G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform)

What G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform) does

G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform) is a non-profit foundation launched in 2020 under Saudi Arabia's G20 presidency to fund and coordinate global coral conservation research and development. Headquartered in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, and operationally supported by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), CORDAP runs a lean core staff of approximately 12 employees that channels funding to a network of more than 2,000 researchers across 663 institutions in 115 countries. Its core funding mechanisms are the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP), awarding up to USD 1.5 million per project for multi-country 2–3 year R&D initiatives, and the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP), providing up to USD 100,000 per project to researchers in low- and middle-income countries.

The product surface spans competitive grant programs, strategic research roadmaps covering coral diseases, water quality, and capacity development, and the forthcoming Coral Decision Support System (CDSS-C), an AI-powered platform being procured via a USD 1.5 million tender to integrate taxonomic, ecological, environmental, governance, climatic and socioeconomic data streams through a conversational interface. The business model is grant-making rather than commercial: CORDAP disburses government contributions and philanthropic donations to global research consortia, and requires that all intellectual property produced through funded projects be released under an open-source public license for any commercial or non-commercial coral conservation use. The CORDAP Foundation, established by Saudi Royal Decree (No. 55643) in March 2023, serves as the non-profit financial arm that receives contributions and distributes them across funding programs.

Primary funding flows from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has committed USD 10 million per year for 2020–2030 through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, with KAUST underwriting all administrative costs so program funds flow directly to research. CORDAP has committed over USD 38 million to projects globally since 2023, with measurable outputs including 300,000 corals outplanted, 570,000 square meters of reefs monitored, and 209 coral nurseries established. The go-to-market is sales-led but inverted relative to typical enterprises: CORDAP actively solicits research proposals from consortia globally and uses international conferences, racing-series partnerships (E1, Westbrook, Aoki), and high-profile collaborations (The Earthshot Prize, OceanX, NOAA) to build awareness among researchers, policymakers, and ESG-focused corporate partners.

Name

G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform)

Legal name

G20 Global Coral R&D Accelerator Platform Foundation (CORDAP Foundation)

Website

https://cordap.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

G20 CORDAP is a non-profit foundation that funds global coral conservation R&D through open-source grant programs (CAP up to $1.5M, CLIP up to $100K) for researchers across 115 countries, backed by Saudi Arabia and KAUST.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Jeddah

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Primary funding from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, committing US$ 10 million per year for 2020-2030 through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Additional support from KAUST for administrative costs.
2. Donations and Philanthropy: The CORDAP Foundation receives donations and contributions from foundations, philanthropists, and private sector partners to fund coral research and development programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CORDAP is a G20 initiative that funds and accelerates global research and development for coral restoration and conservation. It awards competitive grants through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP, up to USD 1.5 million per project) and the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP, up to USD 100,000 per project), and is developing the AI-powered Coral Decision Support System (CDSS-C) for reef conservation planning. All intellectual property from funded activities is released under an open-source public license.

Product overview

CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform) is a G20 initiative launched in 2020 to fast-track coral conservation through R&D funding. The organization operates as a platform with multiple funding programs: the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) offers large grants up to USD 1.5M for major research initiatives, while the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) provides smaller grants up to USD 100K for LMIC researchers. CORDAP is developing the Coral Decision Support System (CDSS-C), an AI-powered platform for conservation decision-making. The organization also produces strategic roadmaps, runs capacity-building programs, and operates through its non-profit CORDAP Foundation for fund management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) CORDAP's flagship grant program awarding up to USD 1.5 million per project for large-scale coral conservation and restoration R&D initiatives. Three-year projects require multi-country teams including at least one LMIC partner; all funded IP is released under open-source public license.
• Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) Small grants program offering up to USD 100,000 per project for 1-2 year projects led by researchers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Focused on locally developed, affordable coral conservation solutions with scalability potential; review panel composed entirely of experts from developing nations.
• Coral Decision Support System (CDSS-C)

Quantifiable outcome

• 43 coral research projects funded involving 2,000+ researchers from 115 countries
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered major, supporting and flagship.

