Ocean pitch challenge 2024 : The 10 finalists

Ocean pitch challenge ® 2024 : Discover the 10 finalists

For the past 4 years, RespectOcean and Sustainable Ocean Alliance have launched the international Ocean Pitch Challenge®, aimed at solution providers with positive impacts for the Ocean. This year, the 4th edition gathered 218 applications from 49 different countries worldwide. With the application phase now closed, the expert committee deliberated and selected the 10 finalists for this 4th edition.

Here are the 10 innovative solutions selected for the next stage of the competition :

AZUL BIO

Solution : Azul Bio develops Coral Microbiome Boosters (CMBs) to protect coastal businesses from financial losses caused by coral reef decline by immunizing wild coral reefs against ocean warming.

Impact : By increasing coral resilience to environmental stresses such as climate change, ocean acidification, and marine diseases, Azul Bio contributes to coral reef preservation and supports the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems. With its adaptive and safe approach, Azul Bio will play a crucial role in maintaining and restoring ocean biodiversity.

Location : United States 🇺🇸

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BIOMANITY

Solution : Biomanity is developing the first 100% bio-sourced, biodegradable, and microplastic-free sand grain using chitosan, a biopolymer derived from shrimp shells. It acts as a water reservoir for plants and encapsulates fertilizers to prevent their dispersion into soils and aquatic ecosystems.

Impact : To significantly prevent and reduce marine pollution from organic waste resulting from land-based activities, and to sustainably protect marine and coastal ecosystems, supporting their restoration efforts.

Location : France 🇫🇷

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BLUU GMBH

Solution : BLUU is the first company in Europe to specialize in the commercial production of cell-based fish. It develops and produces fish from cell-based real animal proteins, derived from the fermenter, without animal suffering, microplastics, contamination by heavy metals, and thus without environmental destruction. Their technology allows for the cultivation of fish cells outside the animal's body, in a nutrient medium composed of plant-based raw materials.

Impact : Combating overfishing, destruction of marine habitats, and animal cruelty while maximizing the use of renewable energies.

Location : Germany 🇩🇪

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ITTINSECT - FEED FOR THE OCEAN

Solution : Development of sustainable and innovative foods obtained through biotechnological extraction of proteins from agricultural by-products (yeasts, microbes, insect powder) using a circular production method. These foods provide a sustainable alternative to aquatic feed, no longer dependent on wild fishing.

Impact : Combating overfishing, reducing pressures on marine biodiversity by making aquaculture more sustainable to restore the oceanic ecosystem.

Location : Italy 🇮🇹

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OCEAN LEDGER

Solution : In a context of persistent private investment deficit in marine restoration, Ocean Ledger facilitates investment in blue carbon through a digital solution that reduces project timelines, costs, and technical risks, while converting ecosystem services into monetary value in line with the UN SEEA. Using their innovative geospatial software, they identify areas conducive to project development, establish benchmarks, and ensure ongoing monitoring.

Impact : Improving conservation and preservation of marine and coastal biodiversity, simplifying investment in blue carbon, thereby stimulating financial commitment to marine ecosystem preservation.

Location : United Kingdom 🇬🇧

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ROYAL RECY BOAT

Solution : Through its ship dismantling and rebuilding activities, Royal Recy Boat NC offers sustainable solutions for waste management. Their ambition is to develop recycling of fiberglass from end-of-life ships, which will then be transformed into urban furniture or standardized construction materials, for example.

Impact : Preventing shipwrecks at the end of their life or during climate disasters, thereby reducing marine pollution, strengthening the preservation of marine and coastal biodiversity, and promoting economic benefits for developing states through sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Location : New Caledonia 🇳🇨🇫🇷

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SEA BEDDER

Solution : Sea bedder is an innovative mapping tool designed to mitigate damage to coral reefs caused by ship anchoring practices. Using latitude and longitude coordinates derived from AIS data, it enables the location and visual mapping of vessels, providing clear understanding to vessel owners.

Impact : Preservation of coral reefs, conservation of marine biodiversity, promotion of sustainable tourism, and advancement of research and monitoring data. Additionally, it enhances understanding and management of oceanic ecosystems, facilitating conservation and sustainable development decision-making.

Location : Indonesia 🇮🇩

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SUBSEA QUIETER by Greenov

Solution : SubSea Quieter is a disruptive solution aimed at reducing the critical impact of submarine noise on coastal and offshore ecosystems, including Renewable Marine Energy installations. Utilizing an innovative 3D membrane, once inflated, the impedance mismatch between water and air significantly attenuates sounds, from 94 to 99% depending on frequency.

Impact : Preventing and reducing marine noise pollution, especially from submarines and maritime operations, thus sustainably protecting marine and coastal biodiversity.

Location : France 🇫🇷

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UPCYCLE AFRICA

Solution : Upcycle Africa provides free training to marginalized communities in creative sewing and plastic waste recycling, generating employment opportunities while combating pollution. By transforming plastic waste into valuable products and eco-friendly housing, the organization aims to provide sustainable solutions while empowering marginalized groups (women, people with disabilities, refugees...).

Additionally, the organization promotes waste management through initiatives such as the Yo-plastic app, which connects waste collectors and buyers.

Impact : Preventing and reducing plastic waste pollution, empowering marginalized communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and contributing to environmental preservation.

Location : Uganda 🇺🇬

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WAVEX

Solution : WaveX develops a natural method, enhanced by AI, to harness wave energy to combat coastal erosion and produce low-carbon electricity. This technology enables a 99% reduction in emissions compared to natural gas (IPCC).

Impact : Reducing the use of highly polluting dikes and dredges, preserving marine and coastal ecosystems for their restoration, deepening scientific knowledge.

Location : France 🇫🇷

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For a month, the 10 finalists will be coached on pitch techniques and will have the opportunity to present their solutions at the grand finale, taking place on May 28th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, where the 3 winners of the competition will finally be revealed!

We would like to thank all the candidates for their great interest in our competition, but especially for their commitment to ocean preservation! We also want to express our gratitude to the preselection committee for their professionalism, integrity, and availability.

Congratulations once again to you!

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