Join the Narwhal Challenge and Discover Brest's Maritime Expertise- Apply now!

Explore new opportunities in the French maritime ecosystem!

The Narwhal Challenge is an immersion programme designed for international companies wishing to discover Brittany's cutting-edge innovation ecosystem in the field of blue technologies federated through the Campus Mondial de la mer: research laboratories, infrastructure platforms and companies.
Would you like to develop cooperative ventures? Would you like to set up in Brittany? Narwhal Challenge is for you!

This year, there are two courses on offer:

• droning maritime activities
• developing marine bioresources

Over the course of several days, take advantage of tailored support, meet key players in the region and explore unique opportunities for collaboration!

Why should you take part?

• Access to an ecosystem of excellence
  Join a dynamic network of academic, industrial and institutional players specialising in maritime technologies.
• Expand your network
  Meet experts, potential partners and investors to accelerate your development on the French and European markets.
• Benefit from customised support
  We'll organise a programme tailored to your needs: B2B meetings, visits to laboratories and companies, sector-specific events, etc.
• Discover an innovative region
  Finistère is a major technology hub in Europe, renowned for its expertise in marine robotics, ocean observation and the development of marine resources.

Finistère: a major innovation hub for drones and marine bioresources

Droning maritime activities

Finistère is a key player in the development of autonomous marine and aerial drones, thanks to a dynamic ecosystem combining research, industry and test facilities. The region boasts major players such as CELADON SEA TEST BASE, which offers test platforms at sea, and the Centre Technique Drone Ouest, which specialises in maritime and defence applications. With cutting-edge laboratories such as Lab-STICC, Ifremer and ENSTA, Brest is positioned as a strategic innovation centre for the development of embedded technologies, autonomous sensors and underwater robotics. More information

Developing marine bioresources

Brittany, and Finistère in particular, is a leader in the development of marine resources, accounting for over a third of French jobs in the sector. The region is home to world-renowned research centres such as Ifremer, the Roscoff Biological Station and France Énergies Marines, which are developing innovations in blue biotechnologies, sustainable aquaculture and algae processing. Thanks to a network of specialist companies and clusters such as Blue Valley and the Algae Cluster, Brest offers a unique environment for start-ups looking to exploit the potential of marine bioresources. More information

Who can apply?

Companies developing innovations in the droning of maritime activities or in the exploitation of marine bioresources who want to discover the French marine science and technology market.

How to apply?

• Fill in the online questionnaire (it only takes a few minutes!)
• Our team will analyse your application and select the most suitable organisations
• We will contact you by the first week of July to inform you of the next steps.

To know more

If you are selected, we will cover all the costs associated with the visit programme (accommodation, catering, etc...) as well as a flat-rate payment for your travel (€500) –
Further details available in the Narwhal Challenge Rulebook

• Applications open: 24 March 2025
• Information webinar: Friday 16 May (registration required)
• Closing date for applications: 15 June 2025
• Selection of start-ups: end of  June 2025
• Announcement of results: early July 2025
• Immersion programme: 13 to 16 October 2025