• E1 (E1 World Championship)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic partnership with E1 racing series to raise coral awareness globally. CORDAP participated in E1 Jeddah GP with diving expeditions and interactive awareness booths.
• Westbrook Racing (Owned by Will Smith)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with E1 racing team owned by Will Smith to accelerate awareness and education about coral conservation worldwide.
• Aoki Racing (DJ Steve Aoki)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with DJ Steve Aoki's racing team to raise coral awareness around the world.
• The Earthshot PrizeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint global Coral Innovation Search launched at UN Ocean Conference 2025 to identify and accelerate promising coral innovations. Partnership aims to scale solutions from lab to reef.
• OceanXmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership announced aboard OceanXplorer during UN Ocean Conference. OceanX operates a research and media vessel supporting CORDAP's outreach and awareness activities.
• Red Sea GlobalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner involved in coral restoration training initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Representatives participated in CORDAP's Coral Restoration Course in Rabigh.
• Extreme EsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner in the ocean conservation ecosystem, contributing to awareness and fundraising efforts.
• PartannasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner contributing to CORDAP's mission through environmental initiatives.
• Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner in coral reef conservation efforts, collaborating on research and restoration initiatives.
• EWA (Energy and Water Academy)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of coral restoration training courses, including the pilot program in Saudi Arabia.
• Coral Restoration Consortium (CRC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner providing expertise and collaboration in coral restoration methodologies.
• KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner contributing coral restoration expertise and research capabilities.
• Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner collaborating on coral reef research and conservation initiatives.
• Forum For Impact (FFI)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner in impact-focused initiatives related to coral conservation.
• MENA Oceans Initiative / GoumbooksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner focused on ocean conservation in the MENA region.
• Sea ForwardsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner in ocean conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• OceanXmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner operating research and media vessels for ocean exploration and education.
• WAVEsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner in ocean awareness and conservation campaigns.
• CEFASsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted a five-day workshop in Fiji on 'Water Quality Solutions for Coastal Habitats' to address land-based pollution affecting coral reefs.
• Nutrient Pollution Global Action NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized water quality workshop in Fiji addressing nutrient pollution impacts on coral reefs.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized water quality workshop in Fiji with 27 experts from 13 countries developing guidance for coastal managers.
• Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized coral diseases workshop in Riviera Maya, Mexico with 25 experts. Also providing training for Saudi Arabia coral restoration course.
• CORALIUMsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized coral diseases research workshop with CORDAP and KAUST.
• AcwasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized coral restoration training course in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia as part of the pilot phase of international capacity building initiative.
• Ocean RevivesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpert training provider for coral restoration courses, delivering hands-on training in Saudi Arabia.
• National Center for Wildlife (NCW) - Saudi ArabiasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey Saudi institution involved in coral restoration training and marine conservation initiatives.
• Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation (SWSDF)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating institution in coral restoration training program, represented by senior marine operations and diving manager.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy: One of the world's largest environmental NGOs with significant marine and reef programs alongside broader land/water conservation. Broad incumbent to CORDAP: comparable scale and science-driven model, but with a vastly broader mandate and deeper endowment.
• Wildlife Conservation Society: Large, established global wildlife NGO operating field programs, policy advocacy, and science across taxa including marine ecosystems. Broad incumbent to CORDAP: overlapping marine conservation mandate and co-workshop partner, but a much larger, multi-species institution rather than a coral-specialist.
• Re:wild: Global conservation organization protecting and restoring species and ecosystems, including marine, with science-driven programs and significant philanthropic backing. Broad incumbent to CORDAP in scale, model, and convening role, but with multi-taxa focus rather than coral specialization.

Direct peers

• Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation: Non-profit foundation funding coral reef and marine conservation science globally, including the Global Reef Atlas. Direct peer to CORDAP: comparable scope (global coral/marine R&D funding), comparable model (foundation-based grantmaking), and a stated CORDAP partner.
• Blue Marine Foundation: UK-based ocean conservation charity funding marine protected areas, restoration projects, and policy advocacy. Direct peer to CORDAP as a comparably sized, globally focused marine conservation funder, though with stronger policy/MPA emphasis and less R&D focus.
• Coral Restoration Consortium: Global community of practice for coral restoration practitioners and scientists, coordinating best practices across hundreds of programs. Direct peer to CORDAP in convening role and global coral restoration coordination, and a stated CORDAP partner.
• Great Barrier Reef Foundation: Australia's largest dedicated coral reef funder, raising and deploying philanthropic and corporate capital into reef science and restoration. Direct peer to CORDAP: both are coral-specific, internationally funded non-profit foundations that award grants and run global research programs — explicitly listed by CORDAP as a supporting partner.
• Global Fund for Coral Reefs: Blended-finance vehicle backed by the UN and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation that funds reef conservation with grant and investment capital. Direct peer to CORDAP in coral-specific international funding, with a complementary blended-finance vs. pure-philanthropy model.
• Mars Coral Reef Restoration Initiative: Corporate-backed (Mars, Inc.) long-running coral restoration program operating in Indonesia, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, combining R&D with field deployment. Direct peer to CORDAP in coral R&D-and-deployment, but funded by a single corporate patron rather than a public-philanthropy platform.

Others

• OceanX: Marine research and media organization operating the OceanXplorer vessel and producing ocean science media. Adjacent to CORDAP as a marine science platform and a stated CORDAP partner (joint UN Ocean Conference activity), but primarily a media/exploration entity rather than a coral R&D funder.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cordap_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6UKtQ9cTIFwQb_MthgrTMg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/global-cordap
• Instagraminstagram.com/cordap_/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform)