$14,000 prize for idea on ocean sustainability

New Delhi, April 20

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Satellite Applications Catapult are launching the first-ever ‘Hack the Planet’ competition, in search of innovative, impactful and scalable ideas that will tackle the threats facing communities around the world, linked to ocean degradation and the climate crisis.

The virtual ideas competition will advance outstanding home-grown solutions from across 54 Commonwealth countries, targeting some of the world’s most pressing ocean-related challenges, such as eliminating plastic pollution, accelerating sustainable energy uptake, climate change, developing sustainable ‘blue’ approaches for the ocean economy and protecting nature in marine areas.

With 10,000 pounds ($14,000) in prize money to be won, the competition will encourage entrants to utilise and explore the information and connectivity available from satellites as part of their ideas.

An official launch event will be held virtually on April 22. The deadline for online submissions is May 31. The theme of the competition is closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (ocean), 13 (climate) and 7 (energy).

In the second phase of the competition, 30 shortlisted teams will be invited to participate in a knowledge exchange programme where they will learn about satellite technologies and elements of design thinking that could support their ideas, and hone these into robust, compelling pitches.

The training and support provided during the knowledge exchange programme will be highly valuable and will support participants to improve their ideas with the help of a wide variety of industry experts.

Six finalists will be selected to pitch their ideas live in front of a panel of judges. The winner of the competition will receive 10,000 pounds and the announcement of the results will take place at a final showcase event in October. IANS