International Hackathon "Participatory Science for Ocean" - Nice, June 2025

This initiative is part of the global platform for impact project development driven by the Geneva Forum and fully aligns with the Forum’s key focus areas: citizen science, impact finance, project-based education, and rights of nature, as well as resilient tourism.

Strategic Objectives

• Accelerate the creation of concrete projects in participatory research and innovation serving the Ocean (transport, energy, ecology, food...).
• Train and unite economic, academic, and citizen stakeholders around agile and collaborative methodologies.
• Prototype viable solutions in response to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with potential for funding, dissemination, and scaling.

For Whom?

This hackathon is aimed at:

• Impact entrepreneurs and oceanographic start-ups
• Researchers, engineers, and marine environment experts
• Students in Science, Technology, Law, Economics, Education...
• Public institution representatives and local elected officials
• Scientific travel organizations, NGOs, and field operators
• Educators, facilitators, artists, and community builders
• Impact investors seeking early-stage project opportunities

Business Development & Investment

In connection with the Geneva Forum, this hackathon offers a structured framework to:

• Accelerate the development of projects driving systemic transformation for the oceans.
• Assess the economic and technical feasibility of submitted ideas.
• Connect project leaders with funders (via the Geneva Forum’s Blended Finance Party).
• Access expertise in solution design, logistics, participatory governance, and impact assessment.

Methodology & Expected Outcomes

Over 10 days, each afternoon, teams will co-develop a complete, structured, and directly actionable project, ready to be presented on international platforms, including at the UN Conference itself.

Each participant will leave with:

• A documented project brief (scientific, pedagogical, logistical, and budgetary aspects),
• A network of new partners with whom you will have brought these new projects to life,
• Reusable methodological tools,
• A certificate of competence in participatory project pedagogy,
• The opportunity to pitch their project to a jury during the UN Conference,
• The chance to further develop the project with partners connected on site.

Competition & Recognition

The most promising projects will be:

• Awarded during the UN Conference
• Supported through to implementation
• Presented to funders and international partners
• Featured on Geneva Forum platforms

Location, Dates, Registration

• Nice, France
• From June 3 to 12, 2025, every afternoon
• Registration & detailed program
• 🎟️ €200 discount with the code St1-GF, offered by the Geneva Forum

An initiative connected to the Geneva Forum ecosystem

As a strategic satellite event of the Geneva Forum, this hackathon is part of the impact project life cycle supported by the Forum: from ideation to fundraising, through p