The India-EU Ideathon on “Combating Marine Plastic Litter” was formally launched on September 25, 2025. The event was organised by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to India, under the aegis of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies. The Ideathon invites applications from start-ups, researchers, businesses and other stakeholders in India and the European Union to co-develop practical and innovative solutions to address marine plastic litter.

Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, OPSA, and Ms. Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission co-chaired the event. In her address, Dr. Maini emphasised that the Ideathon represents a joint effort to develop solutions that are both globally relevant and locally effective. She said, “The Ideathon on combating marine plastic litter is an excellent example of India-EU’s shared vision for developing globally impactful solutions that address the problem of plastic pollution in both Indian and European contexts.” Highlighting the significance of research, innovation and collaboration, she also underscored India’s efforts in recent years including initiatives like the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, and a nationwide ban on single-use plastics to curb plastic pollution.

Ms. Ratso further underlined, “The EU-India-TTC-WG2 Ideathon strengthens EU-India cooperation, as we join forces to address challenges that impact our shared vision for global sustainability. This initiative brings us together to tackle marine plastic pollution, a growing crisis that endangers marine life, public health, and coastal economies across our regions.”

Dr. Rakesh Kaur, Adviser, OPSA and Ms. Nienke Buisman, Head of the International Cooperation Unit at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, delivered special remarks, encouraging participants to actively explore collaborative pathways for addressing marine plastic litter. An overview of the Ideathon framework, outlining the process, structure, guidelines and timelines was also presented during the launch event. The ideathon envisages to provide an early-stage platform for innovative ideas on “Combating Marine Plastic Litter”, through expert mentorship and guidance.

A landscape of marine plastic litter in India and the European Union was presented by Prof. Hoysala N. Chanakya, Chief Research Scientist, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Mr. John Hanus, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, respectively. The presentations highlighted prevailing challenges and ongoing research initiatives in both regions and emphasised the importance of coordinated and sustained action to address the issue.

During the event, three challenges for the Ideathon were introduced:
 (i) identifying and tracking marine plastics to develop innovative approaches for detecting and monitoring their movement across coastal and ocean ecosystems,
 (ii) developing technologies for the removal of marine plastics with a focus on effective and scalable solutions to reduce plastic litter in marine environments, and
 (iii) raising awareness and mobilising communities for the prevention of marine plastic pollution, highlighting the role of behavioural change and community-led action to stop plastic leakage into ecosystems.

Dr. Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist D, OPSA, and Mr. Antonio Marquez Camacho, Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, and Mr. Kinchit Bihani, Research and Innovation Adviser at the Delegation of the EU to India also attended the event.

Over seventy-fifty participants joined from across India and the European Union, representing officials, researchers, start-ups, businesses, and civil society organisations. Experts including Prof. E.V. Ramasamy, Professor Emeritus, School of Environmental Sciences, MG University, Kerala; Dr. Pravakar Mishra, Former Scientist ‘G’, National Centre for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES); Dr. Ajay Karmarkar, Director-Technical, KONSPEC Industries; Dr. K. Ramu, Scientist ‘F’, National Centre for Coastal Research, MoES; Dr. S.R. Marigoudar, Scientist ‘E’, National Centre for Coastal Research, MoES; Dr. Robin R.S, Scientist ‘C’, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management; Ms. Pilar Zorzo Gallego, President of the Spanish Marine Litter Association, Dr. Vanessa-Sarah Salvo, Marine Researcher, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC; and Dr. Vesna Kuralt, Project Manager, REMEDIES joined the event. 

Applications for the Ideathon remain open until October 2, 2025. Interested participants may apply through the official website at https://euindiaideathon.org/ and may contact eu-india@servicefacility.eu for further information.

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MJPS/ST

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