New Delhi: The India-EU Ideathon on Combating Marine Plastic Litter was officially launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to India.
Organized under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, the Ideathon aims to bring together start-ups, researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders from India and the EU to co-develop innovative solutions addressing marine plastic litter.
Shared Commitment to Sustainability
The launch event was co-chaired by Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, OPSA, and Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission.
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Dr. Maini highlighted the Ideathon as a joint initiative to create solutions that are both globally relevant and locally effective, citing India’s recent efforts such as the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign and the ban on single-use plastics.
Ratso underscored that the Ideathon strengthens EU-India cooperation in tackling the growing crisis of marine plastic pollution, which poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, public health, and coastal economies.
India-EU Ideathon on Combating Marine Plastic Litter: Key Themes and Challenges
The Ideathon framework, including process, structure, and timelines, was presented at the launch. The initiative introduces three core challenges for participants:
- Identifying and tracking marine plastics through advanced detection and monitoring systems.
- Developing scalable technologies for the removal of marine plastics.
- Promoting awareness and community action to prevent plastic leakage into ecosystems.
Presentations on the landscape of marine plastic litter in India and the EU were delivered by Prof. Hoysala N Chanakya of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and John Hanus of the European Commission, highlighting pressing challenges and ongoing research in both regions.
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Broad Participation and Global Expertise
Over 75 participants from India and the EU, including government officials, researchers, start-ups, businesses, and civil society organisations, joined the event.
Marine experts such as Prof E V Ramasamy (MG University, Kerala), Dr Pravakar Mishra (National Centre for Coastal Research), and Pilar Zorzo Gallego (Spanish Marine Litter Association) shared insights alongside European marine researchers.
Application Details
Applications for the India-EU Ideathon on Combating Marine Plastic Litter remain open until October 2, 2025. Interested stakeholders can apply through the official website euindiaideathon.org or reach out via email at eu-india@servicefacility.eu.
