The Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) is run by UNDP and funded by Sweden’s Sida. Its fifth call seeks implementation-ready innovations in marine pollution reduction, coastal and marine ecosystem restoration, or the sustainable blue economy.
Private-sector organisations from any country may apply, but the project must be carried out in Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand or Viet Nam. Up to 10 proposals will be selected.
Benefits & funding
- Up to US$100,000 per innovation, paid against deliverables under UNDP’s Model Innovation Challenge Agreement (MICA); the OIC states it is not a grant-making mechanism.
- Up to 17 months of implementation and incubation, with technical mentoring plus project-management, communications and investment-readiness support.
- Chances to meet investors, development partners and private-sector networks.
- Winners must send a letter accepting the MICA terms within two weeks of notification.
Eligibility
- The lead applicant must be a legally registered private-sector organisation (start-up, SME, private company, social enterprise or similar); individuals cannot apply.
- Universities, research bodies, NGOs and government agencies may join only as consortium partners, never as lead.
- No nationality or headquarters rule, but implementation must take place in at least one of Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand or Viet Nam, with the government authorities’ acceptance.
- The innovation must address one of the three themes and be implementation-ready (piloted, or a proven solution taken to a new setting).
- Request no more than US$100,000, backed by confirmed co-financing (cash or in-kind) of at least 50% of the request at the time of application.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
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Application process
- 1Prepare the proposal and every annex on the official templates; no other formats are accepted.
- 2Submit online by 15 November 2026, 23:59 New York time; one proposal per organisation.
- 3Proposals pass compliance and eligibility checks, technical scoring, a value-for-money review and due diligence; only shortlisted applicants are contacted.
Program timeline
Application deadline (23:59 New York time)
15 November 2026
Selected innovators expected to be announced
Q1 2027