Africa, Tunisia",+21621898617,
Yao Yinan,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"BluePulse is an innovative project that combines art, design, and technology to raise awareness about ocean pollution and marine conservation. Its main objective is to educate and inspire the public through creative visual campaigns, interactive installations, and sustainable product concepts that highlight the importance of protecting our oceans. The project also explores solutions to reduce plastic and chemical pollution, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.",CN,,yyn982715367@outlook.com,I found out about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge through the organisers listed on the UArctic Congress 2026 website: https://www.uarcticcongress.fo/about,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,"BluePulse – Design, Protect, Inspire",Yinan Yao,Asia,+8615221826163,"Communication University of China, Nanjing(Location: Nanjing, China)"
Antalya Fadiyatullathifah,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,xxx,ID,2024-11-11,Antallathifah@gmail.com,xxxx,Blue Carbon,,,true,,,Environmental Consultant,xxx,Asia,+6281110115560,
Moramade Blanc,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Le projet SIRECOP – Suivi Intelligent des Récifs Coralliens et de la Pêche à Belle-Anse vise à renforcer la résilience des récifs coralliens du Parc Naturel National Lagon des Huîtres (PNN-LdH) et à promouvoir une pêche durable dans le Sud-Est d’Haïti.

Face aux pressions climatiques et anthropiques, il combine des technologies innovantes (capteurs environnementaux, drones, caméras sous-marines et intelligence artificielle) et une approche participative impliquant les communautés de pêcheurs. 

Le projet permettra de suivre la santé des récifs, de restaurer les zones dégradées et d’améliorer la gestion des ressources halieutiques, contribuant ainsi à la conservation des écosystèmes marins, à la sécurité alimentaire et au développement durable des communautés côtières de Belle-Anse.",HT,,blamo82@yahoo.fr,Through my university and professional networks and partnerships,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,« Suivi Intelligent des Récifs Coralliens et de la Pêche à Belle-Anse » « SIRECOP »,"Moramade Blanc, Wedeline Pierre, Chralens Calixte, Jacky Duvil,Ruth Catia Bernadin",Haïti,+50940809002,"Sorbonne Universite, France"
Samuel Nnaji,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Project: Zero Ocean

Idea: Digital platform for transparent, efficient, and sustainable clean fuel supply chain in maritime

Objectives:
- Optimize clean fuel procurement and reduce emissions
- Ensure compliance with global regulations
- Enhance bunkering efficiency and audit trails
Key Features: eBDN, AI-driven analytics, real-time tracking, supplier integration",NG,,realstard247@gmail.com,WhatsApp,Sustainable shipping & yachting,,,true,,,Zero Ocean,Benjamin Odusanya,"Africa, Nigeria",+2348161502448,University of Nigeria
Hannah Gillespie,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"SeaBrew is an early-stage food and drink start-up developing a seaweed-reinforced coffee designed to improve micronutrient intake through an existing daily habit. Our product combines sustainably sourced seaweed with coffee to deliver nutrients such as magnesium, while maintaining taste and consumer acceptability. We have already conducted a blind taste test with positive consumer feedback and recently pitched SeaBrew to EIT Food, where we were awarded second place, which has encouraged us to progress towards more rigorous technical validation and compliance ahead of scaling.",GB,,hggillespie12@gmail.com,The Ocean Opportunity Lab (TOOL),Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,SeaBrew Coffee,"Anne Moullier,  Joseph Flynn,  Hannah Gillespie,  Laura Coombs,  Ronan Cooney",UK,+447887479247,"University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK"
Rhea Thoppil,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"PhytOFlight
Plant-based mitigation of plastic pollution in Kerala’s backwaters 

PhytOFlight is a nature-based initiative that uses phytoremediation and native aquatic vegetation to mitigate plastic and microplastic pollution in Kerala’s backwaters. Inspired by the “fight or flight” response, the project uses plants as active ecological defenders that intercept, trap, and reduce plastic waste while restoring ecosystem health.

