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Apply with yourimpact-driven idea

An idea at the ideation, prototype or pilot stage is enough. You don’t need a company, a degree or funding behind you.

Applications for 2026 are closed

The 4th edition opens in April 2027. Leave your email and we will tell you the day it does — meanwhile, everything below shows exactly what you will be asked, so you can prepare.

OpensApril 2027
WhoAnyone, any age
CostFree to enter
Prize$10,000 USD
Who should apply

Ocean Innovators,Everywhere

We are looking for innovative ideas in preserving biodiversity, turning back pollution and education. Submissions are welcome from individuals and teams worldwide, of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Three categories
Coral, mangroves, marine life
Living SeaProtecting and restoring marine life, biodiversity and ecosystems — kelp forests, mangroves, plankton, corals, dolphins, turtles and other species.
Cleanup & circular economy
Blue CircleCircular economy and cleanup innovations restoring the ocean’s balance from pollution. Clean-ups on their own are not counted as innovation.
Youth, educators, movements
WavemakersEducators, youth and movements spreading awareness and hope, with methods that push change beyond the lesson plan.
Eligibility
Projects or products at any early stage — idea, prototype or pilot
Non-profits, cooperatives, social enterprises and mission-driven companies, as long as the innovation serves the public benefit
Existing funding between €0 and €30,000
Your idea stays yours. We ask for no rights over it — read the code of conduct in the FAQ
2024 winners with the team2024 WINNERS WITH THE TEAM
HOW A ROUND RUNS

FROM IDEA TO STAGE
IN SIX MONTHS

April 1
Applications open
August 31
Applications close
Early Sept
Bootcamp selection announced
Mid Sept
Investment readiness bootcamp · top 10 announced
Late Sept
Final judging panel
Sept 30
Top 5 announced
October
Winners revealed at the ceremony
What you will be asked
Write these out before you start. The form is one sitting.
Project Title
Project Location
Problem Description
Solution Description
Ocean Impact
Community Benefit
Personal Motivation
Team Qualification
You are not on your own after you send it
Thirty of the strongest ideas go through an online bootcamp with coaching from experienced social entrepreneurs, before the judges pick the winners. Everyone who applies joins the OceanLove network.
ONLINE BOOTCAMP SESSION
HOW YOUR IDEA IS JUDGED

EIGHT CRITERIA

The same eight are used by every judge, on every application.
Originality
New ideas and approaches, not repetitions of what already exists.
Impact & scalability
Real difference to ocean health, now and long term, without new harm.
Feasibility
Can it actually be built and financially sustained with the resources at hand.
Timeliness
Does it meet a pressing need or an open window right now.
Community upliftment
How it empowers the people who depend on marine resources.
Passion & motivation
A clear, personal “why” behind the work, with commitment to match.
Project & team fit
Experience, role clarity and access to the partners needed to deliver.
Positivity
Work that fosters hope and pulls more people towards the ocean.
Still have a question?
The FAQ covers eligibility, the code of conduct and what happens to your idea. Anything else, write to us.
Not sure your idea is big enough?
The 2024 winner was a tool that sifts micro-waste out of beach sand. The 2025 runner-up started as fishers collecting plastic. Read the finalists and judge for yourself.
Because you protect what you love

A volunteer-run non-profit, endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

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