Brussels, 12 May 2026 – The Euronext Blue Challenge Final brought together young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and European stakeholders in an online event Global Final to celebrate youth‑led innovation driving sustainability and blue economy innovation.
Marking the 6th edition of the Euronext Blue Challenge, the final featured 10 startups from Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, France and India, all winners of their respective national competitions, representing the most promising youth-led solutions advancing ocean sustainability and environmental resilience.
The event opened with remarks from Simon Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of Euronext London and Head of Global Sales, and Diana Filip, Deputy CEO & Chief Development Officer, JA Europe. Salvatore Nigro, Chief Executive Officer of JA Europe congratulated to all teams before the winner announcement. All speeches highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship for young people addressing key environmental challenges that affect our day-to-day life, communities and economy.
Organised by JA Europe in partnership with Euronext, the initiative showcased outstanding startups addressing key challenges across marine ecosystems, water systems, and sustainable industry innovation.
The Euronext Blue Challenge recognises entrepreneurial solutions with strong potential for environmental impact, scalability, and real‑world application, highlighting the role of young founders in shaping a more sustainable and resilient blue economy across Europe and beyond.
From national winners to international finalists: blue economy innovators take the global stage
During the final, participating teams presented their innovations live before a jury of senior experts, sharing their solutions, market positioning, and growth ambitions, followed by jury questions and discussions.
Following jury deliberations, Bio Hull (India) was named the winner of the Euronext Blue Challenge 2026, in recognition of its innovation and its contribution to advancing sustainable solutions for oceans and water systems. Inflood (France) secured second place, while Nehro (Norway) was awarded third place.
The finalist startups were:
BioHull (India) — BioHull produces non-toxic antifouling tiles for ships, inspired by shark skin. Their technology minimises biofilm and barnacle growth without releasing harmful chemicals into the ocean.
Inflood Tech (France) — Inflood Tech has designed an inflatable dam that significantly reduces damage caused by flooding, providing a rapid and effective protection solution against rising water levels.
Nehro UB (Norway) — Nehro UB is developing a solution that eliminates emissions of hydrogen peroxide into the ocean following fish delousing processes, addressing environmental impact in aquaculture.
PlastiCatch (Netherlands) — The PlastiCatch team set out to tackle the problem of microplastics entering water systems and ultimately the ocean. They designed an innovative laundry bag that captures microplastics released during washing, preventing them from being discharged into waterways.
EcoLithos (Portugal) — EcoLithos transforms industrial waste into eco-friendly construction materials, reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to circular economy practices while protecting marine ecosystems.
Beezy Wrap (Belgium) — Beezy Wrap is a reusable beeswax wrap made from locally sourced fabric scraps, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use packaging.
Mag-Shell (Italy) — Mag-Shell is a floating filtration device that treats contaminated water from naval maintenance, using recycled mussel shells to capture heavy metals such as copper, zinc, and lead.
Squish Pea (United Kingdom) — Squish Pea replaces plastic microbeads in sensory products with naturally dyed chickpeas, reducing environmental impact while maintaining product performance.
Algicare (Denmark) — Algicare has developed a seaweed-based plaster with an integrated pH indicator that changes colour to signal infection. HydroLoop (Ireland) — HydroLoop protects freshwater ecosystems by redirecting wastewater into AI data centres, using server heat to support water purification.
A platform connecting youth entrepreneurship, industry expertise and policy leadership
The Euronext Blue Challenge continues to demonstrate the shared commitment of JA Europe and Euronext to equipping young people with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to address critical environmental challenges.
By bringing together national winners in a Global final, the initiative highlights how entrepreneurship education, private sector collaboration, and innovation can accelerate progress towards a sustainable blue economy.
Professional Jury — Euronext Blue Challenge 2026
Stefaan De Rynck — Principal Adviser to the Director-General, DG MARE, European Commission
Prof. Dr Uwe Waller — Professor and expert in marine and environmental sciences
Leander Hessner — Chief Executive Officer, Decameal
Simon Gallagher — CEO of Euronext London and Head of Global Sales
Camille Leca — Group Head of ESG & Sustainable Finance, Euronext
JA Europe and Euronext extend their sincere thanks to the members of the jury for their expertise and commitment, and to DG MARE of the European Commission for its continued engagement in supporting youth-driven innovation for a sustainable blue economy.
“We were truly blown away by the quality and creativity of the submissions. What stood out most was not only the innovation behind the ideas, but the passion and teamwork shown by all the participants. Today was a powerful reminder that solving challenges like clean water and ocean protection requires international cooperation and a new generation ready to take action. The future is clearly in good hands.”
— Simon Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Euronext London and Head of Global Sales
“The Euronext Blue Challenge shows what young people can achieve when entrepreneurship education meets the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. From shark-skin-inspired ship coatings to inflatable flood defences and microplastic capture, these ten teams are turning bold ideas into real solutions for our oceans and our planet. Our partnership with Euronext is proof that when industry, education, and youth-led innovation come together, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient blue economy, in Europe and beyond.”
— Salvatore Nigro, Chief Executive Officer, JA Europe
About Euronext
Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal. In November 2025, Euronext acquired a majority stake in the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX), reinforcing its pan-European footprint and further extending its fully integrated market infrastructure with the addition of an exchange, a CSD and a clearing house.
As of March 2026, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with €7 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 29% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.
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About JA Europe
JA Europe is the largest and leading organisation in Europe dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed. For over 100 years, JA Worldwide has delivered hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial health. In the last school year, the JA Europe network in over 40 countries provided over 7.5 million learning experiences for youth in online, in-person and blended formats, the organisation provided over 95,500 teaching experiences and 86,500 volunteering and mentoring experiences.
For additional information, please contact Petra Veres, Development Associate, JA Europe at petra@jaeurope.org
