Jakarta, 9 October 2024 – ASEAN, Japan and UNDP have announced the winners of the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC), an initiative aimed at advancing sustainable blue economy solutions across all ten ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. Launched in April 2024, ABIC is part of the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Project endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and implemented by UNDP out of its office in Jakarta, with the funding support from the Government of Japan.

The initiative identifies and supports innovative solutions from the ten ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste that address pressing challenges in marine and freshwater ecosystems. It received 1,341 proposals, out of which 60 winners were selected by the Joint Selection Committee comprising H.E. Mr. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community; H.E. Mr. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN; and Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia. 

These 60 winners represent a diverse range of innovators, and their solutions aim to improve sustainability in aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism while addressing broader environmental challenges such as climate change, plastic waste, and water resource management. Through technological innovations, community engagement, and novel financing models, these innovation projects have the potential to generate positive impacts on social and environment across the region.

Another noteworthy aspect is the emphasis on gender inclusion. Of the 60 winners, 27 (45%) are women-led initiatives, with a total of 125 female team members, surpassing the 116 male members.

H.E. Mr. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN said, “The Project marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards sustainable blue economy development. By empowering local innovators and fostering regional collaboration, we are not only addressing urgent environmental challenges but also unlocking new economic opportunities for ASEAN. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 60 winners whose solutions have the potential to reshape the future of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. I am confident that the partnerships formed through this initiative will drive lasting, positive change across the region.”

In four focus areas spanning sustainable fisheries, marine plastic pollution, sustainable tourism and climate issue, winners emphasize using the latest technology advancements in the blue sector for greater efficiency and an eco-friendly approach. 

In precision aquaculture, for instance, awardees from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Lao PDR are using artificial intelligence (AI) and water filtration technologies to optimize fish farming and boost local production. To showcase circularity in fisheries, awardees from Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are turning fish and shrimp waste and seaweed into value products such as fertilizers, microalgae and food supplements, promoting resource sustainability and community resilience. In biotechnology, solutions such as phage therapy (medical treatment that uses viruses that infect and kill bacteria to treat bacterial infection) and Bacillus treatments to promote health or prevent disease in aquaculture ─ aim to enhance fish health, while seaweed-based filters tackle microplastic pollution. 

Awardees from Myanmar, Singapore and Viet Nam are focusing on plastic solutions, developing alternatives from agricultural waste, transforming plastic waste into valuable products such as furniture and industrial materials, and facilitating the issuance of plastic credits by working with local SMEs. In eco-tourism, awardees from Thailand and Timor-Leste are creating sustainable tourism models that engage local communities in conservation and waste management, driving both environmental and social impact. 

H.E. Mr. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN said,” I believe this initiative marks the beginning of a new collaboration between the Government of Japan and all our partners, to advance innovation-related projects in ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Japan is proud to be the forerunner in pioneering this new approach and initiative and fostering sustainable innovation for blue economy and related sectors."

The announcement also marks the commencement of a six-month incubation programme for the 60 winners. This programme is designed to support the development of their proposed solutions at various stages of business implementation, from testing and proof of concept to scaling up and commercialization, equipping them with the tools to transform their ideas into impactful, scalable solutions.

Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, Resident Representative UNDP Indonesia said, “To unlock the potential of our marine and freshwater resources and ecosystems, two key elements must be emphasized: the need for cooperation and multilateral partnerships, which this project exemplifies. Additionally, technology and innovation are crucial for realizing this potential. The regional landscape is incredibly vibrant, with over 70 million MSMEs, 6,000 startups, and half a million social entrepreneurs. These entities have the capacity to drive transformational change, and we are here to support that progress.”

In February 2025, the winners will gather in Jakarta, Indonesia, for a business matchmaking event where they will present their innovations to potential investors and partners. This forum will not only connect innovators with funding opportunities but will also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing among experts in the blue economy, policymakers, financiers, further strengthening the ecosystem for sustainable blue economy in ASEAN.  

For more information on the ABIC winners, please visit https://undpidn.info/ABICwinnersbooklet