The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) announces the opening of a call to select and fund the participation of an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) in the 2026 All-Atlantic Intergenerational Hackathon, organised within the framework of the All-Atlantic Forum 2026, to be held in Salvador–Bahia (Brazil) from 13 to 17 April (exact dates to be confirmed).
The All-Atlantic Forum 2026 will be a high-level international event bringing together policy-makers, the scientific community, industry representatives, international organisations and young ocean professionals from across the Atlantic basin. Framed within the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA), the Forum will serve as a key platform to strengthen transatlantic cooperation, assess progress achieved to date and continue advancing shared priorities.
Building on the Intergenerational Dialogues held in Ottawa and Brussels, the 2026 Intergenerational Hackathon aims to transform the outcomes of these dialogues into actionable solutions, aligned with the priorities of the All-Atlantic Declaration, including coastal resilience, ocean–climate interactions, ocean observation, and fisheries and aquaculture.
In an intensive 24-hour format, ECOPs will work in mixed teams alongside senior experts to develop innovative and implementable proposals addressing key Atlantic challenges. The event will bring together around 50 participants and 20 mentors, fostering strong intergenerational and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Through the OKEANO Project, funded by the European Union, and with the support of the Gran Canaria Economic Promotion Agency (SPEGC), PLOCAN will cover the travel and subsistence costs of the selected ECOP, ensuring their active participation in this high-profile international event.
Interested candidates must meet the requirements detailed in the call and submit their application by 29 January 2026. All necessary documentation and instructions are available in the Call Guidelines and the Motivation Letter form.
Applications must be sent by email to: okeanocsa@plocan.eu For any questions or clarifications, please contact the same email address.
“Supporting the participation of Early Career Ocean Professionals in international decision-shaping processes is essential to ensure a more inclusive, forward-looking and science-based governance of the Atlantic Ocean,” said Silvia Martín, from PLOCAN. “This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering new generations, fostering intergenerational dialogue and ensuring that young professionals from the Canary Islands and the wider Atlantic region can actively contribute to shaping shared ocean priorities.”
PLOCAN encourages young professionals to take advantage of this unique opportunity to jointly advance innovation and cooperation in Atlantic Ocean governance.