Kerala’s backwaters are ecologically and economically vital, yet increasingly threatened by plastic pollution from domestic waste, and tourism. Conventional cleanup methods are costly and short-lived. PhytOFlight offers a low-cost, sustainable, and scalable alternative that works with natural processes rather than relying solely on mechanical removal.

Objectives
Reduce macroplastic and microplastic pollution in targeted backwater zones, improve water quality and support aquatic biodiversity and engage local communities in monitoring, maintenance and environmental awareness of such areas

PhytOFlight integrates ecological restoration with pollution control, offering a cost-effective, climate-resilient solution tailored to Kerala’s backwaters in India.",IN,,rmthoppil@gmail.com,Through my university,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,phytoflight,Rhea Thoppil,Asia,+33745764372,"Sorbonne University,  France"
Ethan Jezek,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"I have been developing an AI integrated app called OceanID that helps users identify marine species (vegetation, algae, and animals) by uploading photographs. By doing so, and by providing key and exciting information to users, I have ambitions of improving and better establishing community education and outreach, as well as marine networking in communities around the globe. Upon identifying an organism, users are presented with key ecological and economical information about the organism they captured on camera, recent publications, distribution, and if the species is currently a foodstuffs, will be presented with recipes, information on how to safely and sustainably harvest,  and sustainable producers where a user could buy ingredients for said recipe . For higher level users, e.g. ocean users such as fishers, farmers, and researchers, information on permitting, local processors, producers, and developers is also provided (this information is provided for all users but intended to be helpful and beneficial for higher-level users). 

Other functions on the app include; a database of all species the app has identified, a community tab that displays the discoveries of nearby and followed users, a map function where users can see community discoveries and the location of permit zones, and key economic players (see above) in relation to their location, and a cookbook that saves all of the recipes that a user has collected.",US,,ejezek12@gmail.com,I heard of the MOPC through colleagues I have on LinkedIN,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,OceanID,Ethan Jezek,US,+18178996766,"I have started this concept myself in Dallas, Texas but I am also a PhD candidate at the University of Waikato in New Zealand"
Nnaji Samuel Ebube,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"🌟 *Project: OceanFin - Boosting Nigeria's Blue Economy 🌊*
- *Idea*: Empower coastal communities with digital financial services for sustainable ocean-based livelihoods 🐟
- *Objectives*:
    - Increase financial services 📈
    - Improve financial inclusion for fishermen, traders 💸
    - Promote sustainable ocean practices 🌿
- *Key features*: Digital payments, loans, insurance, FX services, international partnerships 🌍",NG,,nnajisamuel2448@gmail.com,Online,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,OceanFin,"Ifeoma Odusanya, Benjamin Odusanya","Africa, Nigeria",+2348161502448,University of Nigeria Nsukka
Sofie Boggio Sella,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"The project develops an AI-driven system to predict where coral reefs are most likely to survive under future climate conditions. By fusing seafloor structure, reef imagery, environmental data, and biodiversity indicators into a single probabilistic model, it moves beyond mapping what exists today to forecasting where restoration and protection will be most effective tomorrow. Its objective is to identify climate-resilient “safe havens” and restoration hotspots, providing actionable, uncertainty-aware maps for scientists and conservation practitioners. This enables smarter allocation of limited resources, transforming coral conservation from reactive damage control into a proactive strategy for long-term reef resilience.",IT,,boggiosellasofie@gmail.com,Linkedln,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,PMRF: Probabilistic Multi Reef Fusion pipeline,"Sofie Boggio Sella, Lily Lewis,  Mohammad Jahanbakht","Europe, Italia",+61448568796,James Cook University Australia
Christine Kurz,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,,,,christine.a.kurz@gmail.com,,,,,,,,Xy,Xy,,+4917622904612,
Antonella Bongiovanni,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"EVE Biofactory is a deep-biotech company leveraging microalgae to build the most scalable nano drug-delivery platform on the market.
Inefficient drug delivery causes treatment failure, patient harm, and up to $40B in annual losses from underperforming bioactives.
Inspired by the smallest ocean organisms, EVE develops Nanoalgosomes: naturally occurring exosomes produced from microalgae, the only delivery system that is scalable, circular, and fully biological.
Nanoalgosomes are cost-competitive, biologically active, and more efficient than synthetic nanoparticles, enabling lower drug doses and reducing the release of medicines and persistent nanomaterials into wastewater that today impact river and ocean ecosystems.",IT,2022-09-29,info@evebiofactory.com,Our mentor Alessandro ROmano pointed out the challenge and recommended our project would be a good fit.,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,EVE Biofactory,Antonella Bongiovanni - Natasa Zarovni - Mauro Manno - Paolo de Stefanis - Lorenzo Sbizzera - Gabriella Pocsfalvi - Paola Gargano,"Europe, Italia",+393286093034,
Justyna Grosjean,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"The Antifouling Coating of Tomorrow. 
Lower Costs. Cleaner Oceans. Decarbonating Shipping.",DE,2021-05-11,justyna@cleanoceancoatings.com,Through the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco,Sustainable shipping & yachting,,,true,,,Clean Ocean Coatings GmbH,"Christina Linke, Jens Deppe, Friederike Bartels, Johana Chen, Sandra Lötsch, Patricia Greim","Europe, Germany",+33685638357,
Erick Patrick dos Anjos Vilhena,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Sustainable fish leather production is more than just an exotic alternative; it addresses critical issues within the fashion and food industries, as well as the environment.

