Ocean Solutions

Challenge Aims

A message from David Lang and Eric Stackpole:

Ten years ago, in the early days of our OpenROV project, we were two people with an ambitious idea to transform ocean exploration with an open-source, low-cost remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). Many experts told us it couldn't be done — we were being too optimistic and idealistic. Luckily we found support through an engaged community and a crowdfunding project that helped jumpstart the project. We also were incredibly fortunate to get a small grant that nudged us up to the starting line. Now we want to pay that forward.  

A message from Dr. Katy Croff Bell:

I founded Ocean Discovery League on the premise that we need to engage the entire world in ocean exploration if we’re going to accelerate discoveries beyond the very small percentage that we’ve actually seen. We will need innovative and creative solutions from all across the globe. Our mission is to accelerate ocean exploration by developing accessible systems to broaden the community of those who explore and understand the deep sea. The deep-sea covers two-thirds of our planet, yet over 99% remains unexplored because present-day ocean exploration is exclusive, expensive, and slow. We aim to create equity in ocean exploration by co-designing accessible, low-cost opportunities and systems for ocean explorers worldwide. This will dramatically increase and accelerate our ability to observe, manage, and protect the ocean, resulting in humankind thriving on earth now and in the future.

We’re looking for proposals for innovative and creative solutions for low-cost, easy-to-use ocean data collection systems, data analysis, deployment, and other replicable solutions.

We will back each project up to $10,000/project (you can raise more from the crowd, too). The funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sooner you fill out a project application the better (use the "start a project" link below). 

Bold ideas and questions are encouraged to apply. We're biased towards projects that come from genuine curiosity and passion, less by projects that are seeking citations and status. Reach out if you have any questions. Better yet: start and submit your project!