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

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.