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8th Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge

Monaco

Events

Press release

The International University of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Impact and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation have once again joined forces to organize the 8th edition of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge (MOPC). Born in Monaco – a major player in Ocean conservation – this high-level international competition, targeting students and young entrepreneurs from around the world, aims to concretely support the creation and development of start-ups capable of demonstrating a positive impact on the preservation of the Ocean in the short or medium term. The Grand Finale of this 8th edition will take place on May 14th at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, in the presence of numerous guests.

This year’s edition saw a record number of applications, whether from students and startups, demonstrating that the competition is gaining recognition, particularly internationally. This growing recognition – particularly on the international stage – reflects the efforts of the organizers, increasingly effective word-of-mouth, and the crucial role of MOPC ambassadors, particularly through incubation networks across all five continents!

A strategic context for private sector mobilisation:

This edition is taking place in a particularly meaningful context, just weeks ahead of several major international gatherings for the Ocean: the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), co-organized by France and Costa Rica in Nice, from June 9 to 13, 2025, and the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) – a UNOC Special Event, co-organized by the Government of the Principality of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in partnership with France and Costa Rica. Both UNOC and BEFF will place the spotlight on the transition from a non-sustainable maritime economy to a blue regenerative blue economy, and the pivotal role of innovation in the broadest sense: technical, financial, and governance-related.

Mobilizing the private sector is not just necessary — it's essential! The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge responds to this imperative by empowering a new generation of ocean-minded entrepreneurs. It fosters the emergence of concrete, high-impact solutions for Ocean preservation, and connects promising talents with the institutional and economic ecosystems capable of scaling their initiatives.

Among other rewards, the winner of the 8th edition of the MOPC will have the opportunity to participate in the BEFF.

 The 6 finalist teams:

The six finalist teams – 3 in each category - were selected by an international jury, among 138 teams from 129 universities representing 66 nationalities. These finalists will present their project on May 14th, at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

In the Business Concepts category, the 3 finalists are:

  • Cool Equity (India)
  • Invent.io (South Korea)
  • Izalgue (France)

 In the Start-ups category, the 3 finalists are:

  • Aruna revolution health inc. (Canada)
  • MolluSCAN-eye (France)
  • Rongbient Biotech (Singapore)

 

Success stories

Ittinsect, winner of the MOPC 2021 “Audience Award” and now known as Ocean Twist Biotechnology, develops aquaculture feed made from insects or raw materials from circular economy. The company continues to grow its production of insect-based feed for aquaculture, aiming to reduce dependence on fishmeal made from wild-caught fish. In 2024, the company rebranded as Ocean Twist Biotechnology to highlight a technological breakthrough that now enables the use of a wide range of raw materials from circular economy, in addition to insects. A partnership with Eni, a global energy technology company, will allow Ocean Twist to transform 700,000 tons of residues from biofuel extraction into high-nutritional-value ingredients. CEO Alessandro Romano will deliver a keynote speech at the opening of the pitch session during the Grand Finale, sharing his successful journey from business concept to start-up creation and growth. He will also serve on the final jury and take part in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, scheduled for June 7 and 8 in the Principality.

Innov&Sea, winner of the MOPC in the “Start-up” category in 2024, develops innovative ecotoxicity tests for both industrial and public stakeholders. Winning the MOPC significantly increased Innov&Sea’s visibility among potential clients. The company is expanding in the cosmetics sector, strengthening its presence in France and across Europe through collaborations with prestigious brands, while also beginning its export strategy beyond the European Union, with the ambition of promoting its marine ecotoxicity solution as an alternative to traditional live animal testing. Innov&Sea also won the Bpifrance i-Lab innovation competition, gaining national recognition that will support a large-scale R&D program. This initiative aims to develop new in vitro tests to assess the impact of cosmetic products on the marine environment, and to create innovative tools for marine biosurveillance, particularly regarding industrial discharge and wastewater. For its CEO and co-founder Pauline Cotinat, Innov&Sea’s goal is to support as many industrial and public stakeholders as possible, to become the leading laboratory in marine ecotoxicology, and to actively contribute to ocean preservation.

Spotlight on Africa – an African start-up to be awarded! A significant part of the Ocean’s future lies in Africa, where the potential to develop a real, effective, and regenerative blue economy is immense. This year, an African start-up will receive a special award, sending a strong message to inspire youth across the continent to engage in innovative projects that contribute to ocean conservation and the Sustainable Development Goals. The winning company and its founders will receive dedicated support from the organizers of the MOPC, helping to accelerate their impact and growth.




Supporting Partners

The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge collaborates with supporting partners to promote the competition internationally, including: