Ocean Exchange Selects Eight Collegiate Finalists for $30,000 in Sustainability Awards

Ocean Exchange, a leader in supporting the acceleration of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy, has announced the selection of eight collegiate finalists who will compete for three $10,000 awards at the organization's upcoming event scheduled for October 26-28 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ocean Exchange Collegiate awards program, with all finalists representing U.S. universities and post-secondary institutions. The competing solutions span multiple categories including ocean sensors, biodiversity measurement, plastic alternatives, aquaculture and fishery management, robotics, and artificial intelligence applications.

The finalist teams include Bioluminescence from Cape Cod Community College/WHOIHBS Lab, UTD from University of Texas Dallas, Ignition Packaging from 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 University of Rhode Island, and The Leatherback Project from University of Central Florida. Winners will be selected based on the impact, level of innovation, and ability to execute their presented solutions by delegates representing business, academia, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange, emphasized the significance of these awards within the ocean community, noting that they provide opportunities for personal engagement with the next generation of innovators. The organization brings finalists to Fort Lauderdale to pitch their solutions and network with global leaders gathered in South Florida. The awards program includes The Guy Harvey Foundation Award and two Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards, each carrying a $10,000 prize. Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation, expressed excitement about how these young innovators are working to solve environmental challenges, aligning with their mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment through education and research.

The Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards Program operates through support from sponsors, partners, and industry experts worldwide. For additional information about the event and Ocean Exchange's mission, visit the Ocean Exchange website. The Guy Harvey Foundation, which collaborates with organizations to conduct scientific research and develop educational programs, maintains its own online presence at www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org.