UN Ocean Conference
In mid-June many from the SOS community attended the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, including Ingrid Maurstad and the rest of the Katapult Ocean team. For those who couldn't make it, Ingrid put together a list of key insights and the major shifts she and the team observed throughout the event.
“First of all; for Katapult Ocean we believe UNOC '25 was a turning point. Compared to Lisbon in 2022, the tone, energy, and direction have changed.
These are seven shifts we believe signal real progress and show what’s next for ocean innovation and finance:
1. The conversation has moved from problems to action
Back in 2022, there was more talk than traction. In 2025, we saw movement. Coalitions like 1000 Ocean Startups have nearly doubled in size, now supporting over 500 startups. The ecosystem is no longer just convening — it’s building.
2. Policy is driving capital
Regulatory shifts like the IMO’s revised GHG Strategy and FuelEU rules are prompting major industry players to allocate capital toward compliance-aligned solutions. This is driving real investment into technologies that support the transition to net-zero shipping.
3. Global markets are picking up speed
Momentum is building in regions such as Asia, where large public and private institutions are creating dedicated vehicles to fund early-stage bluetech. Investment activity is becoming more globally distributed.
4. Collaboration is becoming infrastructure
Strategic partnerships, blended finance structures, and targeted matchmaking are no longer side efforts, but central tools for bridging the funding gap and scaling impact, especially in emerging markets.
5. Systemic change is entering the mainstream
There is growing interest in approaches that go beyond single-point solutions — towards systems-level outcomes. Frameworks like OceanReturns.com resonated across conversations, reflecting a readiness to adopt a new investment logic for ocean capital.
6. The ecosystem is gaining confidence
The collective will to shift course is stronger than ever. Despite a massive capital gap, the sense of possibility and shared purpose in the ocean community is deepening.
7. It’s time to scale everything
We need more investors, policymakers, and talent who understand both the risks of maintaining the status quo and the opportunities in a regenerative ocean economy. Events like Impactful Innovations Day demonstrate what’s possible.
I left the UN Ocean Conference with cautious optimism. Although we need to move faster and invest more, we’re at least moving in the right direction.
It’s clear we’re not alone in believing the ocean economy holds massive untapped potential. But realizing that potential requires faster capital deployment, strong ecosystems, and new funders at the table.
And that's why the Sustainable Ocean Solutions Summit network is so important! We can't create the change to the extent we need alone, but together we're a strong force! “
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