Coral Innovation Search

Responding to the Coral Crisis

Coral reefs are vital to ocean health and human wellbeing, supporting over a quarter of all marine species, sustaining the livelihoods of more than one billion people, and contributing an estimated US$2.7 trillion annually through tourism, fisheries, medical research, and coastal protection.

But these ecosystems are in peril. Intensifying marine heatwaves, rising ocean temperatures, and mounting human pressures have triggered a global coral crisis. Over the past 18 months, we’ve witnessed unprecedented coral bleaching and mass mortality, an alarming acceleration of a decline once projected for the future.

The ocean is sending a clear SOS. We urgently need effective, scalable, affordable solutions in order to secure a future for corals and reefs.

Call to action: We call on coral innovators and all those who support and champion their work to share their solutions with CORDAP and The Earthshot Prize. Innovators are invited to put themselves forward for consideration for support and funding, by completing the short form.

Why get involved:

The Earthshot Prize was designed to find and grow the solutions that will repair our planet this decade. Each year, the spotlight shines on 15 Finalists who are able to also tap into the connections of the Earthshot Prize network. 5 winners receive £1m each to support their growth. Also, the Prize is a movement which celebrates nominees beyond the finalists via high-profile communications channels, and introduces nominees to investors through the Launchpad platform. Becoming a nominee to The Earthshot Prize opens up many possibilities for catalytic support to speed solutions to scale.

The Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (G20 CORDAP) unites the world to accelerate global coral research and development to provide the technologies and innovations needed to safeguard the future of corals and reefs in a deteriorating ocean, to preserve the benefits they provide for the environment and humanity. We champion open-access knowledge and technologies that serve all coral reef communities. Our model actively fosters inclusive global participation, with a strong emphasis on empowering low- and middle-income nations.

How:

Please complete this form by 10 July 2025. This form takes 30-40 minutes to complete – an investment of time that could unlock transformative connections, spotlighting and investment.

Who:

The Earthshot Prize and G20 CORDAP deliberately seeks innovators from across society. We welcome innovators in the private sector, not for profit, or public sector. We believe innovation is more likely to succeed if it is inclusive of all backgrounds and involves people most affected by the issue. Innovations must be aspiring to have significant benefit in tackling the coral crisis and their work, when fully developed, could be scaled or replicated widely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Coral Innovation Search?

The Coral Innovation Search is a joint initiative by The Earthshot Prize and G20 CORDAP to identify, support, and accelerate promising solutions that can help address the global coral crisis. It is an open call for innovators working on scalable, affordable, and impactful coral-related technologies and interventions.

2. Who can apply?

We welcome applications from innovators in any sector: private companies, non-profits, academic institutions, or government bodies. This call is open to individuals and organizations globally, particularly those working in or with communities most affected by coral reef loss.

3. What kinds of solutions are you looking for?

We are seeking innovations that aim to significantly benefit coral reefs, either directly (e.g., restoration technologies, early-warning systems, adaptive solutions) or indirectly (e.g., scalable community models). Solutions must have the potential for global scalability or replication.

4. Why should I apply? What support is offered?

This Innovation Search is primarily a call for promising, existing innovations that are already in development or nearing readiness to scale. These solutions will be reviewed and shortlisted by The Earthshot Prize, with CORDAP providing technical input to help assess scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact. By applying, you may be considered for support and funding.

5. Do I have to apply to both The Earthshot Prize and CORDAP separately?

No. By completing the single form, your innovation will be considered by both organisations.

6. How do I apply?

Complete the online application form by 10 July 2025. The form takes approximately 30–40 minutes to complete.

7. What is the deadline for submissions?

The deadline to apply is 10 July 2025.

8. Can early-stage ideas apply, or do I need a fully developed solution?

Solutions at various stages of development are welcome. However, they should demonstrate a clear path to impact and scalability, even if still in the pilot or prototype phase.

9. What happens after I apply?

Submissions will be reviewed by The Earthshot Prize and CORDAP teams. Selected innovators may be contacted for additional information and could be shortlisted for further support.

10. Will my submission be made public?

No. All applications are treated as confidential. Details will not be published without your permission.

CORDAP Awards

Link to myCORDAP

News & Events

CORDAP Annual Report 2024: Rewriting the future for corals

2024 was a year of extremes. Declared the warmest year on record—and the first to breach the +1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels—the urgency to protect and restore corals and reefs has never been greater. Yet, amid the challenges, CORDAP made significant progress in scaling up the science needed to save corals.

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CORDAP will offer USD1.5 million in research grants

CORDAP announces the launch of a new funding program, the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP). With a total of USD1.5 million allocated to the call, CORDAP aims to support researchers working on finding local, affordable coral conservation and restoration solutions in developing countries.

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Image: Qui Nguyen