Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge

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Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge

THE MONACO OCEAN PROTECTION CHALLENGE

The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge is an international competition for students and young entrepreneurs designed to provide concrete support for the creation and development of start-ups capable of demonstrating a positive impact on ocean preservation in the short to medium term.

One of the aims of the competition is to support the winners in advancing or realizing their professional project, by providing advice and support, and by giving them access to contacts and knowledge within the professional networks of partner companies, particularly those involved in incubating, accelerating or financing start-ups.

The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge is an international competition for students and young entrepreneurs, designed to provide concrete support for the creation and development of start-ups capable of demonstrating a positive impact on ocean preservation in the short to medium term.

One of the aims of the competition is to support the winners in advancing or bringing to fruition their professional projects, by providing advice and support, and by giving them access to contacts and knowledge within the professional networks of partner companies, particularly those involved in incubating, accelerating or financing start-ups.

The competition is open to two categories of candidates:

“Students” category (open to undergraduate and graduate students of any specialization, or recent graduates, from business schools, engineering schools, science schools, design schools, art schools, communications schools, etc.)

“Start-ups” category (open to all entrepreneurs who create or have created after June 2022)

The ^{8th Edition} MOPC at Monaco ‘s Oceanographic Museum

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the winners of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge (MOPC) were honored at the Grand Final, held at the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco in the presence of numerous guests. Born in Monaco – a major player in ocean preservation – this high-level international competition is aimed at students and young entrepreneurs from all over the world. It aims to provide concrete support for the creation and development of start-ups capable of demonstrating a positive impact on ocean protection in the short to medium term.

The 2025 edition attracted a record number of applications, from students and start-ups alike, testifying to the growing reputation of the competition, particularly internationally. This growing recognition is due to increasingly effective word-of-mouth, and the crucial role played by MOPC ambassadors, notably through incubation networks on five continents.

On Wednesday May 14, the winners of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge (MOPC ) – co-organized by the International University of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, the Albert I Prince of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Impact and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – were honored at the Grand Finals , held at the Monaco Oceanographic Museum in the presence of numerous guests. Born in Monaco – a major player in ocean preservation – this high-level international competition is aimed at students and young entrepreneurs from all over the world. It aims to provide concrete support for the creation and development of start-ups capable of demonstrating a positive impact on ocean protection in the short to medium term.

A Grand Final in the presence of many celebrities
In attendance were the French Ambassador to the Principality, H.E. Mr. Jean d’Haussonville, H.E. Mrs. Marie-Pascale Boisson, Monaco’s Ambassador to China and Australia, H.E. Mr. Didier Garmerdinger, Monaco’s Ambassador to India and Japan, Mrs. Marie-Noëlle Gibelli, National Councillor, Vice-Chairwoman of the Culture & Heritage Commission (representing Mr. Thomas Brezzo, elected to the National Council of the Principality of Monaco), Mrs. Caroline Pratte, Honorary Consul of Canada to Monaco, Mrs. Sophie Krafft, Honorary Consul of Sweden to Monaco, Dr. Mathias Jonas, Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco, Mrs. Sophie Krafft, Honorary Consul of Sweden to Monaco. Thomas Brezzo, elected member of the National Council of the Principality of Monaco), Mrs. Caroline Pratte, Honorary Consul of Canada in Monaco, Mrs. Sophie Krafft, Honorary Consul of Sweden in Monaco, Dr. Mathias Jonas, Secretary General of the International Hydrographic Organization, Mr. Georges Richards, Director of Community Jameel, Mr. Francesco Prazzo of SBM Offshore Monaco, Mr. Franck Chiniard, President of the Association des Directeurs Informatiques de Monaco, etc.

A strategic context for mobilizing the private sector

This edition was held in a special context, a few weeks before the 3ᵉ United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), co-organized by France and Costa Rica from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice, and the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), labelled “UNOC Special Event “, co-organized by theGovernment of the Principality of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute and the Prince Albert II Foundation, in partnership with France and Costa Rica, which took place at the Grimaldi Forum on June 7 and 8. UNOC and BEFF highlighted the need for a transition froman unsustainable maritime economy to a regenerative blue economy, and the central role of innovation, whether technological, financial or linked to governance.

Mobilizing the private sector is not just desirable: it’s essential! The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge responds to this urgent need by accompanying a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to the Ocean, supporting the emergence of concrete, high-impact solutions, and connecting these talents with the institutional and economic ecosystems that enable projects to scale up.

Several winners of this 8ᵉ edition – as well as previous ones – have been invited to take part in BEFF, an excellent opportunity to develop their activities.

