Because we protect what we love, OceanLove non-profit foundation, has launched the OceanLove Innovation Award which challenges all creative minds worldwide, to share their ideas for new products, campaigns or initiatives that can measurably contribute to conserving the oceans, seas, marine resources and ecosystems.
Unlike many awards which target a specific profile of applicants, the OceanLove Innovation Award is open to all people, individuals or teams, from all continents, cultures, educational levels -if any- and age groups.
“You don’t need money, high education or a huge social network for a good idea, only the guts to share your idea with us,” explains OceanLove founder, Ilco Van der Linde.
Everything begins with an idea. Cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” OceanLove believes that there are countless bright minds around the world, and that it’s time we start mobilizing them and shine a positive spotlight on the diamonds in the rough. Sometimes the answer is so obvious you can’t see it because you’re looking too hard and so it’s important that we recognize that an ordinary person could have an exceptional idea that experts have failed to see.
Starting January 8, 2024, participants can submit their applications on the OceanLove website. A globally acclaimed team of knowledgeable scientists, activists, academics and entrepreneurs volunteered to serve as a jury to assess the submitted ideas based on several criteria including originality, impact, reach and feasibility. The judges will pre-select the twenty (up to thirty) most interesting ideas. These participants will be invited for an online bootcamp, where social entrepreneurs and top environmental advisers will support them for free, to make their idea better and more feasible. After the bootcamp, the judges will select the winning Top 10. The winners will then be invited for the Award Event in June 2024 in Amsterdam and they will be guided towards potential partners and donors. Finally the best idea will receive 10,000 Euro seed money!
In the following years, the OceanLove Innovation Award will continue to mobilize more participants, brainpower and inspiring results on an annual basis to continue to empower more OceanLovers around the globe and turn the tide towards a healthier home for all of us and future generations to come.
The OceanLove Innovation Award is an endorsed Ocean Decade Activity.