Ocean Exchange, a global ecosystem that accelerates innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy, has selected eight collegiate finalists to compete for three $10,000 awards at its upcoming event from October 26-28 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ocean Exchange Collegiate awards.
The finalists, all from U.S. universities and post-secondary institutions, present solutions across categories such as ocean sensors, biodiversity measurement, plastic alternatives, aquaculture and fishery management, robotics, and AI. The finalists include Bioluminescence from Cape Cod Community College/WHOI, HBS Lab UTD from the University of Texas Dallas, Ignition Packaging from the University of Florida, MADEIN U.S.T.A. LLC from Georgia Southern University, OctaPule from Carnegie Mellon University, SLA Robotics from North Carolina State University, SWPT from the University of Rhode Island, and The Leatherback Project from the University of Central Florida.
The three winners will be chosen by delegates from business, academia, government, and nonprofits based on impact, innovation, and the ability to execute the presented solution. The Guy Harvey Foundation Award and two Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards will be conferred. “These awards are wildly popular with our ocean community, not just about the student-led innovation but about the ability to personally engage with and be inspired by the next generation,” said Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange.
Ocean Exchange brings finalists to Fort Lauderdale to pitch and network with global leaders. “Our mission is to better understand and conserve the ocean environment,” said Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation. “That is why education is a key focus globally for us. It’s so exciting to see how these bright, creative, enthusiastic innovators and entrepreneurs are working to solve the world’s environmental challenges.”
For more information, visit the Ocean Exchange website. The Ocean Exchange is part of the Marine Technology Society, a 501(c)(3) advancing marine technology through collaboration among industry, academia, and government. The Guy Harvey Foundation focuses on scientific research and educational programs to foster marine conservation, as detailed on their site at GuyHarveyFoundation.org.
