UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026: Apply for Up to US$100,000 to Reduce Marine Pollution and Restore Coastal Ecosystems

Overview of the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 5th Call

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC), has opened its fifth call for proposals to support innovative solutions addressing marine pollution, coastal and marine ecosystem degradation, and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The initiative invites legally registered private-sector organisations from around the world to propose practical, implementation-ready innovations that can deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The fifth call focuses on three interconnected areas: marine pollution reduction, coastal and marine ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economy development. The programme seeks to identify promising innovations that can move beyond the conceptual stage and demonstrate their potential to create lasting benefits for coastal communities, marine environments, and local economies.

Selected innovators can receive financial support of up to US$100,000, together with technical mentoring, project management assistance, monitoring and reporting support, fundraising guidance, and access to networks of investors and development partners. The selected projects will participate in an implementation and incubation programme lasting up to 17 months.

The initiative is implemented by UNDP and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It recognises the important role that private businesses, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and social enterprises can play in developing solutions to ocean-related challenges.

Although organisations worldwide can apply, the proposed innovation must be implemented in at least one of five beneficiary countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam. Implementation must also have the acceptance of the relevant government authorities. Partnerships with local organisations are strongly encouraged.

The call particularly seeks solutions that benefit women, young people, and people experiencing poverty. Preference will be given to innovations that are women-led, women-owned, youth-led, or youth-owned.

Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 23:59 New York time.

What Is the Ocean Innovation Challenge?

The Ocean Innovation Challenge is a UNDP initiative that supports innovative approaches to ocean and coastal sustainability. Its fifth call aims to identify solutions that can address environmental problems while contributing to sustainable economic activity and improving the resilience of coastal communities.

Marine and coastal environments support biodiversity, food production, employment, tourism, transport, and the livelihoods of millions of people. However, these environments face pressure from plastic pollution, wastewater, abandoned fishing equipment, habitat destruction, unsustainable resource use, and other environmental challenges.

Addressing these issues requires practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world settings. These may involve new technologies, improved waste-management systems, ecosystem restoration methods, sustainable business models, or services that help communities and industries use marine resources responsibly.

The Ocean Innovation Challenge seeks proposals that are sufficiently developed to move towards implementation. It is therefore particularly relevant to organisations that have an innovation they can test, deploy, refine, and potentially replicate in other locations.

The programme is not limited to conventional environmental technology. Depending on the proposed solution, eligible innovations may include business models, digital tools, circular-economy approaches, improved fisheries practices, sustainable aquaculture systems, restoration methods, and other solutions that contribute to healthier oceans and a more sustainable blue economy.

The central objective is to support innovations that can demonstrate measurable impact and have a credible pathway towards wider adoption.

The Three Thematic Areas of the Fifth Call

The fifth call covers three main thematic areas. Applicants should identify the area most closely related to their proposed innovation and explain how their project will address the relevant challenge.

1. Marine Pollution Reduction

Marine pollution is a major threat to ocean health, biodiversity, coastal communities, and economic activities that depend on clean marine environments. Pollution can originate from land-based activities, coastal settlements, industrial processes, wastewater systems, fishing activities, and other sources.

The Ocean Innovation Challenge seeks innovations that can prevent, reduce, recover, or manage marine pollution more effectively.

Potential areas of innovation include:

• Marine plastic reduction: Solutions that prevent plastics from entering rivers, coastlines, and oceans or improve the collection and recovery of plastic waste.
• Waste recovery and recycling: New systems for collecting, sorting, recovering, processing, or reusing materials that might otherwise pollute marine environments.
• Ghost fishing gear management: Approaches to prevent, recover, or responsibly manage abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing nets and other fishing equipment.
• Wastewater management: Innovations that improve wastewater collection, treatment, reuse, or pollution prevention.
• Land-based pollution prevention: Solutions that reduce the movement of waste and pollutants from settlements, industries, agriculture, and other land-based activities into marine environments.
• Sea-based pollution management: Approaches that address pollution originating from maritime activities and other ocean-based sources.

Applicants should explain the specific pollution problem their innovation addresses, the people or ecosystems affected, and how their solution will reduce pollution in practice.

A strong proposal should also demonstrate how results can be measured. Depending on the project, relevant indicators might include the quantity of waste prevented or recovered, the number of people or businesses adopting a solution, improvements in waste-management practices, or reductions in pollution entering marine environments.

2. Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Restoration

Coastal and marine ecosystems provide important ecological and economic benefits. Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, coastal wetlands, and other marine habitats support biodiversity, fisheries, coastal protection, carbon storage, tourism, and community livelihoods.

