The 4th edition of the event that brings circular economy models to the fore to save the oceans, calls university students and startups from all over the world to action and gives a nod to boating companies.
“Our oceans are plagued by the scourges of pollution, overfishing and a general lack of environmental awareness” say representatives of the International University of the Principality of Monaco, Monaco Impact, the Institut Océanographique and the Prince Albert II de Monk. The four stakeholders of the challenge have come together in order to seek solutions to start addressing the enormous problems facing our oceans.
What was born is the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge, an entrepreneurial competition designed to usher in the next generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs for our seas and the Ocean Protection Challenge is built to provide students and young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to engage with the Principality’s network of businessmen, entrepreneurs and sustainability experts.
Its challenge mission:
– Highlight, support and nurture young entrepreneurs and startups who can demonstrate a measurable positive impact on the oceans.
– Provide the opportunity to create and develop a startup, even if you are completely new to the business world.
– Raise awareness of ocean pollution and seek new ways of dealing with the situation.
It is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, or recent graduates who have graduated in the last 5 years in any school (Business school, Engineering schools, Design or Artistic school …) and open to startups created after June 2020.
Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge comprises two categories of competitors:
– A “Students”
category – A “Startup” category
The 6 Finalist teams will be taken to Monaco with paid travel and accommodation, to the finals at the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco on June 16th.
Students and beginners must register on the MOPC website by April 30, 2021 and submit a business plan and make a 1 minute video presenting the business plan and idea by May 7, 2021.
In May 2021 a first jury, consisting of representatives of the 4 organizing institutions and entrepreneurs will select the 3 finalist teams in the “students” category and the 3 finalist teams in the “startup” category.
The final jury on 16 June, made up of renowned entrepreneurs, investors and circular economy experts, will decide and assign the prizes and awards:
– the first prize for the “Students” category is an annual training and networking program: enrollment in the club of entrepreneurs, registration at the Amis du Musée Oceanographique, pass for the main international events (Monaco Ocean Week, Change Now Summit Paris, Dayone Event …)
Filippo Ceragioli