Here are the main problems this solution solves:

1. Waste in the Fishing Industry (Circular Economy)
Currently, the vast majority of fish skins resulting from human consumption are discarded as organic waste.

The Problem: Thousands of tons of skins end up in landfills or are thrown back into rivers and oceans, causing pollution due to excess organic matter.

The Solution: It transforms a by-product (waste) into a high-value material, closing the loop of the circular economy.

2. Environmental Impact of Bovine Leather
Traditional (cow) leather carries a heavy ecological footprint that fish leather helps to mitigate.

Deforestation: Cattle ranching is a leading cause of deforestation. Fish production does not require new pastures.

Water Consumption: Raising cattle consumes massive volumes of water compared to existing aquaculture or artisanal fishing.

Carbon Emissions: Producing fish leather emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases than the beef industry supply chain.

3. Toxicity in Processing (Tanning)
Industrial tanning of common leathers often uses Chromium, a heavy metal that is highly polluting if disposed of incorrectly.

The Difference: Sustainable fish leather solutions focus on vegetable tanning (using tannins extracted from tree barks and plants). This eliminates toxic waste and results in a biodegradable product that is safe for both artisans and consumers.

4. Durability vs. Aesthetics
Many leather alternatives (such as ""synthetic leather"" made of plastic/PU) have low durability and pollute the environment with microplastics.

The Solution: Fish leather has a cross-fiber structure (unlike the parallel fibers in bovine leather), making it extremely strong and tear-resistant despite being thin. It solves the dilemma for those seeking a material that is delicate, durable, and eco-",BR,2023-01-01,e.vilhena@hotmail.com,Linkedln,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,sustainable fish leather,Andria Carrilho,South America,+5596981337237,
Amaia Rodriguez,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,Clean plastic from the sea with fishermen and transform the waste into materials for construction and architecture.,ES,2020-05-18,amaia@thegravitywave.com,A friend sent it to me,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11McKvPyKzbUgYiFd2gfeWvLrlGGPhyP2?usp=sharing,,GRAVITY WAVE,"Amaia Rodriguez, Julen Rodriguez, Naiara Lopez, Alvaro Garcia, Camila Lago, Norberto De Rodrigo, Irene Hurtado","Europe, Spain",+34606655862,
Dr Mumthas Yahiya,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"“Nature-Based Solutions for Mitigating Ocean Acidification through Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems - Project Idea

This project focuses on mitigating ocean acidification by enhancing and restoring blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems absorb atmospheric CO₂, increase local alkalinity, and act as natural buffers against pH reduction in coastal waters. The study will evaluate their potential as cost-effective, climate-resilient mitigation strategies.

Objectives

To assess the role of mangroves and seagrass meadows in reducing coastal seawater acidity.

