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
What's next for launching rockets into space? Launching rockets from the sea. With limited land availability and significant costs, companies like Seagate Space see a game-changing solution in developing offshore launchpads. There is also a sense of urgency as other countries have included offshore infrastructure as part of their space strategy. Seagate Space and The Spaceport Company are positioned to lead the way for Florida in this new frontier.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is more than just helicopters or planes; it’s the future of transportation. St. Petersburg is looking ahead into electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can perform tasks beyond the capabilities of traditional aviation. Think faster disaster relief response, private air taxis, and much more.
The Tampa Bay Innovation Center has graduated their tenth accelerator program. This program consisted of eight tech-based companies that all presented at TBIC’s Innovation Showcase held in early June. Initiated in late 2019, the program, which consists of weekly workshops focusing on product and go-to-market strategy, has worked with 70+ B2B tech startups. We are excited to see how these companies shape the future.