The Ocean’s Next Big Breakthroughs Go Live: Tune In for the ‘Plastic Fantastic’ Hackathon Finals (May 18-19)

• May 14, 2026

After three days of intensive bootcamp sessions, business modelling masterclasses, and a fierce qualifying round, the stage is set. The Plastic Fantastic Hackathon, the EU-driven innovation challenge to end marine litter in the Atlantic and Arctic, enters its final chapter next week. And the world is invited to watch.

On May 18 and 19, 2026, 12 finalist teams will converge online for the Hackathon Days, a two-day sprint of expert coaching, high-level panel discussions, and a live pitching battle for a share of €10,000 in cash prizes and a three-month acceleration programme. The event, part of the Horizon Europe-funded PHAROS project, will be broadcast live via Zoom, offering a front-row seat to the future of ocean restoration.

Day One (May 18): Where Ideas Meet Investment

The action begins on Monday, May 18, at 10:00 CEST, with a full day dedicated to refining solutions. After a welcome session and an ecosystem mapping workshop, teams will huddle in 1:1 coaching sessions with sustainability and business experts to pressure-test their blue economy ventures.

But the crown jewel of Day One is the panel discussion: “Funding the Blue Economy.” Scheduled for 14:15–15:15 CET, this session will tackle the most critical question facing ocean innovators: how to scale.

Moderated by Andrei Geica (Founding Partner of Sporos Platform, an impact investment fund accelerating circular economy solutions across Southeast Europe), the panel brings together heavyweights from the private, public, and non-profit sectors:

• Ruth Andrade (Earth Care Strategy Lead, LUSH), who leads the cosmetics giant’s regenerative beauty and circular economy initiatives.
• Patricia Puig, PhD (CEO & Founder of Oceanogami), a marine scientist and keynote speaker specialising in blue economy consulting and marine protected areas.
• Ines Mas de la Peña (Programme Manager, Climate KIC), who supports climate startups and leads adaptation and resilience innovation programmes.

The panel will explore investment perspectives and practical pathways to scale. Join the discussion live via Zoom

Following the panel, teams will enjoy supported free working time, fine-tuning their pitches with the Impact Hub Athens facilitation team.

Day Two (May 19): The Final Pitch

The grand finale takes place on Tuesday, May 19, starting at 17:00 CET. The evening will kick off with a welcome and the announcement of the jury members, followed by a keynote address that sets the policy landscape.

Delivering the keynote at 17:00 CET will be Andreea Strachinescu (Head of Unit for Maritime Innovation, Marine Knowledge and Investments, at the European Commission’s CINEA/DG MARE). Her remarks will illuminate EU priorities, funding frameworks, and the strategic opportunities within the blue economy.

Join the keynote and pitching session via Zoom.

Immediately following, from 17:30 to 18:50 CET, the 12 qualifying teams will take the virtual stage for the final pitching competition. The lineup includes a diverse array of innovators, from Ireland’s C-Quest Blue (converting mixed coastal plastics into carbon feedstock) to Kenya’s Progreen (transforming waste into eco-bricks) and Greece’s Beach Plastic Board Games (handcrafting games from marine litter).

Each team will present their actionable solution for the detection, collection, prevention, or valorisation of marine litter. A jury of scientific and investment experts will evaluate them on four core criteria: team expertise, climate impact, business viability, and implementation feasibility. Winners will be announced at 18:50 CET.

Meet the Brains Behind the Contest

The quality of the feedback loop is only as good as the experts providing it. Learn more about the mentors and jury members who have guided this process.

For a full breakdown of the agenda and session times, explore the complete Hackathon programme here.

Don’t Miss the Wave

This is more than a competition. The Plastic Fantastic Hackathon is a live laboratory for the PHAROS project’s broader mission: restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across the Atlantic and Arctic basins using nature-based solutions. Whether you are an investor scouting the next big thing, a student of the blue economy, or a concerned citizen, these sessions offer a transparent, unfiltered look at how innovation is turning the tide on marine pollution.

Mark your calendars. The ocean is watching.