To quantify carbon sequestration and alkalinity enhancement in selected coastal habitats.

To evaluate ecosystem-based management practices as mitigation tools for ocean acidification.

To provide policy-relevant recommendations for integrating blue carbon ecosystems into coastal climate action plans.

Relevance

The project supports climate change mitigation, marine biodiversity conservation, and sustainable coastal management while addressing the growing threat of ocean acidification.",,,mumthasy@gmail.com,IUCN,Mitigation of ocean acidification,,,true,,,Migratory birds,Thamanna K,US,+917012789400,Kerala
yvano voigt,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Reducing plastic waste

Reducing skin cancer rates

Reducing coral reef destruction",FR,,yvano.voigt@gmail.com,thanks to the oceanography museum,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Totem by FrenchKiss suncare,"yvano voigt, Elsa Delpace","Europe, France",+33652294558,"Ipag business school, Nice France"
Lily Atussa Payton,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Oyster Club NYC is a fledgling organization aimed at giving New Yorkers a hands-on connection to their maritime past, present, and future through the lens of ocean sustainability. Rending New Yorkers that NYC is truly their oyster, and that some of the strongest communities are built around the smallest of creatures. Specifically, we create bespoke events aimed at bringing together people to create community, discuss how making small choices can benefit our oceans, such as eating oysters, all while having fun in the process. This has manifested in a Learn-to-Shuck Holiday Party in December and a monthly oyster happy hour at various locations across the city. Our specific objectives are threefold: 
- use oysters as a catalyst to expose New Yorkers to sustainable and regenerative food in a social environment,
- embed an oceans-focused mindset into an island city that often forgets its connection to the water, and
- build a climate-minded community across the five boroughs.",US,,lily.a.payton@gmail.com,Online research,Consumer awareness and education,,,true,,,Oyster Club NYC,"Lily Payton, Kelsey Burkin, Savannah Harker",US,+13015297789,N/A
Gary Molano,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We breed better seaweed using genomic breeding techniques. We started with kelp, and have achieved 4fold harvestable yield gains in 5 years of breeding, a 10x speed advancement compared to breeding efforts in Asia. We are currently targeting traits that increase the value of seaweed, such as lower iodine and higher bioactive composition (fucoidan, alginate, laminarin, etc), to help make farmed kelp more competitive with wild harvests. We also have a breeding scheme that produces ""sterile"" kelp to protect local ecosystems from farmed kelp. This sterile kelp is produced using non-GMO techniques.",US,2023-07-19,gary@macrobreed.com,Through the ocean exchange newsletter,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,MacroBreed,"Scott Lindell, Charles Yarish, Filipe Alberto",US,+12135198233,
Qendresa Krasniqi,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We are developing a specialized ROV designed to restore marine ecosystems. Coastal ecosystems, such as the Oslofjord, are currently threatened by invasive species and marine debris. Specifically, the Pacific oyster is spreading rapidly, requiring efficient and noninvasive methods for removal to protect local biodiversity. Our current prototype is part of a joint venture with 'Matfat Oslofjorden,' where it will harvest invasive oysters from the Oslo Fjord to be repurposed as a sustainable food source. Our solution is efficient, non-invasive, and fully programmable for diverse oceanic habitats and tasks. Navier USN is not starting from scratch with a proven track record in developing autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), our startup concept expands this expertise into the underwater domain. We are a seasoned technical and commercial team with a proven track record in autonomous maritime technology, including multiple world championship titles. Supported by prominent industry partners, we have the proven competence and scale to transform maritime environmental management",NO,2022-10-06,qendresa04@gmail.com,1000 Ocean StartUps,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,Aegir by Navier USN,"Qendresa Krasniqi, Hedda Collin, Markus Marstad","Europe, Norway",+4798474602,
Dorra Fadhloun,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,PlastiTrack's goal is to turn citizen smartphone photos into citywide microplastic pollution heatmaps that municipalities use to prioritize cleanup investments.,TN,,dorra.fadhloun@msb.tn,LinkedIn,Technology & innovations,,,true,,,Oceani,Samar,"Africa, Tunisia",+21629508048,Mediterranean School of Business
Ahamed Adhnaf,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"AquaHorizon is a holistic ocean innovation hub that transforms ocean challenges into solutions while empowering coastal communities. Our objectives are to develop sustainable practices for marine conservation, reduce pollution, provide education and capacity building for coastal populations, and create a collaborative space where innovators can design and implement solutions for a healthier ocean and thriving communities.",LK,,anaadhnaf413@gmail.com,I learned about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge through a friend.,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,AquaHorizon,"Ahamed Adhnaf , Kaveesha Gunarathna, Mohammed Rifath","Africa, Sri Lanka",+94760270097,National Institute of Social Development - Sri Lanka
Robert Kunzmann,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"According to the UN, only 9% of 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste have been recycled over the past 65 years. 
Most of the plastic waste ends up burned, burried or in the oceans. This profound impact on our environment is not fully understood yet, but micro plastics have been found in all the way from glaciers, to human placentas.
Today, recycling is not economically feasible in most situations. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, many recycling methods cannot handle mixed waste and therefore require waste to be sorted. Where chemical recycling can accept mixed plastic, the high temperature or pressure requirements lead to high costs. This is why recycling rates remain low. Plastalyst makes it possible to break down waste into core chemicals such as monomers or hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas for SAF and biodiesel).
Organic waste is decomposed into alcohols and syngas, whereas plastic is decomposed into methanol, alkanes or monomers. It uses only water, waste, and a reusable catalyst as input. The reaction occurred at a temperature of only 200°C. Compared to other methods, our method has significant advantages such as low energy use, which results in lower operational cost. Next, we use water as a solvent, drying of waste is not needed, therefore it will cut the cost of preparing the material. Lastly, no solvent is needed and no CO2 is emitted in the reaction. Unlike organic methods, such as biodigestion that require a lot of time and emit a lot of CO2, Plastalyst is a fast chemical method that emits no CO2.",LU,2019-04-01,robert.kunzmann@acbiode.com,Climate KIC,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,AC Biode,Robert Kunzmann,"Europe, Luxembourg",+441751026862,
Mayoro MBAYE,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"The  MER SEA GUEDJI center  designated  according to the  "" Educational Archipelago"" concept ,composed of self- contained educational modules connected by landscaped pathways . This lightweight,reversible,and  bioclimatic architecture respect the public martime domain  integrates harmoniously into the natural and social environment .",SN,,dg@kma-international.com,Dr Manon Aminatou,Capacity building for coastal communities,,,true,,,MER SEA GUEDJI,Mayoro MBAYE +Mbacké SECK+Ali DOUCOURÈ,"Africa, Senegal",+221776441916,
