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.

The ABIC is interested in both novel approaches and adaptations of existing methodologies that demonstrate practicality, scalability, and potential for positive impact. Furthermore, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG5, SDG7, SDG8, SDG9, SDG10, SDG13, and SDG14, is encouraged to promote comprehensive progress in sustainable development across the ASEAN region and other relevant areas. This initiative itself will emphasize on four topics aligned to in the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, which described in Table 1 below.

• Climate Issues
• Marine plastic pollution
• Sustainable Fisheries
• Sustainable Tourism

Benefits

Out of all applications, a maximum of 200 will be selected on a competitive basis as finalists and 60 applicants will be admitted into the Capacity Building Programme and will receive financial support awarded as specified in Table 3 below:

• FOR THE 60 SELECTED AWARDEES FOR ALL APPLICANTS
  • Capacity building programme: Technical assistance and mentorship in preparation and during the piloting period
  • Funding : Maximum USD 40,000 for up to six months to pilot or proof of concept of the innovations.
• For All the Applicants
• Outreach: Solutions submitted could potentially be included in upcoming UNDP publications that are shared with national, regional, and global partners for public outreach, upon consent.

Check: Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) Grants Program 2024 [ up to $500,000 – $1,500,000]

Eligibility of ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge