Bringing together a new generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and students, the 9th ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ took place at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on Thursday 11th June. The event provided a global platform for 27 project leaders from 14 countries to share their innovative approaches to preserving our blue planet.
From a record-breaking pool of 215 entries across 58 nations, only the brightest 10 teams earned their place at the showcase in Monaco. This select cohort—representing four business concepts, four startups, and two special award winners—converged to pitch groundbreaking solutions to an elite jury featuring industry powerhouses like Nina Jensen— marine biologist, former CEO of REV Ocean and Chloé Boscagli—Director of MonacoTech. The aim was to transform ecological crises into viable economic assets, marking a decisive shift toward the professionalisation of marine restoration.
Next-generation solutions for a blue economy
Among the innovations was Pearl, an autonomous, AI-powered robot engineered to combat the invasive lionfish crisis in the Mediterranean by streamlining capture at scale.
Anne Marie Medema from the International University of Monaco told Monaco Life that the inspiration for Pearl grew from a need to address the invasive lionfish crisis through a circular economy. “We didn’t just want to remove the fish; we wanted to transform them into value—providing a tool for others to create revenue streams like leather, jewelry, and sustainable food. It’s about turning an environmental challenge into a regenerative opportunity.”
In the field of reef restoration, BluePrint Reefs presented an underwater bio-printer using ‘living ink’ to recruit coral polyps, while the 2026 startup category winner, CalX, showcased a sustainable marine infrastructure material crafted from recycled oyster shell waste.
Business concept winner Seads also gained significant attention for its modular, AI-driven robotic system capable of restoring seagrass beds 52 times faster than manual efforts.
Other showcased solutions ranged from high-efficiency vessel intelligence systems from Seavium to seaweed-based material alternatives from Saelevä and incentivised waste collection programmes like BlueReturn.
Highlighting the importance of preventive measures, BlueReturn’s Jana Cisewski explained how her company created a smart, AI-based trash station that can be placed at the beach and utilises an app that encourages people to dispose of their waste responsibily, preventing it from entering the sea while measuring the collective impact. “Being here among so many motivated teams, seeing this level of interest and support, gives me real hope,” said Cisewski. “It is incredibly inspiring to see how much we can achieve together, and I truly believe that whoever wins today will make a lasting difference.”
The winners
German team SEADS took the Business Concepts prize for its AI-powered robotic system capable of restoring seagrass beds 52 times faster than manual efforts, while French startup CalX won the Startups category with Oysteria X — a marine construction material made from recycled oyster shells developed in partnership with IFREMER and CNRS. India’s BendNSnap received the CFM Indosuez Coup de Cœur Prize for its 3D-printed biodegradable coral attachment anchor that reduces restoration time from ten minutes to 20 seconds. The Spotlight on Africa Prize went to Morocco’s Blue Field Company for its seaweed aquaculture project restoring the health of the Marchica Lagoon. All four winning teams receive a combination of cash prizes, acceleration programmes and unlimited access to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
Building a blue economy continuum
Beyond the awards, the ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ serves as a bridge between concept and commercial implementation. The competition is intentionally linked to the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, a platform that connects young innovators with investors, insurers, and policymakers from across the globe.
As Romain Ciarlet, Executive Director and General Secretary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, concluded: “The environmental challenges facing our seas require professionalised, accelerated innovation. Through the ‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’, the next generation of researchers, students, and engineers is being provided with the support necessary to turn their vital aspirations into reality, securing a sustainable future for the world’s oceans”.
‘Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge’ was co-organised by the International University of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, the Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Impact, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
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All photos sourced from the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge