The SubRacing Series has been endorsed by UNESCO as a Decade Project within the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

This recognition reflects how the SubRacing Series combines engineering innovation, ocean exploration and public engagement to support the Ocean Decade mission:

To catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development and strengthen the connection between people and the ocean.

The Ocean Decade vision — “the science we need for the ocean we want” — aligns closely with the SubRacing Series philosophy: when people encounter the underwater world directly, curiosity grows… and curiosity often starts with a smile.

The SubRacing Series Decade Project contributes to Programme No. 144 – CoastPredict: Observing and Predicting the Global Coastal Ocean.

CoastPredict focuses on improving our ability to observe, understand and predict coastal ocean conditions, helping societies respond to challenges such as:

• coastal hazards

• climate change

• ecosystem protection

• sustainable blue economies

By combining innovative engineering competitions, ocean engagement events and new digital modelling tools, the SubRacing Series complements the scientific and observational work of other CoastPredict partners.

Through Project Gemelo, SubRacing Series is developing a high-resolution digital twin of nearshore waters.

This system combines:

• tidal forecasts

• weather data

• ocean observations

to generate high-resolution predictions of local ocean currents in coastal environments.

Digital twins of the ocean will help scientists, engineers and coastal communities better understand how the ocean behaves — improving planning, safety and research capabilities.

The SubRacing Design Competition develops the next generation of marine engineers and ocean technologists.

Teams design and build hybrid human-electric racing submarines, learning practical skills in:

• marine engineering

• hydrodynamics

• underwater systems design

• ocean operations

Competitors design and construct their submarines before testing them in the ocean — an experience that often sparks a lifelong interest in the marine world.

Submarine racing events are unusual. When people first see a racing submarine, they usually pause, look twice… and smile.

That moment of curiosity is powerful.

SubRacing events use this sense of intrigue to create public engagement with ocean science, helping people connect with the underwater world through technology, exploration and adventure.

By inspiring curiosity and conversation, the SubRacing Series supports the Ocean Decade’s goal of strengthening humanity’s relationship with the ocean.

Project Gemelo aims to create a high-resolution digital twin of nearshore ocean environments, combining observational data and predictive modelling.

The project will support:

• coastal research

• marine operations

• environmental monitoring

• ocean education

By visualising complex ocean behaviour in accessible ways, Project Gemelo helps both scientists and the public better understand how our oceans function.

The SubRacing Design Competition challenges teams to design and build hybrid human-electric racing submarines.

The competition promotes:

• hands-on engineering education

• innovation in underwater systems

• collaboration between students, engineers and ocean enthusiasts

Teams from across Europe, the Americas and beyond are preparing for the 2026 competition cycle, where designs will be tested in real ocean conditions.

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) is a global initiative led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC).

The Decade mobilises scientists, governments, industry and civil society to deliver the knowledge needed to protect and sustainably manage the ocean.

Its aim is to reverse the decline in ocean health and deliver the science needed for the ocean we want by 2030.

Hundreds of endorsed projects around the world contribute to this effort through:

• scientific research

• observing systems

• digital ocean modelling

• capacity building

• education and engagement