Eligibility
- Participants of EU Member States* or India**
- Aged 18 and above
- Open to:
- Early-stage entrepreneurs and startups
- University students and researchers
- Young professionals and companies
Join solo or as a team, but cross-border collaboration is key!
You can apply as an individual or as part of a team. If you’re applying alone, don’t worry, matchmaking support will help you connect with others. Please note that all final teams must include participants from both the EU and India. Teams made up solely of EU or solely of Indian participants will not be eligible to compete in the Ideathon.
For any questions or support, feel free to contact us at india@servicefacility.eu.
* Eligible participants from the EU are considered to be EU 27 member states citizens and organisations registered in EU 27 member states.
** Indian participants must hold Indian citizenship, including those residing in India or registered as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are not eligible unless they possess valid Indian citizenship. Eligibility applies to students, researchers, early-stage entrepreneurs, and professionals affiliated with institutions in their respective regions.
Team participation
As an individual
Join and find members to establish a team
As a team
3 to 6 people per team
EU and india participants
All teams must include both EU and India participants
Solo participation is not allowed
Individuals must join a team before the Ideathon begins
Matchmaking support
Matchmaking support will be provided to help individuals form or join teams
What ideas are eligible
We welcome new or adapted ideas that tackle marine plastic pollution through:
Business models or startup solutions
Policy recommendations
Awareness or education campaigns
Digital tools and platforms
Technical innovations in collection, recycling, or remediation
Scaling of existing technologies
Ideas should be practical, impactful, and scalable, addressing the issue at either local or global levels.
How to apply
Fill out a short application form
Share your background, interests, and optionally your idea
Teams submit info on all members + a short idea summary
Individuals choose a challenge area and will find teams during the preparation phase