The 138 participating teams, from 129 universities representing 66 nationalities, worked from mid-January 2025 to the end of March 2025 ona business plan to present new business concepts for a more sustainable Ocean.

Of the 138 projects initially submitted, and after two selection stages , 6 were chosen for the Grand Final by a panel of 16 experts from the marine world, entrepreneurs, incubators and investors, divided into the “Business Concepts” and “Start-ups” categories.

Like a pitch competition, the finalists were invited to present and defend their project orally on the stage of the Oceanographic Museum‘s conference room, in order to convince the members of the jury.

Photo Credit: Boardroom ©Institut océanographique – Olivier Remualdo

After an afternoon of presentations in the presence of the public, followed by the jury ‘s deliberations, the three prizewinners were presented with their awards by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.H.S. H. Prince Albert II of Monaco , who declared: “I want to thank the candidates whose inventiveness and spirit have made a huge difference within this competition. This spirit and the incredible responsibility that we have towards our planet and more importantly in the marine environment are often overlooked and neglected and are victims of the excessive human activity, so we thank you for your input in trying to find the best solutions for it ”.

Photo Credit: Members of the jury – Olivier Remualdo

A tough task for the final jury!

The jury was made up of personalities from the worlds of finance, business, startup incubation and acceleration: Mr. Vincent Thomas, Deputy Managing Director, CFM Indosuez Wealth Management (Lead Sponsor of the MOPC), Ms. Sandrine Sauval-Chanteloube, Director MonacoTech , Prof. Drs. Davide StaedlerFounder and Director, Daxtachem SAM, Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biology, University of Lausanne, Mr. Olivier Raybaud, Managing Director SWEN Blue Ocean, SWEN Capital Partners, Mr. Alessandro Romano, Managing Director, Ocean Twist Biotechnology (Winner of the MOPC 2021 “Prix du Public”).

A total of 40 projects were submitted, and after two selection stages, 6 were selected for the Grand Finale, in the ” Student ” and “Start-up” categories. Like a pitch competition, the finalists were invited to present and defend their project on stage in the Oceanographic Museum ‘s conference room, to convince the jury.

The final jury

Vincent Thomas, Deputy Managing Director , CFM Indosuez Wealth Management
M. Bertrand Charron, Global Director of Research Insights de Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
Mme Véronique Raoul, Chief Executive Officer, Inalve
Ms Sylvie Lienhart, Mediterranean Sea Pole Steering Committee, Officer of the Order of Maritime Merit
Mme Birgit Liodden, founder and CEO of Ocean opportunity Lab, Oslo

THE 2025 EDITION WINNERS

"Business Concept" category

COOL EQUITY – Project presented by Ms Layasree Vemmata Gopi, Ashoka University, India
Cool Equity’s mission is to transform the seafood supply chain through sustainable, decentralized cooling solutions based on the “PCM” (Phase Change Material Passive Cooling) process that preserve marine ecosystems, reduce seafood waste and empower coastal communities. By providing fishermen with affordable, reusable cooling systems, Cool Equity reduces overfishing, wastes resources and protects marine biodiversity.

Donation :

A €2,000 cheque, donated by Inalve, Clear Reef, Ecocéan and the Association des Directeurs informatiques de Monaco,
Mentorship program worth €3,000 offered by White Castle Partners,
Pass Explorations offered by the Association Amis du Musée océanographique de Monaco.

Mrs Layasree Vemmata Gopi receives her awards from Dr Jean-Philippe Muller, General Manager of the International University of Monaco. Photo Credit: Cool Equity ©Institut océanographique – Olivier Remualdo

"Startups" category

Mr Thibaut Marvin Monfort Micheo receives his awards from Peter Kütemann, founder of Monaco Impact. Photo Credit: Rongbient Biotech ©Institut océanographique – Olivier Remualdo

RONGBIENT BIOTECH – Company registered in Singapore – Project presented by Mr. Thibaut Marvin Monfort Micheo, France
Worldwide, feed and livestock additives contribute to more than 50% of the cost (more than 70% in shrimp farming ) and more than 50% of GHG emissions in livestock farming. Rongbient Biotech supplies seaweed-based organic products that replace 5% of conventional feed to boost shrimp immunity to disease and improve the animal gut microbiome , thus reducing the use of feed and breedingadditives, while significantly cutting CO2 emissions.

Donation :

5000 € cheque offered by Monaco Impact,
€2,000 cheque offered by the Association des Directeurs informatiques de Monaco,
Acceleration program worth €4,000 offered by White Castle Partners,
Invitation to participate in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum offered by the competition organizers,
Exploration Pass offered by the Association Amis du Musée océanographique de Monaco.

CFM Indosuez "Coup de Cœur " award

IZALGUE – Project presented by Ms. Andrea Tassard, Ms. Klervi Gautier and Mr. Quentin Brissart, from EIGSI (Ecole d’Ingénieurs en Génie des Systèmes Industriels) France, ESCOM (Ecole Supérieure de Chimie Organique et Minérale), France.
Every year, 50,000 m³ of green algae pollute Brittany’s beaches, creating environmental and health issues. Most of this algae is currently collected and burned, a process that generates CO₂ and wastes a potentially valuable natural resource. Izalgue provides sustainable algae-based insulation solutions for the building industry, reusing excess organic waste from our oceans, a direct consequence of human-induced pollution activities.

The IZALGUE team receives its prize from Mr Vincent Thomas, Deputy Managing Director of CFM Indosuez Wealth Management. Photo Credit: Izalgue ©Institut océanographique – Olivier Remualdo

CFM INDOSUEZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, lead sponsor of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge.
CFM Indosuez has awarded IZALGUE, a start-up chosen by the bank itself, the “Coup de Coeur de CFM Indosuez” prize, a very concrete award which will enable the company to benefit from business acceleration support offered by CFM Indosuez, and provided by one of its partners, worth €3,000.

“Spotlight on Africa” Award

ACQUADEN – Registered in Kenya. Project presented by Ms Bridget Njenga
Acquaden is a women-led mariculture company based along the coast of Kenya, pioneering sustainable hatchery systems and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices. Acquaden designs efficient, scalable aquaculture hatcheries with innovative solutions that improve productivity, minimize environmental impact and support sustainable seafood production. Acquaden focuses on shellfish farming, seaweed and seagrass integration, and innovative aquaculture solutions to empower coastal communities and promote marine conservation.

Africa in the spotlight, an African start-up wins an award! Part of the Ocean’s future is being played out in Africa, and the potential for developing a real, efficient and regenerative blue economy on the continent is immense. An African start-up has therefore been awarded the “Spotlight on Africa” prize, a strong signal to engage young people in innovative projects contributing to ocean preservation and sustainable development goals. The winning company and its founders will receive special support from the MOPC organizers.

Ms Bridget Njenga General Manager of ACQUADEN. Photo credit: Acquaden ©Institut océanographique – Olivier Remualdo

Donation :

Integration into the 1000 Ocean Start-ups platform,
Privileged access to a local investment fund,
€1,000 Cheque from Dietsmann,
Invitation to take part in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.

The award was presented by Mr Laurent Faure, Group Director for Health, Safety, Sustainable Development, Security, Environment and Quality for Dietsmann, in the presence of Mr Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, who was invited to say a few words of encouragement to the finalists present and to the audience.

Photo Credit: Acquaden ©Institut océanographique – Olivier Remualdo

THE 2025 EDITION WINNERS

“Students” category

NEMA (Université de la Côte d’Azur; nationality of project initiators: American) – An innovative blue energy provider, which transforms mechanical marine energy (waves and currents) into a sustainable and reliable electricity-generating system.

Donation :

Two €1,000 cheques donated by CFM Indosuez Wealth Management and Inalve;
A half-day introduction to freediving for each team member, courtesy of BLUENERY ACADEMY ;
A photograph by Greg Lecoeur, courtesy of its author.

“Start-ups” category

INNOV&SEA ( Registered in France) – An innovative, eco-responsible in vitro ecotoxicity test to help formulate products that are more respectful of the marine environment, founded at the Nice Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN).

Donation :

An “Accelerator Program: Investment Ready Service” ( worth €7,000 ) and a “Virtual Spotlight Event”, courtesy of White Castle Partners;
A cheque for €5,000, donated by Monaco Impact.

“Heart” prize

AQUA (International University of Monaco; nationalities of project leaders: German and American): Harnessing cutting-edge drone technology and artificial intelligence to clean up the oceans, ensuring a more sustainable future.

Donation :

A cheque for €2,000 from CFM Indosuez Wealth Management ;
The opportunity to present the project to the CFM Indosuez Wealth Management Executive Committee in Monaco

Each winner was presented with a trophy in the form of a work of art specially created for the Grand Finale MOPC 2024 and made from recycled materials by jewellery designer Alberto Domenico Vitale, Managing Director of Vitale 1913 Monte-Carlo, committed to ocean preservation and sustainable business since 2014.

