On 25–27 March 2025, over 400 people from across the world joined the EMODnet Open Sea Lab 4.0 online, bringing together marine data users, data scientists, developers, and innovators from across Europe and beyond. Their mission: to co-create solutions to real-world ocean and coastal challenges using the EMODnet service and other open-source data. For this edition, participants were also given exclusive access to the full EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service data collections via the European Digital Twin Ocean cloud-based service which offers EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service data collections in a common data lake, combined with state-of-the-art analytical tools and modelling capabilities. Two top winning teams will pitch their solutions at European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork, Ireland! This flagship event ended a bumper Marine Knowledge Month following EU Ocean Days 2025 (see news articles below for more information).
The fourth edition of EMODnet Open Sea Lab (OSL 4.0) took place from 25 to 27 March 2025, welcoming a vibrant community of ocean-focused problem-solvers. This fully virtual hackathon challenged participants to build innovative solutions using openly accessible marine data and services from EMODnet, the Copernicus Marine Service, and leveraging the European Digital Twin Ocean platform.
A dedicated OSL 4.0 website created the backdrop and focal point for OSL participants to join warm-up sessions, form teams, and decide on which of the five challenge themes they would produce their solution for, namely:
EMODnet Supporting the Blue Economy Green Transition
EMODnet for a Healthy and Productive Marine Environment
EMODnet for Managing the Use of our Seas and Ocean
EMODnet for the Coast
Wild Card! Hack the Ocean with EDITO (Open challenge)
In just two days, participants developed dozens of forward-thinking solutions, showcasing the power of open data, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex marine and coastal challenges. A key criterion was the use of at least one EMODnet thematic dataset/data product, whilst use of other open-source data from EU data services and other data collection efforts worldwide was also encouraged.
Strategic mentoring and coaching at EMODnet Open Sea Lab 4.0 were provided by experienced experts from across the EMODnet thematic areas, the Secretariat, the Copernicus Marine Service, and the European Digital Twin Ocean team. Participants were supported throughout the hackathon by this dedicated team of mentors and coaches who offered guidance on technical, design, and data-related challenges.
Participants brought energy, creativity, and commitment to solving complex challenges. Expert feedback and evaluation were provided by a multidisciplinary jury panel, including representatives from the European Commission Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), the European Commission Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV), the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and Fugro.
Among a strong field of high-quality submissions, two teams were awarded top honours, namely the Ecomonitor team, recognised for their innovative approach to coastal valuation and risk assessment and the Digital Lighthouse team, awarded for their solution exploring the impacts of wildfires on marine ecosystems. Both teams demonstrated technical rigor, creativity, and strong alignment with real-world needs, making them very worthy winners in a competitive field of excellent ideas.
Beyond co-developing innovative solutions, EMODnet Open Sea Lab 4.0 created space for gathering structured user feedback on the EMODnet and the European Digital Twin Ocean services. These insights will directly inform the evolution of both services, improving usability, performance, and interoperability to ensure they continue to serve the growing needs of Europe’s marine data community.
EMODnet Open Sea Lab 4.0 once again demonstrated the value of collaboration, open data, and user-driven innovation in advancing sustainable and inclusive ocean solutions. The ideas, connections, and feedback from the event will continue to shape the future of EMODnet and contribute to building Europe’s Digital Twin Ocean. A comprehensive report of OSL4.0 and a post-event video will be made available in the coming weeks.