However, these ecosystems can be damaged by pollution, habitat destruction, unsustainable resource use, climate-related pressures, and poorly managed coastal development.

The Ocean Innovation Challenge seeks innovative approaches to restoring and conserving these environments while strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience.

Potential areas include:

• Mangrove restoration: Approaches to restore mangrove habitats and support the communities that depend on them.
• Coral reef restoration: Innovations that support coral reef recovery, conservation, monitoring, or sustainable management.
• Seagrass meadow conservation: Solutions that protect or restore seagrass habitats and their ecological functions.
• Coastal wetland restoration: Approaches to rehabilitate wetlands and strengthen their ecological and protective functions.
• Biodiversity conservation: Methods, technologies, or business models that contribute to protecting marine and coastal species and habitats.
• Climate resilience: Innovations that help coastal ecosystems and communities withstand environmental pressures and recover from disturbances.
• Community-based restoration: Approaches that involve local communities in restoration, conservation, monitoring, and sustainable management.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed solution will improve ecosystem health, support biodiversity, or strengthen the resilience of coastal communities.

Proposals should also explain how restoration outcomes will be monitored. Depending on the innovation, this could involve measuring restored habitat areas, ecosystem condition, biodiversity indicators, community participation, or the long-term sustainability of restoration activities.

3. Sustainable Blue Economy

The blue economy refers broadly to economic activities associated with oceans, seas, and coastal environments. A sustainable blue economy seeks to create economic and social value while protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring that ocean resources are used responsibly.

The Ocean Innovation Challenge invites innovations that support sustainable ocean-based enterprises and improve the relationship between economic activity and environmental protection.

Potential areas include:

• Sustainable fisheries: Solutions that improve fisheries management, reduce waste, support responsible harvesting, or strengthen the livelihoods of fishing communities.
• Sustainable aquaculture: Innovations that improve aquaculture practices while reducing environmental pressures and supporting productive, responsible operations.
• Ecotourism: Business models and services that encourage responsible tourism while supporting conservation and local livelihoods.
• Blue biotechnology: Innovative uses of marine biological resources that support sustainable products, processes, or services.
• Circular economy approaches: Business models that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and keep materials in productive use.
• Ocean data solutions: Digital platforms, monitoring systems, and data-driven tools that support ocean management, sustainable businesses, or environmental decision-making.
• Other sustainable ocean enterprises: Innovative business models that generate economic opportunities while contributing to healthier marine environments.

Applicants should explain how their venture will create economic value without undermining the environmental resources on which it depends.

A compelling proposal should demonstrate a clear connection between the innovation, the intended beneficiaries, the business or operating model, and the environmental outcomes expected.

Who Can Apply for the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge?

The fifth call is open to legally registered private-sector organisations worldwide that are developing innovative solutions relevant to one or more of the three thematic areas.

The call identifies the following eligible organisation types:

1. Start-up companies.
2. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
3. Private companies.
4. Social enterprises.
5. Other eligible private-sector entities developing innovative ocean-related solutions.

Applicants must meet the legal registration and other requirements set out in the official call documentation. Individuals applying solely in their personal capacity should not assume that they qualify, because the published call is directed at legally registered organisations.

Are Applicants Required to Be From Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam?

No. The call does not require the applicant organisation to originate from one of the five beneficiary countries.

Organisations based elsewhere in the world may apply, provided they satisfy the eligibility requirements and propose an innovation that will be implemented in at least one of the designated beneficiary countries.

The proposed project must benefit one or more of the following countries:

• Bangladesh.
• Indonesia.
• The Philippines.
• Thailand.
• Viet Nam.

Implementation must take place within at least one of these countries, with acceptance from the relevant government authorities.

For example, a legally registered company based outside Southeast Asia may be eligible to submit a proposal for an ocean-pollution solution that will be implemented in Indonesia, provided the proposal meets all the requirements and has the necessary local acceptance.

Are Partnerships With Local Organisations Required?

Partnerships with local organisations are strongly encouraged. Although the supplied call information does not state that a local partnership is mandatory for every applicant, collaboration can help an organisation understand the local context, identify beneficiaries, coordinate implementation, and establish relationships with relevant institutions.

A local partnership may also help the applicant demonstrate that its proposed innovation responds to a genuine need and can be implemented effectively.

Applicants should identify relevant local organisations, communities, businesses, government bodies, or other stakeholders where appropriate. Any formal partnership requirements should be checked in the official call documents.

Are Women-Led and Youth-Led Organisations Eligible?

Yes. The call particularly targets solutions that benefit women, young people, and people experiencing poverty. It also states that preference will be given to women-led, women-owned, youth-led, and youth-owned innovations.

