Locations
As global business communities place greater emphasis on sustainability, the potential of ASEAN’s blue economy offers a renewed opportunity for forward-thinking businesses and investors. The upcoming ASEAN Blue Innovation Expo and Business Matching event, set for 19 February 2025 at Menara Mandiri Jakarta, will bring together entrepreneurs, businesses, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore cutting-edge blue innovations hailing from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. From digitally driven aquaculture and biotechnologies to plastic alternatives and blue carbon conservation, the event will showcase ventures poised to redefine industries and accelerate blue growth while protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Unlocking Investment for Blue Economy
This one-day event marks the highlight of the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation (ABEI) Project funded by the Government of Japan. Aligned with the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, adopted in 2023, the project aims to drive the sustainable use of ocean and inland water resources for inclusive growth across ASEAN and Timor-Leste. The event will connect entrepreneurs, businesses, investors, NGO leaders, and public sector leaders to scale up transformative solutions within the sector.
Convened by United Nations Development Programme UNDP) Indonesia, ASEAN Secretariat and Permanent Mission of Japan to ASEAN, the gathering serves as a conduit for exchanging ideas and exploring collaborations in the marine and freshwater sectors. As coastal communities across ASEAN and Timor-Leste wrestle with rising sea levels and overfishing threatens global food supplies, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. Investors and established business communities have a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.
Thomas Benmetan (Communication Associate UNDP Indonesia), Aretha Aprilia (Head of Nature, Climate, and Energy Unit UNDP Indonesia), Jatu Arum Sari (Project Manager ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge), Audrey Adhiarini (Strategic Partnership and Enterprise Lead Duitin), during ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge Press Briefing in Jakarta 12 February 2025
Innovative Solutions from Across ASEAN
The Blue Innovation Expo and Business Matching event will showcase 60 innovations presented by startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, as well as NGOs and academic institutions. Selected from over 1,300 competitive submissions across ASEAN and Timor-Leste, the 60 selected innovators embody resilience and a forward-thinking mindset. Currently in intensive incubation, they are fine-tuning their innovations and business models and preparing to scale them up. Their solutions focus on addressing four key challenges in the blue economy sector:
Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
Plastic pollution
Climate issues
Sustainable tourism
In addition to the highlight of 60 pitching sessions, the event features inspirational talks and panel discussions led by leading impact investors and blue business leaders in the ASEAN countries.
Why Now?
The blue economy presents a new paradigm for redefining the role of ocean and freshwater resources in our lives and livelihoods. By 2030, its contribution to the global economy is projected to reach $3 trillion, generating 43 million jobs, with it playing a key role in driving inclusive growth in ASEAN. The region is home to nine coastal countries, rich in diverse marine resources. With ASEAN countries’ increasing interests on food security, carbon neutrality, and zero plastic waste, alongside accelerating digitalization and AI, the time is ripe to focus on the blue economy's potential. Participants in this event will gain insights into the forefront of this high-potential sector, helping shape the future of sustainable marine and freshwater economies in ASEAN.
Join the Movement
For innovators, businesses, impact investors, venture builders, and industry leaders, this isn’t just another conference—it’s a movement to shape the future of ASEAN’s sustainable and inclusive economy through responsible and creative uses of blue resources. Secure your spot now and be among the first to discover the next wave of blue disruptors set to transform the industry!
For event registration and details, visit https://www.undp.org/indonesia/asean-blue-innovation-challenge.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, sustainable solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at www.undp.org/Indonesia or follow at @undpindonesia.
