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As part of the “Fête de la Science: The Voice of the Ocean”, the French Institute of Greece and the Athena Research Center, in collaboration with the projects DataGEMS project, Code4Europe and Co-Waters, co-organized a unique hackathon dedicated to the sustainability of our oceans.

 

The hackathon, held from 25 to 27 November 2025 at the French Institute, brought together 72 applicants, of whom 37 participated as competitors, forming ten multidisciplinary teams. For 48 hours, researchers, students, data scientists, environmental specialists, and professionals from both the public and private sectors worked side by side, striving to design innovative solutions that combine artificial intelligence and emerging technologies with the pressing needs of the marine environment, aiming to safeguard the Mediterranean Sea.

 

The event opened with remarks by Eleni Petra, Head of the Women’s Innovation Unit at the Athena Research Center and coordinator of the hackathon, who welcomed participants and introduced the philosophy of the initiative: 48 hours of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on problem solving. With palpable enthusiasm, she highlighted how a complex and urgent issue such as marine sustainability could serve as the focal point of an event harnessing artificial intelligence and innovative thinking.

 

Savvas Genitsaris, Assistant Professor of Aquatic Ecosystem Community Structure and Function at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, presented the challenges facing marine ecosystems—from biodiversity loss to the unknown and unexplored aspects of ocean function, as well as the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves in Mediterranean waters. His talk underscored the urgency of action and the value of innovation as a tool for sustainable solutions, laying a shared foundation before teams began their creative work.

 

Dr. Ebun Akinsete, Scientific Associate at the Athena Research Center, then outlined the connection between the hackathon and the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters,” emphasizing the role of the Co-Water project in collaborative water governance and explaining how initiatives like this foster participatory innovation within local ecosystems.

 

Lydia Papadaki, Scientific Associate at the Athena Research Center, followed with practical guidance about the hackathon structure and organizational details that would support participants throughout the event.

 

Professor Yannis Emiris, President of the Athena Research Center (2021–2025) and Professor of Informatics and Telecommunications at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, highlighted Athena’s role as a leading research center in artificial intelligence, data management, and digital technologies with societal and environmental applications. He noted that Athena has invested significantly in developing infrastructures and scientific tools that deliver tangible social impact.

 

Matthieu Abgrall, Deputy Director of the French Institute of Greece and Attaché for Scientific and Academic Cooperation, spoke about the goals of the “Fête de la Science”: bringing science closer to society, encouraging public dialogue, and showcasing the European dimension of environmental challenges. Both speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between Greece and France and within the broader European context as a driving force for developing research-based, educational, and cross-border solutions. The hackathon, they noted, stands as an exemplary case of how science, technology, and society can come together creatively.

 

Finally, Pierre Bahurel, CEO of Mercator International Ocean, delivered a brief address on the importance of reliable oceanographic information and international cooperation for understanding and protecting marine ecosystems. He stressed that initiatives like this hackathon strengthen the link between scientific data and innovative applications an essential element for the future of the Mediterranean.

 

Following the opening session, organizers provided initial guidance for forming the working groups that would compete over the next 48 hours. The ten teams, after receiving preliminary input from their mentors, began their first brainstorming sessions—a lively process marked by rapid idea exchange and collaborative energy.

 

The second day focused primarily on team work. Participants engaged with real-world environmental challenges of the Mediterranean, including biodiversity, aquaculture, radioactivity, meteorological data, and the broader context of the sustainable blue economy. Mentors from the Athena Research Center, the National Observatory of Athens, the University of Athens, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research provided scientific and technical support, helping teams transform their ideas into functional prototypes. The atmosphere was vibrant, interactive, and intellectually intense.

 

In the afternoon, teams worked within the inspiring teaching labs of the French Institute, collaborated with mentors, and attended the online session “Eyes on the Ocean: Tracking Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution”, part of the PHAROS programme’s Meet the Oceanpreneur series. The presentation highlighted cutting-edge methods for monitoring plastic pollution at sea, innovative technological approaches, mapping tools, and case studies from international initiatives. Participants engaged actively, asking questions and deepening their understanding of one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

 

The final day featured the competition phase, during which teams presented their solutions to the Scientific Evaluation Committee. The committee consisted of: Dr. Vasiliki Kotroni, Research Director at the National Observatory of Athens, expert in meteorology and atmospheric physics and member of the DataGEMS project; Dr. Ebun Akinsete, Scientific Associate at the Athena Research Center’s Sustainability Unit; Dr. Kostas Lagouvardos, Research Director at the National Observatory of Athens; Dr. Georgios Dikaios, Researcher at the Laboratory of European Integration and Policy and Lead Researcher of the UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy; Dr. Othon Kaminaris, Researcher at ELIAMEP’s Climate and Sustainable Development Programme and researcher for the ARSINOE and SMILE projects as well as the UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy; and Dr. Pavlos Krasakis, GIS & EO Analyst specializing in multi-hazard GEOINT, collaborator of the Ministry of Digital Governance (General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post), and Assistant Professor in Long-Term Observation.

 

During the evaluation process, participants were introduced to the TASC-RestoreMed Open Call, an important new funding instrument that allocates €9 million to support community-driven initiatives and transition strategies across the Mediterranean. The programme aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems and empower local communities to develop solutions with positive environmental and social impact. The presentation was delivered by Violeta Tsitsilianis, expert in project management, community building, and social entrepreneurship, who outlined the opportunities offered: funding, technical assistance, and access to a dynamic Mediterranean-wide collaboration network. The announcement drew strong interest, demonstrating the importance of connecting science, innovation, and civic action to advance a sustainable future for the Mediterranean.

 

Regarding the awards, the 1st prize of the Hackathon was presented to the team AquaShield, recognized for its pioneering approach to Challenge #1. The team developed a tool for analyzing and predicting the effects of marine heatwaves on aquaculture species and received research funding support from the Athina I. Martinou Foundation.

 

The 2nd Prize was awarded to Marine Scope AI, distinguished for its innovative approach to Challenge #2. The team presented an advanced method for predicting marine biodiversity using state-of-the-art AI models and earned two one-month research fellowships at French research institutes, offered by the French Institute of Greece.

 

The 3rd Prize went to Heatmates, also awarded for their innovative solution to Challenge #1. The team developed a practical and user-friendly AI-based tool that predicts marine heatwaves and alerts aquaculture producers in advance. The team will participate in privileged visits to collaborating research centers and universities.

 

Participants expressed their excitement about the experience, emphasizing both the creativity involved and the unique value of developing an idea within such a short timeframe. Many noted their intention to continue refining their concepts beyond the event. Organizers highlighted the excellent collaboration and high quality of the submitted proposals.

 

Maria Wadjiny, Director of the French Institute of Greece, noted that the collaboration with the Athena Research Center in organizing the hackathon was highly positive and paves the way for future initiatives centered on artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology.

 

Similarly, Katerina Spyropoulou, Deputy Attachée of the Scientific and University Cooperation Department of the French Institute, emphasized the strong partnership between the Institute and the Athena Research Center, noting that Athena’s expertise in AI and digital technologies opens new avenues for future collaborations.

 

Finally, Eleni Petra expressed her satisfaction with connecting research and its challenges through the European projects that supported and inspired the hackathon, and with the successful completion of the event. She emphasized that the participation and creativity of young people provide a powerful motivation for organizing similar initiatives in the future.