Ocean Exchange, a partner of the Innovation District, whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy announced the winners of their annual prize competition. We were proud to be part of the voting jury for this important event.
2024 Neptune Awards
Oyster Heaven (Rotterdam, Netherlands) has developed a scalable, low-cost artificial reef, the ‘Mother Reef’ made from biodegradable clay, enabling rapid, affordable oyster reef restoration. Prize money: $100,000 USD.
Phoenix Waste Solutions (Louisiana, US) has developed a new technology for clean micro waste-to-energy. The Phoenix is a mobile waste-to-energy furnace that thermally reduces solid waste and biosolids from wastewater at 2000F without any auxiliary fuel, at less than half the cost of landfill while reducing toxic emissions. Prize money: $100,000 USD.
2024 Wallenius Wilhelmsen Orcelle® Award
CarbonBridge (New Jersey, US) makes economical, green methanol. CarbonBridge ultra low carbon methanol allows for highly economical compliance through blending. This enables a constant decrease in carbon footprint, down to net-zero. Prize Money: $100,00 USD
A group of support organizations, led by the Innovation District and fueled by a grant from Duke Energy, developed our first Tampa Bay Innovation Ecosystem Map in 2023. We aim to continue guiding entrepreneurs to the best possible resources with an updated version.
Josh Rojas of Bay News 9 recently visited the Maritime and Defense Tech Hub, where he was welcomed by CEO Alison Barlow and COO Lauren Bell for a discussion about the building’s future expansion. The Hub is already home to a thriving community of companies and demand continues to grow. To accommodate this momentum, leaders are envisioning Hub 2.0, a second building proposed for the west parking lot.
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, in partnership with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, is introducing a capacity-building grant initiative that exemplifies strategic, next-level support. In 2025, they will award up to $10,000 each to 20 nonprofits serving South St. Petersburg.