Founded in 2010, the Ocean Exchange advocates for innovative solutions related to sustainability that generate economic growth and increased productivity, while reducing the use of natural resources and waste.
Each year the Ocean Exchange brings experts from around the world to review and select the top 10 solutions that can make a positive, global impact. This year delegates heard presentations on a wide range of environmentally friendly, scalable solutions developed by teams from around the world — from AeroClay to a Zero Blade Wind Energy Converter.
In addition, 8 finalists were invited to pitch their ideas to four distinguished panelists who questioned and judged the teams, and the 150 delegates in the audience who voted for the winner, in the inaugural BIG Pitch.
Kelly Carnes, President and CEO of TechVision21, has been a delegate at the Ocean Exchange for several years. As an entrepreneur, nationally recognized technology policy expert and thought leader, Kelly was invited to be an on-stage panelist to judge the inaugural Big Pitch.
Stanford University team Opus 12 was the BIG winner of the inaugural BIG Pitch. Link here
“Opus 12 is extraordinary, and truly delivers on the vision of Ocean Exchange,” states Ocean Exchange panel member Kelly Carnes, president and CEO of TechVision21 and former U.S. assistant secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy. “The team has combined a very innovative solution that transforms climate damaging [carbon dioxide] into useful products with a very sound business plan to scale and commercialize the technology. I would also like to congratulate all of the BIG Pitch teams; all of the concepts were innovative and the presentations were polished and professional.”
Opus 12’s winning innovation Renewable Fuel Production from Carbon Dioxide surpassed seven other teams with their innovative technology that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol to be used by oil refineries and corn ethanol plants. Press release link here
To learn about other solutions go to the Ocean Exchange’s Gallery here.