Pure Ocean Challenges 2026

Pure Ocean is an endowment fund created in 2017 in Marseille, France. Its main mission is to support innovative applied research projects worldwide, contributing to the protection of fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. In addition to funding research projects, Pure Ocean organizes conferences and promotes races and sporting challenges to raise awareness of the Ocean’s critical situation.

The Pure Ocean Challenges

• Understand marine pollution and tackle it at the source
•  Protect biodiversity and restore degraded marine ecosystems
•  Build resilience and adaptation to climate change
•  Improve our understanding of the ocean system

• Table of Content
• About Pure Ocean
• Pure Ocean Challenges
• Aim and Benefits of Pure Ocean Challenges
• Requirements for Pure Ocean Challenges Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Pure Ocean Challenges
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Pure Ocean Challenges

Aim and Benefits of Pure Ocean Challenges

Selected projects will receive up to €40,000 per year (with an average of €30,000/year) for a duration of one to two years, at the discretion of the Scientific Committee. A two-year project can therefore receive a maximum of €80,000, and support for certain projects may be renewed.

Requirements for Pure Ocean Challenges Qualification

Pure Ocean is looking for projects addressing one (or more) Pure Ocean Challenge(s) in any region of the world. There is no age limit to apply, but early-career candidates are especially encouraged to do so.

Only non-profit organizations (research institutes, universities, and NGOs) are eligible to apply. However, projects may involve collaboration with private actors (companies, startups, etc.).

Applicants must clearly indicate any co-funding opportunities, as well as a minimum operational budget in case Pure Ocean cannot provide the full requested amount.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Pure Ocean Challenges

Indicators used to assess a project’s impact:

•  The project proposes an innovative approach (technological, social, nature-based, or exploratory innovation).
•  The project targets one or more Pure Ocean Challenges in a precise and relevant way.
•  The project’s specific objectives and the means planned to achieve them are clearly defined and feasible.
•  The project involves active participation and collaboration among multiple stakeholders*, and promotes inter- or transdisciplinarity.
•  The project includes a dissemination plan for the results tailored to the different target audiences, along with the actions necessary to foster their engagement.
• *If the project has a local scope, at least one stakeholder must ensure territorial anchoring and involvement of the local population.

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Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Pure Ocean Challenges webpage