Participating Teams

Twenty teams from 16 different countries (Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Kenya, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Poland, Montenegro, the United States, Italy, Slovenia, Pakistan, France, and the Azores Portugal) have been selected for the PHAROS hackathon’s Boot Camp, with Track A comprising individuals or teams developing early-stage concepts to refine and structure their ocean-protection solutions, while Track B features recently established companies and small non-profit organisations (under five years old or with fewer than five full-time equivalents) aiming to scale or further develop existing initiatives.

Track A – IDEA STAGE

River Plastic Barrier System (RPBS)

River Plastic Barrier System (RPBS) captures macroplastic waste in rivers before it reaches the sea. Using mesh barriers with controlled pore sizes, the solution intercepts floating debris while allowing water flow and aquatic life movement through river channels.

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Turkiye

Beach Plastic Board Games

Beach Plastic Board Games transforms beach plastic waste into handcrafted games using simple recycling methods. Through workshops and local production, the project promotes circular economy practices, reduces marine litter, and empowers communities creatively.

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Greece

Chitofoil

Chitofoil is a biodegradable plant foil made from shrimp shell waste and biopolymers. Designed to replace plastic horticulture pots, it degrades naturally in soil while improving plant growth, water retention, and circular agriculture practices sustainably.

Type of Solution: Prevention & Reduction

Portugal

NEREID

NEREID is an autonomous platform for marine plastic response. AI maps microplastic hotspots, while drones reposition self-powered buoys that capture pollutants and microplastics. The system detects, predicts, remediates, and supports local collection.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

Greece

C-Quest Blue

C-Quest Blue converts mixed coastal plastics into recycled carbon feedstock using a bio-derived catalyst made from plant extracts. The process supports biodiversity recovery, waste valorisation, and circular bioeconomy solutions without requiring plastic pre-processing.

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Ireland

TakaPoint

Taka Point uses IoT-enabled smart bins and rewards systems to encourage plastic recycling in schools, malls, and events. Users earn points for recycling bottles, while organisations track environmental impact and support circular economy practices.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

Kenya

Chrysoptera

Chrysoptera detects, predicts, and prevents marine litter across Atlantic and Arctic coastlines. Using AI, drift forecasting, and a QR-based return scheme for ghost gear, the system helps coastal communities reduce debris and improve marine monitoring.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

United Kingdom

PlastiNova

PlastiNova converts marine and river plastic waste into hydrogen fuel, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and industrial oils using advanced thermo-chemical and nanotechnology processes, creating circular economy solutions with high-value industrial outputs.

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Egypt

G.E.R.A. G.U.L.F.

G.E.R.A. G.U.L.F. addresses pollution in the Natura 2000 protected Gera Gulf in Lesvos through coastal and underwater clean-ups. Using drones and remote-controlled water drones, the team monitors waste levels and supports restoration of the gulf’s marine ecosystem.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

Greece

Track B – EMERGING ORGANISATIONS*

*Only for profit-organisations with less than 5 years and non-for-profit organisations with less than 5FTEs can participate.

Progreen

Progreen transforms plastic waste into circular fuels and eco-bricks. Recyclable plastics become certified industrial fuels, while laminates are turned into bricks for local construction. The solution prevents waste from reaching dumpsites and oceans too.

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Kenya

PolyPythia

PolyPythia ‘Audit Trail’ transforms marine debris into traceable raw material through AI-driven spectral analysis and digital passports. The system verifies plastic origin and composition, supporting fraud-proof recycling, circular economy integrity, and transparent waste recovery.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

United Kingdom

WeavAir

WeavAir delivers hardware and software solutions for plastic and particulate pollution monitoring. Using advanced sensors and predictive analytics, the system identifies pollution sources in real time, helping reduce waste pathways and improve ecosystem health.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

Poland

Eko Daska

Eko Daska turns plastic waste into durable urban furniture. Each bench removes 50 kg of plastic, replacing wood and avoiding deforestation. Built to last 30+ years, it helps cities convert local waste into scalable, low-maintenance public infrastructure

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Montenegro

EvoNatura

EvoNatura develops biotech additives that give plastics a programmed end of life. Compatible with existing production, they maintain performance while enabling biodegradation in real conditions like soil and compost, supporting circularity and regulatory compliance.

Type of Solution: Prevention & Reduction

United States

NO MORE PLASTIC

No More Plastic reduces single-use plastic pollution through free reusable cotton bags, public engagement activities, and local policy support. The initiative promotes lasting behaviour change and helps protect Mediterranean marine ecosystems.

Type of Solution: Prevention & Reduction

Italy

TrashTrek App

TrashTrek App maps waste pollution using satellite data, computer vision, and community verification. Users confirm polluted areas through geolocated reports and clean-ups, while gamification and rewards encourage participation and environmental action.

Type of Solution: Detection & Monitoring

Slovenia

Zero Waste Solutions

Zero Waste Solutions advances circular economy practices in Pakistan through waste recovery, recycling, composting, and plastic transformation. The company converts low-value plastics into construction materials while reducing landfill dependence and pollution.

Type of Solution: Collection & Valorisation

Pakistan

Protecting Nusa Penida

Earthwake supports plastic waste management in Nusa Penida, expanding collection points, improving sorting systems, and introducing low-tech recycling equipment. Developed with local partners, the project reduces plastic leakage and strengthens recycling.