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PHAROS Plastic Fantastic Hackathon: Bootcamp

May 11 @ 17:00 - May 13 @ 19:30

The Plastic Fantastic Hackathon Bootcamp (11-13 May 2026) is an online innovation challenge where teams come together to design actionable solutions for the detection, collection, prevention, and valorisation of marine litter.

The Hackathon is part of PHAROS, an EU-funded project that aims to provide nature-based solutions for restoring ecosystems and biodiversity while addressing climate change and human impacts in the Atlantic and Arctic maritime regions.

The Challenge

Let’s design and develop solutions to pollution.

The contamination of oceans, seas, and coastal ecosystems by plastics, chemicals, waste, and other human-derived debris is threatening ecosystems and biodiversity, human health, and the sustainability of marine resources. PHAROS is seeking solutions that address this challenge through:

Detection and monitoring
Methods and tools to identify, track, and assess marine litter sources, distribution, and impacts.

Collection and valorisation
Efficient systems to remove marine litter and transform recovered materials into valuable resources through reuse, recycling, or upcycling.

Reduction and prevention
Strategies, products, and policies that prevent marine litter at its source and reduce its generation across value chains.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone with ideas, motivation, or projects to protect our oceans is welcome! Citizens, students, startups, young professionals, associations, NGOs, and early-stage companies are all invited to join.

Two different tracks:

Track A – Idea Stage
For individuals or teams with early-stage concepts who want to refine, develop, and structure their solution.

Track B – Emerging Organisations*
For recently established companies or small non-profit organisations looking to strengthen, scale, or further develop their existing solution.

*Only for-profit organisations with fewer than 5 years in operation and non-profit organisations with fewer than 5 FTEs are eligible to participate.

AGENDA

11 May | 17:45 – 19:15 CET
Business Modelling Masterclass
Trainers: Stefan Kurandic (Relevant), Lorena Silvestri (.jes)
Scope: Hands-on training on developing viable business models and structuring ideas for sustainability and impact.

12 May | 17:30 – 19:00 CET
Pitching Masterclass
Trainer: George Stratigopoulos (Uni.Fund)
Scope: Practical guidance on crafting compelling pitches, with focus on storytelling, clarity, and investor readiness.

12 May | 19:05 – 19:30 CET
Meet the Changemakers
Speakers: Andy Bownds (Ecobrix), Anouck Lalauze (Up-Fuse), Argyris Moystakas (Searidrones)
Scope: Real-world insights from innovators developing solutions in circular economy and marine sustainability, followed by Q&A.

13 May | 17:05 – 17:25 CET
Inspirational Talk: “Rethinking Plastic: Solutions for Prevention at the Source”
Speaker: Maria Westerbos (Plastic Soup Foundation)
Scope: Exploration of upstream solutions and systemic approaches to preventing plastic pollution.

Key Dates for the Plastic Fantastic Hackathon Series

Details