Divin Arnaud KOUEBATOUKA,Received,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Our project transforms invasive water hyacinth, a major threat to rivers, coastal lagoons and marine ecosystems, into 100% organic absorbent solutions used to control oil and chemical pollution.
By harvesting water hyacinth before it reaches estuaries and coastal zones, we prevent ecosystem degradation while supplying industries and ports with sustainable spill-response materials.
Our flagship product, KUKIA®, absorbs hydrocarbons efficiently and is later recycled into alternative fuel for cement plants, creating a circular, zero-waste model.
The project combines ocean and freshwater protection, industrial pollution control, and community empowerment, generating income for women-led harvesting groups while reducing marine contamination risks.
This scalable solution contributes directly to ocean conservation, blue economy resilience, and sustainable industrial practices in Africa and beyond.",CG,2022-07-27,divinkoueba@gmail.com,"I learned about the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge through professional networks and sustainability-focused opportunity monitoring platforms, including LinkedIn and grant-funding communities dedicated to ocean and climate innovation.",Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,false,https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uHEFuI-iosKap2OPSUdQsbXuih07g7n0?usp=drive_link,,Green Tech Africa,"Our lean startup is primarily run by a team of 3: Divin, Osvaldo, and Jessica, alongside a great supportive team of advisors.  Using his skills in tech and as a civil & environmental engineer, Divin has designed and built several innovations geared towards sustainability, including the solar dryer now being used across Congo to revive the pyrethrum industry, smart roads, and smart pipes. The Central Africa Community recently awarded him the best innovator in Congo. He is the CEO. Working for L'Oréal, Osvaldo is well-versed in manufacturing and running supply chain processes. This experience, in addition to being an engineer, makes him an ideal CTO. Jessica has an extensive background in tech and finance. She has been a Microsoft Ambassador and Hult Prize coordinator. Her experience in handling projects and relationships with global agencies and customers is handy in her CFO role. She also hails from Homabay, Congo, where hyacinth surrounds the island for days and weeks at times. This blocks waterways and sometimes prevents children from going to school. The team has achieved several milestones, such as making scientific validation and proof of concept of the products, raising over CFA 3M in funding, and winning significant international awards, including the Central Africa Youth for Climate Action Award, Best Manufacturing Startup in Congo, Best Innovation in Congo by EAC, the World Engineering Day Hackathon by UNESCO, the TotalEnergies Startup of the Year, and Falling Walls Lab Brazzaville.","Africa, Congo",+242069323235,
Paul Schmitzberger,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"We decouple the production of marine protein from the ocean by replicating aquatic ecosystems in modular, automated, plug-and-play systems. We combine hardware, software and biology in products called LARA and Vortex. These modular units are controlled and operated by AI agents under the remote supervision of our biologists and system engineers. The agents optimize the growth of microalgae, zooplankton and fish or shrimps for human consumption.  Our goal is to establish large-scale, environmentally friendly aquaculture operations in diverse environments, advancing global food security and sustainability.",AT,2019-11-15,laura@blue-planet-ecosystems.com,Online search,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,false,,,Blue Planet Ecosystems,"Paul Schmitzberger, Cécile Deterre, Stephan Mayrhofer, Jens Cormier, Pierre De Villiers, Stephan Sergides, Jakob Weber, Romana Zabojnikova, Laura Belz","Austria, Europe",+436642347890,
Julia Denkmayr,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"NEREIA develops non-toxic antifouling technology using functional surfaces to prevent biofouling on ship hulls, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. Eliminating hull fouling could save the shipping industry up to $30bn in fuel costs and 200 Mt of CO2 annually.",AT,2026-04-30,julia@nereia-coatings.com,"Through a Carbon 13 domain expert, Thibaut Monfort Micheo, as well as LinkedIn and other social media.",Sustainable shipping & yachting,,,false,,,NEREIA,Rimah Darawish,"Austria, Europe",+393203476632,
Tara Lepine,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"OceanSeed deploys mobile hatchery units as emergency response infrastructure to restore marine ecosystems and fisheries after collapse, often caused by climate change. Its objectives are to rapidly produce native juvenile shellfish, rebuild ecosystems and keystone populations, protect biodiversity, and support local livelihoods. OceanSeed can be scaled globally through a network of  mobile hatcheries, using aquaculture as a tool for conservation and climate adaptation.",CA,,tlep171@aucklanduni.ac.nz,Communication from our university department head.,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,false,,,OceanSeed,Tara Lepine,Canada,+64273401929,"University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand"
Reid Barnett,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Our project is using our proprietary technology to grow plants directly on the surface of natural and manmade surface waters. This allows us to sequester carbon, nutirents, and other chemical pollutants at scale in both ocean systems and the freshwater systems upstream. After the plants are fully grown the entire system, material and biomass, can be pyrolyzed to generate carbon negative energy and lock carbon away in a stable form. This process is highly efficient and extremely inexpensive. When we pyrolyze the system we generate over three times more revenue than the total cost of the system and its operation, while opening up opportunites for blue carbon credits and creating bio-oil which can be refined for various uses. 
This project is about creating an entirely new pathway for pollutants in the environment to redirect them from where they cause harm and towards where they can generate value and do good.",US,2024-05-01,reidbarnett@ceretunellc.com,We were connected through the team at Ocean Exchange.,Reduction of pollution (plastics chemicals noise light...),,,true,,,Ceretune LLC,Reid Barnett and Blake Parrish,US,+19198010336,
Ryan Borotra,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"Sentry Labs is developing graphene field-effect transistor (GFET)–based molecular sensors for sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and blue food systems. The project focuses on real-time, in-situ detection of biologically and chemically relevant signals in seawater to enable earlier identification of environmental and biological risks affecting farmed and wild stocks. Our objective is to provide robust, reproducible sensing systems that support healthier stocks, reduced losses, and more sustainable management of marine food production.",CA,2025-10-20,ryan@sentrylabs.cc,LinkedIn,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,Sentry Labs,"Ryan Borotra, Martin Chaperot, Andrei Bogza",Canada,+16479659526,
Nadine Hakim,,the « Start-ups » category: Open to students fresh graduates & entrepreneurs with an existing comp,"SEAMOSS is a sustainable biodesign and coastal livelihood project focused on the cultivation and transformation of sea moss (marine macroalgae) as a nature-based solution to environmental and social challenges in coastal communities. The project combines regenerative aquaculture, biomaterial development, and community-led value chains to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems while creating local economic opportunities.

