The world’s largest and most inclusive ocean innovation award. In 2026, 487 ideas from 91 countries applied. Discover the people and projects inspiring us all with innovative ideas to protect and restore our ocean.
The OceanLove Innovation Awards is a global competition that finds early-stage ideas to protect, restore and sustain the ocean — and gives them a stage, a network, and the support they need to grow.
It’s open to everyone, everywhere, from every background. You don’t need a company, a degree or funding behind you.
You need an idea with the potential to make a real impact on ocean sustainability (SDG 14) and strengthen the community around you.
We are a non-profit run entirely by volunteers, endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
$10,000 in seed funding to bring the winning idea to life.
An online bootcamp with experienced social entrepreneurs and mentors.
A stage, a global network and press that puts your idea in front of the world.
ILCO WITH DR SYLVIA EARLE
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People need to participate as if their lives depend on it - because they do.
DR. SYLVIA EARLE
Legendary marine biologist, founder of Mission Blue, and one of our Global Ambassadors who stands behind this award.
CHECK OUT OUR GLOBAL AMBASSADORSIn 2026 we received 87% more applications than 2025 and 5.7× what we received in 2024 — with the largest share coming from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific.
The twelve finalists of 2026, chosen from 487 applications from 91 countries.
Climate change, overfishing, extinction of species, loss of biodiversity and all kinds of pollution — plastics, ghost nets, oil spillage, deep-sea mining — are threatening our ocean and the life of future generations.
Check out the inspiring top 10 ideas from past years, and remember that these people are just like you: people who love and care deeply for the ocean, who simply had an idea.
InspirationsJoin our global community of innovators, activists, scientists and brands working together to protect and restore our ocean. As a partner you help empower changemakers worldwide.
Join nowYour idea always remains yours. Read our code of conduct in the FAQ. As a non-profit run by volunteers, the only profit we aim for is better protection of our ocean.
FAQ
Everyone can make a difference. Applications for the 4th edition reopen in April 2027 — leave your email and we’ll tell you the day they open.
Because you protect what you loveA volunteer-run non-profit, endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
