Applications for the National Geographic Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge 2019 are now open. The challenge asks problem solvers from around the globe to develop novel solutions to tackle the world’s plastic waste crisis.

More than 9 million tons of plastic waste ends up in our oceans each year. Further, without interventions, this number is expected to almost double to 17 million tons per year by 2025. National Geographic Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge 2019 will focus on three strategic ways to address this growing crisis.

• designing alternatives to single-use plastic,
• identifying opportunities for industries to address plastic waste throughout supply chains,
• effectively communicating the need for action through data visualization.

Moreover, Sky Ocean Ventures and National Geographic have joined forces in the fight to eradicate the destructive impact of plastic waste in the world’s oceans. Sky Ocean Ventures was launched in March 2018 with a £25 million cornerstone commitment from Sky. Further,  the objective of seeking out investment opportunities in start-up innovation businesses that can help solve the ocean plastic waste crisis. The National Geographic Society is bringing together its global network of scientists and academics to support the fund’s vision, along with a financial commitment focused on activity that aligns with its mission, values, and objectives. Further, National geography has also come up with Documenting Project with fund up to 70,000 US dollar.

Prize

• Teams will compete for aggregate prize purses of up to $500,000. Also, qualified participating teams may have the opportunity to receive a minimum of $1 million in aggregate investment from Sky Ocean Ventures.

Challenge Tracks