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Ocean Innovation Prize

Ocean Innovation Prize

The Blue Climate Initiative (BCI) is welcoming applications from innovators and entrepreneurs for the global US$1 Million Ocean Innovation Prize. The Prize is designed to inspire, fund and support innovations that mitigate climate change through ocean-related strategies. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2021.

The Prize is presented by BCI as part of an endorsed programme of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and is designed to advance the goals of the Ocean Decade and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Prize is presented in collaboration with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance.

The Ocean Innovation Prize (OIP) will be awarded for market-based innovation that addresses climate change mitigation through human-centered, ocean-related solutions, inspired by the Blue Climate Initiative’s 40+ Transformational Opportunities. The proposals must incorporate an innovative technology, practice, model, approach or idea that is capable of being scaled to have an impact on climate change. Applicants can represent a for-profit, non-profit, an individual or a group of collaborators. Commercial viability and scale potential can be demonstrated through products/services for consumers, for businesses, for governments or for other entities. The BCI takes a holistic view of “innovation” — a new or under-used technology, practice, model, approach or idea — and “science” — evidence-based knowledge encompassing a broad range of areas including, for example, biology, engineering, chemistry, social sciences, etc. The offering must have proof of concept or early momentum and must be able to be implemented within 1 year, achieve results within 1-3 years, be co-designed or co-delivered by knowledge generators and users, and be designed to scale within 2-4 years.

Approximately 16 semi-finalists will receive:

  • Visibility – featured on BCI and collaborator social media & website, and in media/materials for the 2022 BCI Summit
  • Match making – virtual access to BCI and collaborator networks of investors, business executives, members of the media, scientists, foundation representatives and community leaders.
  • Mentoring and expertise – informal access to BCI network for advice and support

3-8 winners will receive all of the above, and in addition:

  • Monetary reward: a minimum of $1M in money split among the winners (for the purpose of accelerating and deepening impact of the innovation submitted); which will range from $150-$400k per winner. Pending expansion of the prize purse through fundraising, the number of winners and/or the amount per winner may be increased.
  • BCI Summit engagement – Invitation to attend the 2022 BCI Summit in person, including showcasing and networking opportunities.

More info here 

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