The United Nations Development Programme is pleased to announce the 5th Call for Proposals for the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026. An initiative of UNDP, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is designed for registered companies, startups, medium-sized enterprises, and social enterprises that have developed innovative solutions to address pressing ocean challenges. Selected participants can receive up to $100,000 in financial support, technical mentorship, and up to 17 months of incubation support.
Organizations worldwide are invited to apply, but proposed projects must be implemented in one of the following five countries: Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, or Vietnam. The program will select up to 10 projects. Applications need to be submitted online. No application fee is required. Applications for the OIC 2026 are open until November 15th, 2026. Read more details below.
UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026 – Overview
- Offered by: United Nations Development Programme
- Funded by: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
- Financial Support: Up to $100,000
- Program Duration: 17 Months
- Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026
About OCEAN Innovation Challenge
An initiative of the UNDP that aims to support businesses developing innovative solutions to ocean-related problems that can be implemented, expanded, and used in various locations. The 5th call of the Challenge focuses on restoring coastal and marine ecosystems, marine populations, and promoting ocean-based businesses.
Priority Areas
Applicants’ proposed projects must address one or more of the following areas:
1. Marine Pollution Reduction
- Reducing marine plastic pollution and other waste.
- Recovering or managing abandoned fishing gear.
- Improving wastewater management
2. Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Restoration
- Restoring coral reefs and mangroves.
- Protecting seagrass meadows and coastal wetlands.
- Improving climate resilience in coastal communities.
3. Sustainable Blue Economy
- Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
- Eco-tourism and responsible use of ocean resources.
- Blue biotechnology.
- Ocean data solutions & other sustainable ocean-based businesses.
Who can Apply?
Legally registered private sector organizations, including:
- Private companies
- Startups developing ocean-related solutions
- Social enterprises
- Small & medium-sized enterprises
- Any other private organization working on ocean innovation
- Applicants cannot apply independently; the application must be submitted through an organization.
Eligible Countries
The proposed projects must be implemented in one of the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Viet Nam
Organizations don’t need to be based in these countries to apply.
Key Requirements
- Be a legally registered company or social enterprise
- Have a tested and ready-to-use solution
- Funding request up to $100,000
- Provide up to 50% co-funding.
- Have resources and skills to drive the project
- Proof of Government support for the project
Program Benefits
- Receive funding up to $100,000 through a UNDP contract
- Up to 17 months of Incubation to develop a project
- Technical mentorship and guidance from UNDP experts
- Project Management Support
- Networking opportunities
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Application Deadline
The application deadline or the Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026 is November 15th, 2026, 23:59 New York Time.
How to Apply?
Applicants interested in the program have to visit the offical Ocean Innovation Challenge website, read the 5th call announcement, follow the application guidance, and apply.
Apply here for: 5th Ocean Innovation Challenge
