ANNOUNCING THE OCEAN IMPACT PITCHFEST 2020
AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT AND TAKE YOUR GREAT IDEA TO THE WORLD
Today we are proud to launch The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, our inaugural campaign calling for applications from startups and businesses helping to create an abundant and sustainable ocean.
Are you working on a great idea to help Planet Ocean? Apply now to amplify your impact and take your great idea to the world!
Applications are open from Tuesday 25th August 2020 and will close on Monday 5th October 2020.
ABOUT THE OCEAN IMPACT PITCHFEST 2020
The Finalists, Runners Up and Winner of Pitchfest will share in over $160,000 of support from OIO and the Pitchfest Partner Network. The winner will receive a $15,000 cash prize from Pitchfest Presenting Partner Bank Australia.
The Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020 is a completely virtual event celebrating the UN World Oceans Day theme of ‘Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean’ and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to cultivate the next generation of ‘Ocean Impact’ innovators in Australia and around the world.
“This event aims to discover, showcase and celebrate innovations and innovators with the passion, drive and potential to have a significant positive impact on Planet Ocean“ says OIO Co-Founder Tim Silverwood.
While entrants must address one or more of the six Ocean Impact themes including Ocean Health, Ocean Harvesting, Transportation & Security, Ocean Energy, Inspiration & Leisure and New Frontiers, it’s important to emphasise that positive ocean impact is not limited to ocean industries.
“Ocean impact can originate on land, long distances upstream from the ocean, and involve diverse industries and individuals making simple or strategic changes to new or existing projects,” stated Silverwood.
Winners of Pitchfest 2020 will be chosen by an impressive multidisciplinary panel of expert judges according to various criteria including potential for ocean impact, level of innovation, market fit, competitive advantage, a great team, strength of business plan and a great pitch video.
The Pitchfest Winner will receive a $15,000 cash prize provided by major event partner Bank Australia, as well as an OIO Support Package worth over $50,000 which includes: personal mentoring, legal & accounting support, customer discovery, storytelling & branding, communications and more. Additionally, two Runners Up and seven Finalists will share in over $100,000 worth of products and services contributed by the OIO Partner Network, with the Runners Up also receiving personal mentoring.
Ocean Impact Organisation aims to establish Australia as a world leader in ocean solutions by accelerating 100 ocean impact ventures within the next five years. As well as boosting investment, OIO intends to generate a movement of action, asserting that multifaceted challenges require multifaceted, creative solutions.
As an island nation where 85% of the population lives within 50 km of the coast, OIO co-founder Nick Chiarelli says Australia is in a unique position to lead the world in creating an abundant and sustainable ocean economy.
“Australia can be, and should be, a world leader when it comes to ocean solutions and a sustainable ocean economy. We have unmatched ocean resources and a national network of globally respected marine industry and research organisations with world class infrastructure. Australia is an ocean nation with all of the ingredients to be a nursery for ground-breaking ideas and ocean solutions” - Nick Chiarelli.
Pitchfest 2020 is now accepting applications from startups and businesses across the world. If you’re working on an idea that could make a positive impact on the ocean click here. If you know of anyone working on an ocean impact startup, please share this email with them
Applications are open from 25th August to 5th October 2020 with Runners Up and the Winner being announced on 4th November 2020.
