Locations
The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge represents a unique initiative aimed at fostering the development of the blue economy in ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. It seeks to identify, finance, and support innovative solutions geared towards the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems, coastal areas, and freshwater resources. In addition to providing financial support, it facilitates connections between innovators and potential stakeholders, including investors and business entities.
Topics Addressed
Climate change presents significant challenges to critical sectors of the blue economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. Traditional approaches alone are insufficient to address these challenges, necessitating the exploration of novel solutions. Innovators, with their adaptability and inventive spirit, emerge as pivotal actors in the development of transformative technologies aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate impacts, thereby fostering a more sustainable future
Our oceans are facing a serious plastic pollution problem, which harms marine life and ecosystems and even affects our food chain. While traditional methods like beach clean-ups and recycling help, they are not enough to tackle the millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans every year. To really make a difference, fresh ideas from innovators are needed. Their knack for thinking differently and shaking up old ways of doing things is key.
In recent decades, the rising global demand for fish has driven the development of fishing technology. However, this has led to overexploitation of fishery resources due to unsustainable practices. Consequently, fish stocks are heavily exploited, and critical marine and freshwater ecosystems are severely degraded, endangering their long-term survival. Urgent action is needed, and innovators, with their agility and fresh perspectives, hold the key to developing innovative technologies and solutions ensuring not only healthy fish stocks but also thriving local communities for generations to come.
Unsustainable tourism management in coastal, freshwater, and marine zones often harms delicate environments, exploiting resources and contributing to pollution. Innovation holds the key in shifting towards sustainable practices - from eco-friendly lodging and low-impact transportation to empowering local communities and promoting regenerative tourism models. Only through creative solutions can we ensure thriving destinations, responsible tourist behaviour, and sustainable future.
Targeted Countries
Who Can Apply?
The ABIC targets profit and non-profit entities in ASEAN Member States or Timor-Leste with innovative solutions in the four main topics to be implemented locally. The initiative also seeks partners in relevant sectors as outreach partners, mentors, and investors, as outlined below.
Start-ups
MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises)
Cooperatives
- NGOs (non-governmental organizations)
- CSOs (civil society organizations)
- CBOs (community-based organizations)
- Academic institutions
- Research Organizations
Awards & Benefits
Finalist
Showcase Idea
60 Winners
Mentorship
Funding up to $40,000*
Solution Mapping
Outreach and Network
(*) Out of a total of 60 awards, 44 awards are guaranteed to the most promising innovations within each targeted country (i.e. 4 awards per country). Additionally, 16 awards will be contested across all targeted countries.
Timeline
We heard you!
We understand that many of you need more time to apply, so we bring good news! The deadline for the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge has been extended to 15 July 2024! And, in response to many of your queries, the application form is now more simplified, making your submission just a few clicks away.
With the opportunity to receive up to $40,000 in funding, along with mentorship and chances for further investments and partnerships, now is the time to act and bring your ideas to reality.
Go chase your dreams now. Submit your application and seize the opportunity to make a difference.
If we need any clarification after your submission, we will contact you through our email at aseanbluechallenge.id@undp.org.
Together, let's blue our world!!
Following the commencement of registration, virtual sessions will be convened to disseminate information regarding the innovation challenge. Invitations will be extended to the public as well as a diverse array of targeted applicants, partners, UNDP country offices, and other pertinent stakeholders.
To facilitate prospective participants in navigating the application process, pre-submission workshop will be arranged, and simultaneous translation (English - National languages and vice-versa) can be provided upon prior request. The tentative schedule of information sessions and pre-submission workshop are as follows:
| No | Date | Time | Notes | Link Zoom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 April 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00 WIB | 1st Information session | Closed |
| 2 | 29 April 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 1st Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste | Closed |
| 3 | 30 April 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00 WIB | 1st Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam | Closed |
| 4 | 2 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 2nd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste | Closed |
| 5 | 3 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 2nd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam | Closed |
| 6 | 6 May 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00 WIB | 2nd Information session | Closed |
| 7 | 15 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 3rd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste | Closed |
| 8 | 16 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 3rd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam | Closed |
| 9 | 4 June 2024 | 14:00 - 15:30 WIB | 3rd Information session and Pre-submission workshop | click for register |
| 10 | 7 June 2024 | 14:00 - 15:30 WIB | 4th Information session and Pre-submission workshop | click for register |
| 11 | 11 June 2024 | 14:00 - 15:30 WIB | 5th Information session and Pre-submission workshop | click for register |
| 12 | 19 June 2024 | 14:00 - 15:30 WIB | 6th Information session and Pre-submission workshop | click for register |
- Who can apply to this challenge? This challenge is open to anyone who is a citizen of ASEAN countries and Timor Leste. applicants can be from profit and non-profit institutions or organizations.
- Can one institution or organization submit more than 1 proposal? Yes, 1 institution can submit more than 1 proposal but make sure each proposal have different team member and submit with different email address.
- Can a team come from different institutions or nationalities? Yes, a team can be formed from different institutions and different nationalities as long as citizen of ASEAN countries and Timor Leste.
- What is the age range of the team members? What is the age range for youth? There is no limit age for the team members, but for youth categories is 18-35 years old.
- Is it mandatory for each team members to include a female member? Yes, a team has to preserve a gender balance, which can be achieved by forming it with either two women and one man or two men and one woman.
- Does innovation also refer to innovative approaches, not necessarily a technology or an application? Yes, we will welcome any innovation, regardless of whether it is a technology, application, or approach, as long as it is novel.
- Should we have any questions, or whom should we reach out to? If you have any questions, please contact aseanbluechallenge.id@undp.org.
