UNDP is putting $1 million behind the ocean's best new ideas

UNDP and Sweden's development agency Sida have opened the fifth Ocean Innovation Challenge: $1 million in total, with up to 10 innovators receiving up to $100,000 each plus 17 months of incubation and mentoring. The themes are marine pollution and plastics, marine ecosystem restoration and the sustainable blue economy, with direct benefits for Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, and women- and youth-led ventures preferred. Applications close on November 15. Since 2020 the challenge has backed 36 projects in 29 countries with $8.4 million, mobilising over $25 million more.