Applications are now open for global Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 ($50,000 prize)

The ocean which makes up 71% of the planet provides many services to humans from mitigating weather extremes to generating the oxygen we breathe, to producing the food we eat.

Yet, the increasing greenhouse gas emissions threaten coastal and marine ecosystems causing changes in ocean temperature and melting of ice, which in turn affect ocean currents, weather patterns, and sea levels.

For this reason, the Ocean Impact Organization has launched the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021, a completely virtual global initiative, that aims to support and accelerate innovative solutions that can transform the health of the ocean. Startups or entrepreneurs across the world working to improve the health of the ocean are invited to apply.

Presented by Bank Australia and HP Australia, Pitchfest 2021 will include additional Spotlight Award categories for innovative solutions to key ocean challenge areas including Sustainable Ocean Harvesting, Plastic Pollution, and Climate Change.

Ocean Impact themes

Applicants must be working within one or more of the following ocean impact areas:

• Ocean Health
• Sustainable Ocean Harvesting
• Transport & Security
• Ocean Energy
• New Frontiers
• Inspiration & Leisure

Prizes

Winner

• $50,000 cash prize
• OIO Support Package worth over $50,000
• Two HP Laptops
• Access to key business and science mentors
• OIO Communications Boost
• Free membership to the OIO Virtual Startup Community

Two runners up

• $10,000 cash prize
• OIO Support Package worth over $30,000 each
• Two HP Laptops
• Access to key business and science mentors
• OIO Communications Boost
• Free membership to the OIO Virtual Startup Community

Nine Finalists

• A share of over $50,000 worth of support from OIO and our Partner Network
• OIO Communications Boost
• Free membership to the OIO Virtual Startup Community

Requirements

To qualify, interested entrants must

• Have the potential to significantly improve ocean health through their business model.
• Have the potential to grow rapidly.
• Have a refined business idea with some level of customer validation and annual turnover of less than $5milUSD.
• Be operating a profit-oriented business model. Entry is not open to not-for-profits.

Evaluation criteria

• Potential for impact
• Innovation
• Product-market fit
• Competitive advantage
• Business plan
• Team
• A great video pitch

How to apply

Application to participate in the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021 involves two steps:

• Fill an online form.
• If selected, you will be invited to submit a three-minute pitch video

Click here to access the form. To learn more about the Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2021, visit this page.

Deadline

Entries close Tuesday, September 21, 2021.