Ocean Exchange Neptune Awards 2026
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Quick Answer
Ocean Exchange's 2026 call closed on 22 June 2026 for Asia and Oceania. Three US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh) non-dilutive Neptune Awards back startups working on oceans and coasts.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Ocean Exchange
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 23 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Ocean Exchange. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The 2026 Ocean Exchange Neptune Awards call is closed. The deadline for startups in Asia and Oceania, which includes India, was 11:59 PM GMT on 22 June 2026 (5:29 AM IST on 23 June), and the official page now says applications for 2026 are closed. It announces no 2027 call or dates, so treat this page as a guide to preparing for a future round, not as an open opportunity.
Ocean Exchange is a flagship program of the Marine Technology Society. Each year it runs a global Call for Solutions that connects ocean innovators with funding, expertise and a network. The 2026 call offered US$400,000 in non-dilutive awards, which means a founder gives up no ownership to receive the money.
What the program offers
The Neptune Awards are three prizes of US$100,000 each (about ₹95 lakh). They go to solutions that advance understanding of the ocean and help reduce human impact on it, even while the ocean is used for human benefit, leading to more resilient waters, healthy marine life and coastlines. One of the three is focused on the Ocean Enterprise. All three are broad, covering maritime, blue economy, ocean environment and coastal resilience topics as well as data gathering and analysis.
Alongside them, two MRH-WLW Florida Environmental Impact Awards of US$50,000 each (about ₹47.5 lakh) were funded by the Marine Research Hub and Wayne & Lucretia Weiner for startups improving water quality, coastal ecosystems, fisheries, habitats and resilience across South Florida. An applicant can be considered for both a Neptune Award and a Florida award.
Who can apply
The call is for startups with ocean, coastal or blue-economy solutions, and entries were accepted from every region with a separate deadline for each: Asia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Americas. This is an international program, so an Indian startup was eligible and fell in the Asia and Oceania window. It suits companies with a working solution and a clear case for impact. The Florida awards only suit teams whose work helps South Florida. Ocean Exchange also runs separate Collegiate Awards for earlier-stage companies led by student innovators; the Neptune Awards are not for those.
How to apply
In 2026 applicants registered their solution through oceanexchange.org, which linked to the application on the F6S platform, opened on 1 March 2026. Regional deadlines were 22 June (Asia and Oceania), 10 July (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and 7 August (the Americas), all at 11:59 PM GMT. A practical tip: the Asia and Oceania window was the earliest, so Indian teams had the least time and should prepare the material before a call opens.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Awards are based on innovation, impact and execution. In 2026, thirty global semi-finalists were chosen on 31 August, and 16 finalists, announced on 25 September, presented at Ocean Exchange in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 25 to 27 October 2026. The finalist presentation is a live, in-person event, so a future finalist should plan to be there.
About Ocean Exchange
Ocean Exchange is a program of the Marine Technology Society and describes itself as connecting ocean innovators with funding, expertise and a network. Its page lists past finalists and winners, which is a useful way to see what kind of solutions it backs.
Things to check before you apply
- No next round is announced. Follow Ocean Exchange's channels for a 2027 call, and confirm the dates, regions and award definitions on the official page when it opens.
- The full award definitions and process details are in a PDF linked from the official page; read it, as it is the authority on scope.
- Plan for travel to Florida if you are a finalist. This page does not state who pays travel costs.
- Awards are in US dollars. Indian recipients of foreign money should check FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser before applying.
- A practical tip: write your impact and execution case in measurable terms, since those are two of the three judging themes.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The 2026 call offered US$400,000 in non-dilutive awards. Three Ocean Exchange Neptune Awards of US$100,000 each (about ₹95 lakh) go to solutions for more resilient oceans and coastlines, one of them focused on the Ocean Enterprise. Two MRH-WLW Florida Environmental Impact Awards of US$50,000 each (about ₹47.5 lakh) go to startups working on South Florida's waters and coasts. Finalists present at the Ocean Exchange event, and Ocean Exchange connects entrepreneurs with funding, expertise and a global network.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Awards are judged on innovation, impact and execution. From all entries, 30 global semi-finalists were chosen, then 16 finalists were invited to present at Ocean Exchange in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before the winners were named.
Application Process
- 1
Apply on F6S
Submit your solution through F6S by your region's deadline.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ocean Exchange Neptune Awards call still open?
No. The official page says applications for 2026 are closed, and the Asia and Oceania deadline was 22 June 2026. It announces no 2027 call or dates.
Can Indian startups apply for the Neptune Awards?
Yes. The call accepts startups from every region, and India falls in the Asia and Oceania window. It is not an India-only program.
How much is a Neptune Award worth?
There are three Neptune Awards of US$100,000 each, about ₹95 lakh each. Two Florida Environmental Impact Awards of US$50,000 each bring the 2026 total to US$400,000.
Is the money a grant or equity?
The awards are described as non-dilutive, meaning the startup gives up no ownership. The source does not describe any conditions on how the money is used.
What was the deadline for startups in India?
11:59 PM GMT on 22 June 2026, which is 5:29 AM IST on 23 June. Other regions had later deadlines in July and August.
How are winners chosen?
Awards are based on innovation, impact and execution. Thirty global semi-finalists were chosen, then 16 finalists presented at the Ocean Exchange event before winners were named.
Do finalists have to travel?
Finalists presented in person at Ocean Exchange in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 25 to 27 October 2026. The source does not say who covers travel costs.
Can I be considered for more than one award?
Yes. Eligible applicants may be considered for both a Neptune Award and a Florida Environmental Impact Award.
Where do I apply and is there a fee?
In 2026 you registered through oceanexchange.org, which linked to the application on F6S. The sources reviewed state no entry fee, but check the official PDF for the next round.
When will the next round open?
No next round is announced on the official page. The page says updates will be posted on the organisation's social channels.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
