Twelve Malagasy project leaders are entering pre-incubation as part of the ExPLOI project (Indian Ocean Plastic Expedition). Launched on September 16 in Antananarivo by the Indian Ocean Commission, this new phase aims to develop models that combine pollution control, value creation, and economic viability. Collecting, sorting, recycling, manufacturing building materials, or finding alternatives to single-use plastics: the twelve pre-selected initiatives cover several links in the circular economy and come from various regions including Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Anosy, and Toamasina. They are led by young entrepreneurs, associations, and SMEs alike. However, the challenge goes beyond environmental relevance. To scale up, these initiatives must secure waste supply, control costs, find markets, and build economically sound models that survive beyond external funding. Through pre-incubation leading to full incubation, the twelve project leaders will consolidate their economic models and capacities. At least three projects will advance to final incubation and each can receive grants up to 50,000 euros, with co-financing representing 50% of total project costs. This entrepreneurial dimension is supported by research. ExPLOI has strengthened partnerships with IRD and the Fisheries and Marine Sciences Institute of the University of Toliara. Work focuses on microplastics in fishing zones, their ecotoxicity, coral reefs, and impacts on coastal aquaculture. The goal is to bridge two often-separate worlds: scientific understanding of pollution and building economically viable solutions to reduce it.