Success Stories

Ocean Twist Biotechnology, start-up winner of the 2021 edition, “People ‘s Choice Award ” (under the name Ittinsect). The company’ s founder, Alessandro Romano, took part in the final jury for the 2025 edition, and also gave an inspiring speech to share his journey since winning . He also contributed to a unique sequence in the Aquarium of the Oceanographic Museum, during which fish were fed with the innovative foods developed by his company. Ocean Twist Biotechnology develops feed for aquaculture based on insects or raw materials from the circular economy. The company continues to developinsect-based feeds for aquaculture to reduce dependence on fishmeal made from wild fish. In 2024, the company became Ocean Twist Biotechnology to mark a technological breakthrough that now makes it possible to take advantage of numerous raw materials from the circular economy, in addition to insects. The agreement with Eni, a global energy technology company, will enable the company to transform 700,000 tons of residues from biofuel extraction into ingredients with high nutritional value. CEO Alessandro Romano will deliver a keynote speech to open the Grand Finale pitch sequence , sharing his successful experience of moving from business concept to start-up creation and development.

Innov&Sea, Winner of the MOPC 2024, in the Start-up category. Innov&Sea develops innovative ecotoxicity tests for industry and the public sector. Winning the MOPC gave Innov&Sea increased visibility with potential customers. The company continues to grow in the cosmetics market, reinforcing its presence in France and Europe – by collaborating with prestigious brands in the sector – and initiating its export strategy outside the European Union, with the ambition of raising the international profile of its marine ecotoxicity solution, an alternative to the use of live animals in vitro. Innov&Sea has also won Bpifrance’s i-Lab innovation competition, thus gaining nationwide recognition that will help finance a vast R&D program aimed at developing new in vitro tests for assessing the impact of cosmetic products on the marine environment, and creating innovative tools for marine biomonitoring, particularly with regard to industrial or wastewater discharges. For co-founder and President Pauline Cotinat, present at the Grand Finale, Innov&Sea’s objective is to support as many industrial and public players as possible, to become the reference laboratory for marine ecotoxicology, and to actively contribute to the preservation of the Ocean.

A competition supported by 4 institutions:

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MONACO

International University of Monaco is dedicated to preparing new generations of managers and entrepreneurs for the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s world. The major themes of digital transformation and social and environmental responsibility are integrated into all its curricula: Bachelors, Masters, MBAs, DBAs and continuing education programs.

OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE, ALBERT I^erFOUNDATION, PRINCE OF MONACO

The mission of the Oceanographic Institute, a public interest foundation, is to make the Ocean known, loved and protected. It contributes to a lasting relationship between mankind and the ocean by encouraging political, social, technological and economic transformations informed by science, technological and economic transformations informed by science.

MONACO IMPACT

Monaco Impact aims to promote Monaco’s image as the global center for philanthropy and social impact investment. As part of this agreement, Monaco Impact is sponsoring a competition involving IUM students, rewarding the best project aimed at developing social media tools to attract and raise awareness among Generation Z of the importance of protecting the oceans.

PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO FOUNDATION

Founded by H.S. H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2006, the eponymous Foundation is a global non-profit organization committed to advancing global health for present and future generations.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation focuses its efforts on the following major geographic regions: the Mediterranean basin, the polar regions and the least developed countries. The Foundation has already granted over 110 million euros to finance more than 780 projects aimed at limiting the effects of climate change, promoting renewable energies, protecting the oceans, preserving biodiversity, managing water resources and combating deforestation.

Each winner was presented with a trophy in the form of an artistic work specially created for the MOPC 2025 Grand Final and made from recycled materials by jewellery designer Alberto Domenico Vitale, Managing Director of Vitale 1913 Monte-Carlo, committed to ocean preservation and sustainable trade since 2014.

Monaco Ocean Protection is supported by :

MOPC Main Sponsor

Other Sponsors

CFM INDOSUEZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, main sponsor of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge:

CFM Indosuez Wealth Management, a leading banking institution and pioneer of responsible finance in Monaco, has joined the circle of companies supporting the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge in 2023. In addition to its financial support for the initiative, CFM Indosuez is offering the lucky winner of the “Coup de Coeur ” prize in the student category a cheque for €2,000, as well as an opportunity to present his or her project to the CFM Indosuez Executive Committee. CFM Indosuez is also offering a cheque for €1,000 to the winner in the student category.

The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge relies on a number of partners to promote the competition on an international scale:

Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge

THE MONACO OCEAN PROTECTION CHALLENGE

The ^{8th Edition} MOPC at Monaco ‘s Oceanographic Museum