Co-organised by
In cooperation with
The Open Sea Lab Hackathon 4.0 invites participants to develop impactful solutions using the wealth of EMODnet services spanning pan-European data/data products of the marine environment and human activities at sea.
The winners of the hackathon will be showcased at the European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork, Ireland where they will have the opportunity to exhibit, pitch, and network in front of a global marine audience!
Why Apply
Networking
Create new relationships and present your abilities to top EU and global organizations involved in the maritime industry.
Upskilling & The EU DTO
Utilize the EMODnet network's cutting-edge tools and resources, as well as open and in-situ data, to acquire new knowledge and abilities and help co-design the European digital twin ocean.
Coaching
Take inspiration from the top mentors and experts in the fields of blue economy, ocean research, sustainability, innovation, and marine data management.
choose your challenge
CHALLENGE ONE
How can EMODnet be used to produce marine knowledge, tools and applications that advance the green transition of the Blue Economy, promoting sustainability and regenerative practices whilst supporting innovation and competitiveness?
CHALLENGE TWO
CHALLENGE THREE
How can EMODnet’s in situ data and data products support climate-smart Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) at national or cross-border levels? This challenge invites participants to explore how in situ data can help ensure that MSPs are comprehensive and adaptive to current and future trends. How can this data inform decisions on human activities and address the unique needs of different marine regions to achieve an ecological, economic, and social balance?
CHALLENGE FOUR
How can EMODnet’s in situ data and data products be used to develop applications that assess the status of the coastal zone and the health of coastal ecosystems? This challenge focuses on using EMDOnet’s in situ data offer for the coastal region, where relevant supplemented by other open data sources, to produce applications and solutions for the Blue Economy, ocean management and wider society to better understand and mitigate coastal issues, including those linked with climate change adaptation & mitigation strategies.
CHALLENGE FIVE
How can participants utilize the EDITO platform to create innovative solutions with the European Digital Twin Ocean? What unique approaches can combine EMODnet in situ data with Copernicus resources like satellite observations and climate models? How might other open data sources further enhance these solutions when integrated with EMODnet data? With no set theme or domain, what creative ideas could showcase the potential of the Digital Twin Ocean to deliver impactful societal solutions?
DATA
SCIENTISTS | AI/ML Specialists
Bring your expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to address critical ocean and environmental challenges. Your skills in geoinformatics, earth observation, and remote sensing will help uncover insights, optimize solutions, and predict trends for sustainable ocean resource management.
Marine Scientists and Researchers
Your knowledge of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate science will provide the foundation for creating scientifically robust and innovative solutions. Contribute your expertise to ensure projects address ecological needs while advancing ocean sustainability.
Engineers and Technology Innovators
Bring your engineering skills to the forefront of ocean innovation. Your contributions to designing coastal infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and ocean technology will drive practical, scalable solutions for sustainable marine development.
Policy and Sustainability Advocates
Contribute your understanding of environmental policy, marine governance, and regulatory frameworks to shape impactful, eco-conscious strategies. Share your expertise to align technological advancements with environmental and societal priorities.
Blue Economy and Science Communication Professionals
Share your entrepreneurial mindset and business acumen to transform ideas into real-world solutions. Your understanding of market needs and industry challenges will guide the development of scalable innovations for a sustainable blue economy.
Students and Early Career Ocean Professionals
Bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and fresh perspectives to tackle pressing ocean challenges. Your participation will help develop innovative solutions while providing you with hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with experts.
Environmental and Coastal Managers
Your knowledge of water management, sustainable development, and coastal zone planning will ensure that solutions are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Contribute your expertise to protect marine resources and balance ecological and economic priorities.
Technology, Sensing, and
GIS Experts
Key dates
FAQ SECTION
YES! You’ll just need your laptop, an internet connection, an open attitude, great team members, and some tea or coffee!
To correctly participate in the hackathon you must be part of a team, either as a Team Leader or Team member.
Once registered, you can go straight to the “Participants” tab, where you will be able to explore all the participating individuals (including their skills!) and ask them to form a team together or to join your already existing team! Alternatively, you can co the “Teams” tab and apply to join other already existing teams.
Teams of at least three and no more than ten people are required to compete in the hackathon.
We highly recommend teams having at least one member with a solid IT background and experience with AI/ML, data, coding and/or programming. If you lack these abilities, you can still join a team that has someone with them on board, or you can look for an IT-savvy team member among the registered participants who might want to join your team.
You must be 18 to participate in the OSL 4.0! In addition, please be aware that anyone who lives or has their abode in a country where participation would be illegal under applicable laws or EU regulations is not permitted to participate.
If you are at least 18 years old and have an interest in harnessing open data to co-create solutions to Ocean challenges, OSL 4.0 is for you! Whether you are a professional with a background in data science, marine research, coding & software development, communications, Ocean policy, environmental management, innovation, or business, or a student working to build any of such skills, there is a Team that can use your talent, ingenuity, eagerness or expertise.
The Open Sea Lab Hackathon 4.0 welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds. Don’t let a lack of experience put you off! During the warm-up phase leading to the hackathon, you will have plenty of time and opportunities to form or find a Team. Likewise, during the hackathon, you will receive support from a great team of Coaches & Mentors.
We typically see a range of people such as data scientists and modellers, marine researchers, environmental managers, professionals from the blue economy industry, business leaders and innovators, and students—so register now and don’t let anything stop you from joining this incredible community!
You can contact us via email info@opensealab.eu