13–14 April 2026 – Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Back-to-back with the All-Atlantic Forum (15–16 April 2026)
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Call for Expressions of Interest for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) wishing to participate in the All-Atlantic Intergenerational Hackathon, taking place in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, on 13–14 April 2026, immediately preceding the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum on 15–16 April 2026.
The Hackathon will be a side-event of the 2026 Forum, hosted by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and SENAI CIMATEC, with organizational support from the OKEANO Coordination and Support Action (CSA).
Introduction
Are you an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) eager to make a meaningful impact? Do you want to help shape real, actionable solutions for Atlantic decision-makers? Are you ready to innovate side-by-side with peers and senior ocean professionals from across the basin?
We warmly invite you to apply for the 2026 All-Atlantic Intergenerational Hackathon, an inspiring space where early-career talent and seasoned expertise meet to co-create solutions for our shared ocean future. This event is designed to bridge experience and fresh perspectives, and to merge the visions of more senior Ocean Professionals and ECOPs for the benefit of all generations.
About the Event
Building on the Intergenerational Dialogues held in Ottawa and Brussels, the 2026 Intergenerational Hackathon aims to transform dialogue outcomes into actionable solutions, building on the All-Atlantic Declaration priorities, including but not limited to coastal resilience, ocean-climate relation, ocean observation and fisheries and aquaculture. Over an intensive 24-hour period, ECOPs will work in mixed teams with senior scientists, policy advisers, and project managers to design forward-looking, creative, and implementable solutions to core Atlantic challenges.
Please note that the All-Atlantic Hackathon goes much beyond coding and it welcomes all disciplines: teams may produce outputs such as sketches, mock-ups, prototypes, or any demonstrable solution. What matters the most is the clarity and creativity of the ideas. Applicants from all ocean-related fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, Indigenous knowledge, engineering, innovation, policy, communication, as well as data science are encouraged.
The Hackathon will bring together at least 50 ECOPs and approximately 20 coaches (scientists and project-management experts), bringing to life ECOPs recommendations issued at the previous intergenerational sessions into actionable solutions.
Objectives
- Co-create solutions: Turn the Intergenerational Dialogue outcomes into practical, innovative proposals.
- Empower ECOPs: Provide mentorship, visibility, and a platform for creative leadership.
- Bridge generations: Enable meaningful collaboration between ECOPs and senior experts.
- Strengthen Atlantic cooperation: Support the implementation of the All-Atlantic Blue Intergenerational Programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Qualify as an Early Career Ocean Professional, as defined by the UN ECOP Programme (≤10 years of experience, including students and voluntary roles)
- Show a demonstrable interest in ocean-related research, innovation, or policy within the Atlantic basin
- Be available to participate in the 2026 All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Week on 13–17 April 2026, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, in person
Applications from underrepresented groups in ocean science and governance are warmly encouraged to apply.
For some subjects (engineering, data development, or others), certain skills may be given priority during candidate selection. Nevertheless, teams will be formed to ensure the highest possible interdisciplinary diversity.
What’s included
If your application is accepted, your transportation and accommodation costs will be covered, with no advance payment required.
Thematic Interest
The challenges are being refined with coordinators and sponsors and may be subject to slight changes, but the overarching themes will remain relevant for ECOP selection.
- Challenge 1: Digital Innovation for Coastal Resilience
- Challenge 2: Low-Cost Technologies for Ocean Observation
- Challenge 3: Digital Mapping for Transatlantic Observation
- Challenge 4: Empowering Small-Scale Fisheries Through Inclusive Ocean Data Solutions
- Challenge 5: Community-Centered Decision Support Tools in the Caribbean Islands
- Challenge 6: Real-Time Monitoring of Sargassum Blooms
Application Process
To apply:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please download the EOI form here and complete it carefully and accurately.
- Visa requirements:
If you need a visa you are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure enough processing time!
- Submission method:
Please send your completed EOI and all required documents in PDF format to gwenn.taburet@ifremer.fr by 13 January 2026, including “AAORIA Hackathon ECOP application” in the subject line.
Join us in Salvador for a truly unique experience: an event where generations collaborate as equals, where creativity flourishes, and where brilliant ideas can become real contributions to the future of the Atlantic Ocean.