This means that women- and youth-led organisations should consider explaining their leadership structure, ownership, and role in the proposed innovation clearly in their applications.

Preference does not mean that all other eligible private-sector organisations are automatically excluded. All applicants must meet the stated requirements, and proposals are assessed through the competitive selection process.

What Support Will Selected Innovators Receive?

The Ocean Innovation Challenge plans to select up to 10 winning proposals through a competitive process. Selected innovators will receive financial and technical support to help implement their proposed solutions.

The programme is designed to help organisations move from promising innovation to practical implementation, measure their results, strengthen their operating models, and prepare for possible replication or expansion.

1. Financial Support of Up to US$100,000

Each selected innovator may receive financial support of up to US$100,000.

The support is provided through a deliverable-based contract under the Model Innovation Challenge Agreement (MICA). This is an important distinction: the support is tied to the contractual requirements and deliverables agreed with the programme rather than being an unrestricted payment with no implementation obligations.

Applicants should review the MICA carefully to understand the responsibilities attached to the funding, the required deliverables, and the conditions under which payments are made.

The stated amount is a maximum, not a guarantee that every selected organisation will receive US$100,000. The amount and terms applicable to a successful proposal should be confirmed in the final agreement.

2. Implementation and Incubation Support for Up to 17 Months

Selected innovators will have access to an implementation and incubation programme lasting up to 17 months.

This period is intended to support organisations as they put their solutions into practice, address implementation challenges, refine their approaches, and work towards measurable results.

The support can help bridge the gap between an innovative idea and an operational solution that has been tested in a real-world setting.

The actual activities and deliverables will depend on the project and the agreement established with the programme.

3. Technical Mentoring From Experts

Selected organisations will receive technical mentoring to help them address challenges associated with developing and implementing their innovations.

Depending on the project, technical guidance may help innovators refine their solutions, improve their implementation strategies, strengthen their methods for measuring results, or address technical questions that arise during delivery.

Mentoring is particularly relevant to organisations that have developed a promising solution but need specialist advice to implement it effectively or prepare it for wider use.

4. Project Management, Monitoring, and Reporting Support

The programme provides project management, monitoring, and reporting support.

These functions help innovators organise their activities, track progress against agreed deliverables, identify implementation challenges, and report on results.

Monitoring is important because the challenge seeks solutions capable of demonstrating measurable environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain how they will measure progress, collect evidence, and report on the outcomes of their projects.

5. Communications and Outreach Assistance

Selected innovators will receive communications and outreach assistance to help communicate their work and engage relevant audiences.

This may support efforts to explain the purpose of the innovation, share progress, reach potential partners, and communicate the benefits of the solution to communities or other stakeholders.

Clear communication can also help an organisation demonstrate its results and build relationships that support future implementation or expansion.

6. Fundraising and Investment-Readiness Mentoring

The programme offers fundraising and investment-readiness mentoring to help innovators prepare for potential future financing opportunities.

This support is relevant to organisations seeking to strengthen their business models, explain their financial requirements, demonstrate the value of their solutions, and engage with prospective investors or other funding partners.

The purpose is to help innovators become better prepared to pursue further support after or alongside their participation in the challenge.

7. Access to Investors, Development Partners, and Private-Sector Networks

Selected innovators may have opportunities to engage with investors, development partners, and private-sector networks.

These connections can help organisations identify possible collaborators, explore additional financing opportunities, and build relationships that support implementation or expansion.

Participation does not guarantee that an organisation will secure further investment or enter into a partnership. Any subsequent financing or collaboration will depend on the interests of the parties involved and the organisation’s readiness.

8. International Visibility and Knowledge Sharing

The programme also offers increased visibility through global knowledge-sharing platforms and events.

This can help successful innovators communicate their work, share lessons from implementation, and introduce their solutions to audiences beyond their immediate operating environment.

The challenge aims to include successfully implemented innovations in its catalogue of proven ocean solutions, with the intention of supporting wider replication and scaling where appropriate.

Why the Ocean Innovation Challenge Matters for Sustainable Development

Marine and coastal challenges are not only environmental concerns. They also affect public health, food security, employment, tourism, local enterprise, and the long-term resilience of communities.

Pollution can damage ecosystems and reduce the value of coastal environments. Degraded habitats can affect biodiversity and the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing, tourism, and other ocean-related activities. Unsustainable use of marine resources can also undermine the long-term economic benefits that oceans provide.

The Ocean Innovation Challenge seeks to support innovations that address these connected problems.

Supporting Environmental Protection

Innovations that prevent pollution, improve waste recovery, or restore habitats can contribute to healthier coastal and marine environments.

Supporting Coastal Communities

Projects that address local environmental challenges can help protect the resources on which communities depend. Solutions that involve local stakeholders may also improve the relevance and long-term sustainability of interventions.

Encouraging Sustainable Enterprise

The sustainable blue economy theme recognises that environmental protection and economic activity can be pursued together. Businesses can develop products, services, and operating models that generate value while reducing environmental harm.

Promoting Inclusive Development

The call places particular emphasis on solutions that benefit women, youth, and people experiencing poverty. This reflects an interest in innovations that create environmental benefits while also supporting more inclusive economic and social outcomes.

Encouraging Replication and Scaling

The programme seeks innovations with strong potential for replication and scaling. A solution that demonstrates measurable benefits in one location may, where the circumstances are suitable, provide lessons for other communities or markets facing similar challenges.

However, successful replication requires more than an innovative idea. Organisations need evidence of effectiveness, appropriate partnerships, a credible operating model, and an understanding of the conditions in which the solution can work.

How to Prepare a Strong Ocean Innovation Challenge Proposal

Applicants should begin by reviewing the official call announcement, application guidance, and required templates. Because the proposal requires information about the organisation, expected results, work plan, budget, co-financing, organisational capacity, integrity, and environmental and social risks, preparation should begin well before the deadline.

Step 1: Review the Official Call Announcement

Read the fifth-call announcement to understand the programme’s objectives, eligibility requirements, thematic areas, and selection conditions.

Applicants should not rely solely on summaries when making eligibility or budgeting decisions.

Step 2: Confirm Your Organisation’s Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation is legally registered and qualifies under the eligible private-sector categories.

Check any additional requirements relating to organisational capacity, compliance, co-financing, partnerships, or other conditions specified in the call documents.

Step 3: Select the Relevant Thematic Area

Identify whether the proposed innovation primarily addresses marine pollution reduction, coastal and marine ecosystem restoration, or sustainable blue economy development.

If the innovation relates to more than one theme, explain the connections clearly and identify the main problem the project is designed to address.

Step 4: Define the Beneficiary Country and Implementation Location

Your proposed innovation must be implemented in at least one of the five beneficiary countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam.

Explain where the project will operate, who will benefit, and how the implementation will be accepted by the relevant government authorities.

Consider whether partnerships with local organisations would strengthen the project’s design or delivery.

Step 5: Explain the Innovation and Its Readiness for Implementation

Describe the solution, the problem it addresses, how it works, and why it is suitable for the intended setting.

The call seeks implementation-ready innovations. Applicants should therefore provide a credible explanation of how the project will move into implementation, what resources are required, and what results are expected.

Where relevant, include evidence from previous testing, pilot activities, operational experience, or other information that demonstrates the solution’s readiness.

Step 6: Establish Measurable Results and Impact Indicators

Use the official results framework and impact indicators template to explain what the project intends to achieve and how progress will be measured.

Depending on the innovation, indicators may relate to pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, community participation, sustainable business activity, or other relevant environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

Ensure that the proposed indicators are realistic, relevant to the project, and supported by a credible monitoring plan.

Step 7: Develop the Work Plan and Detailed Budget

Prepare a realistic work plan that identifies major activities, milestones, timing, and expected deliverables.

The budget should correspond to the proposed activities and explain the resources required to implement them. Use the official detailed-budget and itemised-budget templates provided by the programme.

Applicants should also review any co-financing requirements and prepare the appropriate declaration where applicable.

Step 8: Complete the Organisational Capacity and Compliance Documents

The proposal package includes templates relating to organisational capacity, integrity, conflict of interest, compliance, and social and environmental risk screening.

These documents are important because the programme must assess not only the proposed innovation but also the organisation’s ability to implement it responsibly.

Complete the applicable declarations accurately and ensure that the information provided is consistent across the proposal.

Step 9: Review the Model Innovation Challenge Agreement

The Model Innovation Challenge Agreement explains the contractual framework associated with the programme.

Review it before submitting your proposal so that you understand the deliverable-based nature of the financial support and the responsibilities that may apply if selected.

Step 10: Submit Through the Official Online Form

Applications must be submitted through the official online proposal form. The call states that only submissions through this form will be accepted.

Applicants will need to sign in to Google to complete the form and upload the required annexes and supporting documents.

The official form is available here:

Submit an Ocean Innovation Challenge Proposal

Allow enough time to complete the form, upload the correct documents, and review the submission before the deadline.

Required Application Documents and Official Resources

The call provides an application guidance document, an online submission form, a frequently asked questions page, a Model Innovation Challenge Agreement, and templates for the different sections of the proposal.

