UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026: Apply for Up to $100,000 in Funding

YBB – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has opened the 5th Call for Proposals for the Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) 2026. This initiative supports businesses and social enterprises developing innovative solutions to address ocean-related challenges.

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the programme offers selected applicants up to US$100,000 in financial support. Participants can also receive technical mentorship and up to 17 months of incubation support to develop and scale their projects.

Organizations from around the world are welcome to apply. However, proposed projects must be implemented in one of five eligible countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Viet Nam. The programme will select up to 10 projects.

What Is the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge?

The Ocean Innovation Challenge is a UNDP initiative that supports businesses developing practical and scalable solutions to ocean-related problems. The programme aims to help innovative projects move beyond the initial development stage and generate meaningful environmental and economic benefits.

The fifth call focuses on restoring coastal and marine ecosystems, protecting marine populations, and promoting sustainable ocean-based businesses.

Through financial support and technical guidance, the programme helps selected organizations develop their solutions and strengthen their potential for long-term impact.

Also read: Japan Youth Summit 2027 Opens Registration with Fully Funded Opportunity

Priority Areas

Applicants must propose projects that address at least one of the following priority areas.

1. Marine Pollution Reduction

Projects may focus on reducing pollution and improving waste management in marine environments. Relevant initiatives include:

• Reducing marine plastic pollution and other waste.
• Recovering or managing abandoned fishing gear.
• Improving wastewater management.

2. Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Restoration

This category supports projects that protect and restore coastal and marine ecosystems while strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.

Potential project areas include:

• Restoring coral reefs and mangroves.
• Protecting seagrass meadows and coastal wetlands.
• Improving climate resilience in coastal communities.

3. Sustainable Blue Economy

This priority area focuses on developing sustainable economic activities that depend on ocean resources.

Relevant projects may involve:

• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Ecotourism and responsible use of ocean resources.
• Blue biotechnology.
• Ocean data solutions and other sustainable ocean-based businesses.

Who Can Apply?

The Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026 is open to legally registered private-sector organizations that have developed solutions to ocean-related challenges.

Eligible applicants include:

• Private companies.
• Startups developing ocean-related solutions.
• Social enterprises.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Other private organizations working on ocean innovation.

Individual applications are not accepted. Proposals must be submitted through an eligible organization.

Organizations do not need to be based in one of the eligible countries. However, their proposed projects must be implemented in one of the following locations.

Eligible Countries

Projects must be implemented in one of these five countries:

1. Bangladesh
2. Indonesia
3. Philippines
4. Thailand
5. Viet Nam

Organizations based outside these countries may still apply if their proposed projects meet the programme’s geographic requirements.

Key Requirements

Before applying, organizations should ensure that their proposals meet the following requirements:

• Be a legally registered company or social enterprise.
• Have a tested and ready-to-use solution.
• Request no more than US$100,000 in funding.
• Provide up to 50% co-funding as required by the programme.
• Demonstrate that they have the resources and skills needed to implement the project.
• Provide proof of government support for the proposed project.

Also read: Middle East Youth Summit 2027 Opens the Door for Young Muslim Leaders Through Fully Funded Program

Programme Benefits

Selected organizations will receive support to develop and implement their ocean innovation projects.

The benefits include:

• Funding of up to US$100,000 through a UNDP contract.
• Up to 17 months of incubation support to develop the proposed solution.
• Technical mentorship and guidance from UNDP experts.
• Project management support.
• Networking opportunities with relevant stakeholders.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026 should review the official guidelines and prepare all required documents before submitting their proposals. Follow these steps:

1. Read the Call for Proposals. Review the 5th Ocean Innovation Challenge Announcement to understand the programme objectives, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.
2. Download the Application Guidance. Consult the Guidance Document. This offline version of the proposal form helps applicants collect and organize the information required for submission.
3. Prepare the Required Templates. Applicants must use the official templates provided for the relevant proposal sections and annexes. These include:
   • Section 1 – Application Information Form
   • Section 3 – Results Framework and Impact Indicators
   • Section 4 – Project Work Plan
   • Section 5.1 – Detailed Budget
   • Section 5.2 – Itemized Budget (Excel format)
   • Section 6 – Co-financing Declaration
   • Section 7 – Organizational Capacity Assessment
   • Section 8 – Integrity, Conflict of Interest, and Compliance Declaration
   • Section 9 – UNDP Social and Environmental Risk Screening Checklist
4. Applicants should use the official templates for all applicable proposal sections and annexes.
5. Review the Frequently Asked Questions. Check the official FAQ page for additional information about the application process and programme requirements.
6. Review the Model Innovation Challenge Agreement. Read the Model Innovation Challenge Agreement (MICA) to understand the agreement framework for selected organizations.
7. Submit Your Proposal Online. Complete the Online Proposal Submission Form and upload the required annexes and supporting documents. Applicants must sign in to a Google account to access the form and submit their attachments.

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. New York time.

For more information: https://dev.oceaninnovationchallenge.org/5th-call-marine-pollution-reduction-coastal-and-marine-ecosystem-restoration-and-sustainable-blue 

Conclusion

For organizations working to address ocean-related challenges, the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge 2026 offers an opportunity to turn tested solutions into projects with broader impact. The combination of financial support and technical guidance can help eligible organizations advance their innovations while contributing to healthier marine ecosystems and more sustainable ocean-based industries.

Organizations with relevant solutions should begin preparing their proposals and supporting documents as early as possible. With applications closing on November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. New York time, careful preparation is essential to ensure that all required materials are submitted through the official application form before the deadline.