OceanLove Innovation Awards 2026 – Global Call for Applications
OceanLove Innovation Awards 2026 – Global Call for Applications
The OceanLove Innovation Awards, presented by the global non-profit initiative OceanLove, returns for its third year. Under the slogan “Because you protect what you love,” the Awards encourage all creative minds worldwide to submit their ideas for new products, tools, campaigns, or initiatives that can measurably contribute to conserving the ocean, seas, marine resources, and ecosystems.
Aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), the Awards recognize individuals, start-ups, community initiatives, schools, universities, NGOs, and other organizations whose solutions advance the health and resilience of the ocean.
Applications are open from April 1 to August 31, 2026, with submissions accepted through the OceanLove website. Winners will be revealed on October 11, 2026, during the third OceanLove Innovation Awards Ceremony which will take place in AltaSea’s venue, at the harbor of Los Angeles, USA.
In 2026, the Awards feature three distinct categories, each celebrating innovation in a key area of ocean sustainability:
● The Wavemakers Award: Educators, youth, and movements spreading awareness and hope. Submissions should include innovative methods that encourage change beyond lesson plans.
● The Living Sea Award: Innovations that protect and restore marine life, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems — including kelp forests, mangroves, plankton, corals, dolphins, turtles, and other marine species.
● The Blue Circle Award: Circular economy and cleanup innovations or initiatives restoring the ocean’s balance and pushing back all kinds of pollution. Submissions involving only clean-ups are not considered innovative.
Up to thirty of the most promising applicants will be selected to join an online bootcamp in mid-September, where they will be provided with support to make their ideas more impactful, scalable, and feasible. After the bootcamp, the Team of Judges, comprising globally esteemed scientists, activists, and established social entrepreneurs, will evaluate all submissions and select the winners who will receive ‘seed money’ of 10,000 USD.
In 2025, the Awards attracted 260 applications from 64 countries, more than three times as many applicants as in 2024, 80% coming from Global South innovators, making it the largest and most inclusive ocean conservation awards program worldwide. Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition continues to expand its global reach, championing early-stage, impact-driven ideas that protect and restore ocean and marine ecosystems.
The OceanLove Innovation Awards are endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as well as leading global ambassadors.
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