The 7th edition of the Ocean Innovation Awards is still accepting applications until May 15, 2025. This national competition, organized by Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest and labeled this year as part of the “La Mer en Commun” initiative, will reward five innovative projects that contribute to ocean preservation and the development of a sustainable blue economy. Start-ups, companies, and research centers are encouraged to apply on the Blue Bank’s website — HERE.
As a long-standing partner of the maritime sector, Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest supports an industry undergoing major transformations, rich in innovation and creating value for the territories. With over 486,000 direct jobs in France, the blue economy is growing and offering concrete solutions for a more conscious and responsible maritime economy.
“The Ocean Innovation Awards spotlight companies that are building a more sustainable maritime future, and we are proud to give them visibility,” said Philippe Renaudin, Head of the Maritime Division at Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest.
Each year, the bank finances nearly €200 million in maritime projects and has already invested €35 million through investment funds.
Nearly 30 Companies Awarded Since 2020
Since its launch in 2020, 28 companies have been recognized by the Ocean Innovation Awards for their sustainable and forward-thinking projects. Among them:
- Wisamo (Nantes), revolutionizing maritime transport with inflatable sails
- AlgoPaint (Vern-sur-Seiche), developing algae-based bio-sourced paints
- Lisaqua (Saint-Herblain), a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture
- Alegina (Le Poiré-sur-Vie), turning shellfish waste into innovative materials
“This award validates our economic and environmental model. It boosts our visibility and encourages us to keep growing,” said Philippe Gaboriau, founder of Alegina.
Today, 90% of past winners continue to expand and contribute to a responsible blue economy. Winners benefit from strong visibility and connections with key industry players.
“Each year, we are impressed by the quality and diversity of the submitted projects,” adds Philippe Renaudin.
A Distinguished Jury
Projects will be evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising representatives from the maritime sector and partner organizations:
French Maritime Cluster, Ministry of the Sea, IFREMER, Pôles Mer Bretagne Atlantique and Méditerranée, Campus Mondial de la Mer, Ocean as a Common Good, RespectOcean, France Filière Pêche, and Le Marin.
The jury will select four winners based on three criteria:
- Innovation
- Economic impact
- Environmental impact
A fifth prize, the “Public’s Choice Award”, will be determined by public vote.
An Award Ceremony at Océanopolis – October 14, 2025
The award ceremony will take place on October 14, 2025, at Océanopolis in Brest — one of France’s leading aquariums and a major center for marine science outreach. For over 30 years, Océanopolis has been raising public awareness of the ocean’s importance and working to protect marine biodiversity.
Source: marine-oceans
