Call for Challenges for the Ocean Hackathon 2026 Cork

Cork County Council, in partnership with University College Cork, is delighted to announce that Cork will host the Ocean Hackathon 2026 this October as part of the UPWELLING Interreg Atlantic Area project. Cork is among eleven locations worldwide selected to host this innovative event. Ocean Hackathon takes place simultaneously in different locations.

Organised under the UPWELLING initiative, the event aims to tackle critical challenges facing the Atlantic blue economy, such as the skills gap, limited access to marine infrastructure, and fragmented stakeholder collaboration.

The UPWELLING project is addressing these issues by building a transnational network and launching the UPWELLING Academy, offering specialised training in emerging marine technologies and supporting prototyping activities. The project aims to empower SMEs and startups while fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The Call for Challenges is now open.  Individuals and organisations are invited to submit their challenges and participate in Ocean Hackathon, taking place from the 16th to the 18th of October 2026. Challenges may range from simple ideas and community initiatives to mature projects requiring expert support. Eligible challenges must:

•    Relate to oceans and seas, their sustainable development and/or preservation
•    Inspire new ideas or innovative solutions
•    Be based on data
•    Require prototype development during the event

Submit your challenge online by the 30th of May 2026 by visiting the Ocean Hackathon webpage.