Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards

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Enriched accelerator · Found: 2026-03-10 22:06

Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards recognize student innovations in ocean sustainability, blue technology, and marine conservation solutions.

Source: https://www.oceanexchange.org/collegiateawards/

Funding Details

Funder: Ocean Exchange
Funding Goal: To recognize and accelerate innovative solutions led by university students (undergraduate or graduate) that advance ocean health, sustainable blue economy, and minimize human impact on marine resources.
Funding Amount: $10,000 USD non-dilutive prize per Collegiate Award winner. Multiple awards offered (in 2025: Ocean Exchange Collegiate Award + Guy Harvey Foundation Collegiate Award, each $10,000 USD). (10.000 € – 10.000 €)
Deadline: 2026-09-15 (Fixed)
How to Apply: Apply via online portal at oceanexchange.org/register. Collegiate Award deadline: September 15, 2026, 11:59pm GMT. Neptune Awards (global, open to all) have regional deadlines: Asia & Oceania – June 12, 2026; Europe, Middle East & Africa – July 10, 2026; The Americas – August 7, 2026. Finalists present at Ocean Exchange event October 25-27, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Target Region: Global (Neptune Awards by region); North America (Collegiate Awards for 2026)
Contact: millicent.pitts@oceanexchange.org | Ocean Exchange, 221 SW 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | +1 912 257 0209
Official Page: https://www.oceanexchange.org/awards/
Last Checked: 2026-03-15 12:59

Application Checklist

Eligibility

Collegiate Award requires lead applicant to be a current undergraduate or graduate student
Neptune Award open to startups and companies globally; Collegiate Award restricted to North America for 2026

Project Scope

Solution must address ocean health, sustainable blue economy, or minimize human impact on marine resources
Company must be in early to mid-stage; Collegiate Award targets earlier-stage than Neptune Award

Required Documents

Application via online portal (f6s.com) — select correct regional portal based on entity location

Constraints

Finalists must be able to present in-person at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, October 25-27, 2026
Prize is non-dilutive (Neptune Award: $100,000 USD; Collegiate Award: $10,000 USD)
Regional deadlines differ: EMEA – July 10; Americas – August 7; Asia/Oceania – June 12 (all 2026)

Summary

The Ocean Exchange Awards Program is an annual competition run by Ocean Exchange, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Fort Lauderdale, USA, dedicated to accelerating innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable Blue Economy. The 2026 cycle is currently open with applications accepted via region-specific online portals. The programme offers Neptune Awards — three prizes of $100,000 USD each — awarded on the basis of innovation, impact, and execution. These awards are open globally to startups and companies with working ocean solutions, with regional deadlines varying by applicant location (Asia/Oceania in June, Europe/Middle East/Africa in July, and the Americas in August 2026). A separate Ocean Enterprise Award category also exists. The Collegiate Award ($10,000 USD) targets undergraduate and graduate student innovators in North America, with applications opening April 1 and closing September 15, 2026. Eligible solutions must advance the understanding of the ocean and help minimize human impact on marine resources, contributing to resilient bodies of water with healthy marine life and coastlines. Priority thematic areas include ocean observation technologies, sustainable fisheries, coastal management, marine carbon, water quality, aquaculture, offshore energy, shipping, ports, and tourism. Solutions should be in early to mid-stage commercialization. All finalists are invited to present at the Ocean Exchange annual event, held October 25-27, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where winners are announced. The event brings together a curated network of blue economy leaders, investors, and sector stakeholders. In addition to the prize money, Ocean Exchange provides ecosystem support including networking, connections to investors, and mentorship through its Solutions Review Team and partner network. The 2025 edition awarded $330,000 in total prizes. Previous winners and finalists have successfully commercialized their solutions. The programme is sponsored by major ocean industry actors and is open to for-profit early-stage companies and student innovators with viable ocean solutions.

Historical Context

Annual program running since at least 2022. In 2025, three monetary Neptune Awards of $100,000 USD each were given. Collegiate Awards for 2025 included the Ocean Exchange Collegiate Award and Guy Harvey Foundation Collegiate Award ($10,000 each). The program has a track record of supporting ocean blue economy startups with a year-round ecosystem of mentorship and networking.

Sources

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