The core idea is to cultivate native sea moss species using low-impact, regenerative methods and transform the biomass into biodegradable materials and functional products that can replace plastic-based alternatives, particularly in packaging, design, and everyday consumer goods.",CO,2025-10-01,nadinehakimm@gmail.com,,Sustainable fishing and aquaculture & blue food,,,true,,,SEAMOSS COLOMBIA,Sandra Bessudo and Irene Arroyave,South America,+573205421979,
Maria Ester Faiella,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"ThermoShield is a modular underwater panel system that passively reduces local heat from coastal infrastructure. Its objective is to prevent thermal stress on sensitive marine ecosystems, protecting coral reefs and seagrass worldwide. The panels are easy to install, require no electricity and provide measurable local temperature reductions of 0.3–0.5°C, making the solution scalable and globally applicable.",IT,,maria.ester.faiella@gmail.com,LinkedIn,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,ThermoShield,Maria Ester Faiella,"Europe, Italia",+393311538952,The American University of Rome
Kumari Anushka,,the « Business concepts » category: open to students (Bachelor Master MBA & PhD) & fresh graduates,"Coral reefs are collapsing - rising ocean temperatures have triggered mass bleaching, 84.6% of corals in Lakshadweep bleached recently. India has 1,439 km² of mapped coral reefs, coasts have 80 ± 33 microplastic particles per cubic meter, and ~30% of sampled market fish have microplastics. Odisha’s Bay of Bengal estuaries have elevated metal concentrations.

