By Bunmi Yekini
The OceanLove Innovation Award, an initiative aimed at inspiring groundbreaking solutions for ocean conservation, is back for its second year. The global non-profit initiative, OceanLove, has announced the 2025 edition under the theme “Because you protect what you love.”
The award invites creative minds worldwide to submit ideas—ranging from new products and tools to campaigns and initiatives—that can make a measurable impact on protecting marine ecosystems. Submissions open from April 1 to September 30, 2025, via the OceanLove website, with winners revealed on November 4, 2025, at the second OceanLove Innovation Award Ceremony.
The initiative has gained international recognition, including endorsement from the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Legendary oceanographer and new global OceanLove ambassador, Dr. Sylvia Earle, also known as ‘Her Deepness,’ emphasized the urgency of ocean protection: “People need to participate as if their lives depend on it. Because it does!”
A Global Effort for Ocean Protection
OceanLove ambassadors worldwide are rallying support for the initiative. Nigerian OceanLove ambassador Anthony Akpan from the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE) stressed the ocean’s importance, stating: “The ocean is the cornerstone for all life on Earth.”
The competition is expected to expand significantly in 2025. Ilco van der Linde, Dutch social entrepreneur and OceanLove founder, expressed confidence in its growing impact: “Thanks to the successful first edition in 2024, with 86 quality applications from 37 countries, we know there are countless bright minds around the world that can be mobilized to better protect our ocean. Within some years, the OceanLove Innovation Award will definitely become the world’s biggest and most inclusive ocean innovation project.”
Support and Recognition for Innovators
A panel of distinguished scientists, activists, and social entrepreneurs will evaluate the submissions based on originality, impact, reach, and feasibility. Up to 30 of the most promising ideas will be selected for an online bootcamp, where participants will receive guidance to enhance their concepts.
Finalists will compete for seed funding of up to €10,000, allowing them to bring their ideas to life. Saad Abid, last year’s top winner from Morocco, shared how the award boosted his project: “The seed money and PR provided my idea a huge boost, and now OceanLove also arranged a whole lab with technical engineers from their partner DOER Marine to guide me further!”
With support from partners including the Marine Biological Association (UK), Mission Blue (USA), and Afrilabs, OceanLove continues its mission to mobilize innovation for ocean conservation. The initiative is funded by three Dutch foundations: Fred Foundation, Stichting Nieuwe Waarde, and OOF Foundation.
As the nomination period begins, OceanLove calls on innovators worldwide to seize the opportunity to contribute to a healthier ocean and a sustainable future.