Applicants should use the official templates rather than substituting their own formats where the call specifies that only the supplied forms are accepted.

The following resources are available.

1. Fifth-call announcement: Read the official call announcement
2. Application guidance document: Download the offline application guide
3. Online proposal submission form: Access the official application form
4. Frequently Asked Questions: Read the fifth-call FAQ
5. Model Innovation Challenge Agreement: Review the MICA

Required Templates

• Section 1 — Application Information Form: Download Annex 1
• Section 3 — Results Framework and Impact Indicators: Download Annex 3
• Section 4 — Project Work Plan: Download Annex 4
• Section 5.1 — Detailed Budget and Budget Justification: Download Annex 5.1
• Section 5.2 — Itemised Budget: Download the Excel budget template
• Section 6 — Co-financing Declaration: Download Annex 6
• Section 7 — Organisational Capacity Assessment: Download Annex 7
• Section 8 — Integrity, Conflict of Interest, and Compliance Declaration: Download Annex 8
• Section 9 — UNDP Social and Environmental Risk Screening Checklist: Download Annex 9

Applicants should check the official application guide to confirm the complete submission requirements and whether any additional supporting documents are required.

Application Deadline and Important Reminders

The deadline for the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge fifth call is:

November 15, 2026, at 23:59 New York time.

Applicants should account for the time difference between New York and their location and avoid waiting until the final hours to submit.

Before submitting, confirm that:

• The applicant organisation is legally registered and eligible.
• The proposed innovation addresses at least one of the three thematic areas.
• The project will be implemented in at least one eligible beneficiary country.
• The relevant government acceptance requirements can be met.
• The proposal explains the expected environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• The results framework, work plan, budget, and supporting annexes are complete.
• The required official templates have been used.
• The application is submitted through the official online form.

Because the call is competitive and only up to 10 proposals are expected to be selected, applicants should present a clear problem statement, a credible implementation plan, measurable outcomes, and a realistic budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge

1. How much funding is available?

Selected innovators can receive up to US$100,000 through a deliverable-based contract under the Model Innovation Challenge Agreement. The amount is a maximum, not a guaranteed award for every selected organisation.

2. How many proposals will be selected?

The call indicates that up to 10 winning proposals will be selected through a competitive process.

3. Is the opportunity open to organisations worldwide?

Yes. Legally registered private-sector organisations worldwide may apply, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements. However, the proposed innovation must be implemented in at least one of the five designated beneficiary countries.

4. Which countries must benefit from the proposed innovation?

The project must benefit Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam. Implementation must take place in at least one of these countries and have the acceptance of the relevant government authorities.

5. Can start-ups and social enterprises apply?

Yes. The call expressly includes start-ups, SMEs, private companies, social enterprises, and other eligible private-sector entities developing innovative ocean-related solutions.

6. Are women- and youth-led organisations eligible?

Yes. Women- and youth-led or owned innovations are particularly encouraged, and the call states that preference will be given to such innovations. Other eligible organisations are not automatically excluded on this basis.

7. What kinds of innovations are eligible?

The three thematic areas cover marine pollution reduction, coastal and marine ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economy development. Proposals may address areas such as marine plastics, wastewater, ghost fishing gear, mangrove restoration, coral reefs, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism, circular economy solutions, blue biotechnology, and ocean data.

8. How long does the programme last?

Selected innovators can participate in an implementation and incubation programme lasting up to 17 months. The actual duration and obligations will depend on the applicable agreement and project arrangements.

9. Can applicants submit their own application format?

The call provides official templates for the required proposal sections and states that only the online proposal submission form will be accepted. Applicants should follow the official guidance and use the required templates.

10. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is November 15, 2026, at 23:59 New York time.

Conclusion

The UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge fifth call offers legally registered private-sector organisations an opportunity to develop and implement practical solutions to some of the major challenges facing oceans and coastal communities. With support of up to US$100,000, an implementation and incubation programme lasting up to 17 months, technical mentoring, project management assistance, and access to relevant networks, the initiative seeks to help promising innovations demonstrate measurable impact and prepare for wider adoption.

The call is especially relevant to start-ups, SMEs, private companies, and social enterprises working on marine pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, or sustainable blue economy solutions. Although applicants may be based anywhere in the world, their proposed innovations must be implemented in Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam, with the required government acceptance.

Organisations interested in applying should carefully review the official call announcement, confirm their eligibility, prepare the required templates, and submit through the official online form. They should pay particular attention to the deliverable-based funding arrangement, impact indicators, implementation plan, budget, and organisational compliance requirements.

Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 23:59 New York time.

For complete information and to submit a proposal, visit the official UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge fifth-call page.

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