Each Reef Revival Pod is a solar-powered floating buoy deployed near degraded reefs with:
1. Underwater acoustics: healthy reefs produce sounds that can be played near dying reefs to attract marine life back to them. In trials, degraded patches with reef sounds saw fish population double.
2. Each pod pumps the surrounding seawater through fine filters to capture microplastic debris.
3. Water is also pumped through replaceable resin-based adsorption cartridges to bind with dissolved heavy metals in the water.
4. Onboard sensors log water quality (temperature, pH, turbidity, etc.) - collecting data for adaptive management.

After success in India’s waters, the project will be expanded to coral regions globally.

In India, the CRZ notification 2019 classifies coral reefs as ecologically sensitive (CRZ-I A) and regulates activities in coastal waters (CRZ-IV), so my revival pods should be permitted as non-invasive research/restoration infrastructure (no reef anchoring and removable).

The MoEFCC National Coastal Mission Scheme funds coral/mangrove conservation action plans, marine & coastal R&D - this would help with scaling the number of buoys deployed.

Also, the World Bank-supported Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) gives importance to science-based coastal planning; pods’ sensor data could be used for threat mapping and adaptive management in the deployed zones.

For global scaling: Australia’s Reef 2050 Plan, Indonesia’s COREMAP, and the US NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program exist, so the project could plug into existing national funding priorities across eligible countries.",IN,,nasabutbetter@gmail.com,My university's professor,Restoration of marine habitats & ecosystems,,,true,,,accore,Kumari Anushka,Asia,+919798061093,Ashoka University