New Delhi: The India-EU Ideathon on “Combating Marine Plastic Litter” was officially launched on September 25, 2025. The event was organised by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), Government of India, in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to India, under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies.
Collaborative Global Initiative
The Ideathon invites startups, researchers, and businesses from India and the European Union to co-develop scalable, practical solutions to address marine plastic pollution. Co-chairs Dr. Parvinder Maini (OPSA) and Ms. Signe Ratso (EU) highlighted the importance of this joint effort, stating it reflects a shared vision to tackle plastic pollution affecting marine ecology and coastal communities.
Key Focus Areas and Challenges
The Ideathon focuses on three broad challenges:
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Detection and tracking of marine plastics to monitor their movement across oceans and coastal ecosystems.
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Development of technologies for the removal of marine plastics with scalable solutions.
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Raising public awareness and mobilizing community action to prevent plastic pollution.
Expert Engagement and Presentations
Experts from India and the EU presented insights on the current status and research efforts regarding marine plastic litter. Notable participants included Prof. Hoysala N. Chanakya, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Mr. John Hanus from the European Commission, along with other leading scientists, industry experts, and NGOs.
Opportunity for Innovation
The Ideathon provides a platform for early-stage ideas supported by mentorship and guidance to accelerate impactful innovations. Applications are open until October 2, 2025 and can be submitted via the official website: https://euindiaideathon.org/.
Conclusion: India-EU Ideathon
The India-EU Ideathon exemplifies effective international cooperation to address one of the world’s pressing environmental challenges through innovation, research, and community engagement. It reinforces India and the EU’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and achieving global sustainability goals.
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Source: PIB
