The wild capture commercial fishing sector is undergoing a transformation to decrease its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase its resilience to fuel prices. We are looking for new solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Do you have an idea that could shape the future of the industry? Share it with us!
Energy Transition in Fisheries Innovations 2025 is an open innovation competition seeking concrete solutions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions in the commercial fishing sector. The competition is part of the international Energy Transition in Fisheries conference, held in Helsinki on 4–5 November 2025.
Read more and register for the conference on the conference website!
Finalists will be selected by a multinational steering group. Up to four finalists will be chosen to present their innovations at the conference. The organizer may reimburse reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for selected finalists. The winner will be chosen in Eurovision style: both the audience and the steering group will cast their votes.
The innovation with the highest combined score from both voting groups will be declared the winner. Voting will be conducted digitally via Mentimeter (or a similar platform).
Prior to the conference, the steering group will also use the evaluation criteria to pre-rank and select the finalists from all submitted proposals. In the case that there is not a sufficient amount of applications that fulfil the evaluation criteria outlined below, the steering group has the right to cancel the innovation competition.
The innovation with the highest combined score will win 5 000 euros. The winner will be announced during the closing session of the conference.
Submit your innovation that could improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions - or introduce a completely new perspective on the energy transition in commercial fishing.
The innovation can be a technical solution, a service, a process, or a new way of working – as long as it clearly advances the energy efficiency in fishing activities. Participation is easy: fill out the registration form through the link below. Registration opens on 15 August 2025 and closes on 30 September 2025.
You can submit an innovation that has been developed or already implemented. The innovation can be owned by a company, organization, or individual. Eligibility is limited to applicants based in Europe (EU27 + EEA countries + UK). A good innovation doesn’t have to be large – every idea, big or small, is equally welcome!
Evaluation criteria: