[Partner Challenge] Affordable Tools to Find and Mark Underwater Explosive Ordnance by UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking simple, affordable, and safe solutions to detect and mark underwater explosive ordnance (EO).

In many conflict and post-conflict areas, dangerous explosives remain hidden in oceans, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. These explosives threaten lives, fishing, transport, and the environment.

UNDP is looking for solutions that local communities can use safely—without military teams or expensive equipment. The ideal solution should:

• Be mountable on a small boat

• Detect underwater explosives from at least 5 meters, ideally up to 30 meters deep

• Mark the location using low-cost GPS devices or mobile phones

By giving communities the tools to find and mark these hazards, UNDP aims to improve safety, support humanitarian operations, and build a global map of underwater explosive threats.

The best solution that meets all requirements will receive a $20,000 award. Winners must grant UNDP non-exclusive rights to use and share the solution with other non-profit organizations for humanitarian mine-action efforts. Solvers keep ownership of their ideas.

If a Solver cannot grant IP rights, UNDP is open to a collaboration agreement.

Deadline:
Submissions must be received by March 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time).