Coral reefs play a vital role in sustaining marine life, supporting fisheries and generating billions of pounds of revenue each year.
In recent years, ocean temperatures have been rising, causing serious damage to coral reefs around the world. According to the British Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this is the fourth major coral bleaching event worldwide.
NOAA has confirmed that coral stress is widespread in all oceans, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Scientists from countries as diverse as the UK, Australia, Kenya and Brazil have raised concerns about the threat to coral reefs.
Rising sea surface temperatures caused by human activities that emit greenhouse gases and natural phenomena such as El Niño are contributing factors to coral bleaching. More than half of the world’s corals are affected, including iconic sites like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. While some hope that deep-sea corals may be more resilient to global warming, scientists believe that global action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve coral reefs for future generations. emphasizes that there is an urgent need for
Fortunately, startups are working to make this dark reality beautiful again.
Ocean conservation startups making a difference
I’m upset
rrreefs is an innovative organization dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges facing coral reefs and ocean conservation. Founded in 2020 by Marie Griesmar, Ulrike His Pfreund and Hannah Kuhus, and later joined by Josephine Graf, the company operates at the intersection of science, engineering, art and education.
rrreefs uses 3D printing technology and distributed manufacturing to create intricately engineered reef structures to promote coral growth and biodiversity. Their approach incorporates the latest scientific insights and locally sourced materials, aiming to minimize carbon emissions and create job opportunities in ecosystem restoration. rrreefs values transparency and collaboration, working with an advisory board of volunteers, students and experts to drive positive change in our oceans. With a focus on passion, respect, transparency and curiosity, rrreefs has earned recognition and awards for its innovative and scalable approach to ocean conservation.
Orokun Minerals
Olokun Minerals is dedicated to sustainable mineral extraction through saltwater mining, providing solutions that keep harmful wastewater away from marine ecosystems. The company extracts valuable metals and minerals from salty, mineral-rich wastewater streams. These minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium are essential to various industries such as agriculture, construction, and electronics.
By capturing saltwater waste before it reaches the ocean, Olokun Minerals ensures a sustainable future for both water resources and marine life. Co-founded by Lakey Reddix and Pilanda Watkins-Curry, the company is pioneering a multi-mineral extraction process to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship.
Oceanverse Studio
Oceanverse Studios is pioneering a new approach to ocean conservation through its Metaverse platform. Founded in 2017, Oceanverse tackles the pressing issue of ecosystem loss and climate impacts on coastal communities around the world. Their Metaverse fuses entertainment, education, and blockchain technology to bring the ocean closer to everyone’s hearts and minds.
Players can explore thousands of ocean worlds, play as ocean animals, and participate in active governance while earning rewards. Oceanverse fosters a global community committed to ocean restoration and conservation by connecting real-world ocean data and projects.
Seaspire
Seaspire is a food innovation company driven by a passion for sustainability and accessibility. Founded by two food scientists, their mission is to create delicious and earth-friendly seafood alternatives using plant-based ingredients.
Focused on flavor, Seaspire’s products are 100% fish-free and made from the highest quality ingredients, including pea and rice proteins, plant fibers, and algae extracts. They prioritize transparency and simplicity, ensuring labels are clean and products are free of additives. Seaspire aims to break down barriers and satisfy the desires of seafood lovers of all dietary preferences, offering clean, gut-friendly and environmentally friendly options for everyone to enjoy.
sea trek
Seatrec is transforming ocean data collection with its unique infiniTE™ float. Harnessing the naturally occurring temperature differences in seawater, this float provides unlimited power, extending mission life and optimizing data collection in an environmentally friendly manner.
From ocean floor mapping to hurricane forecasting, SeaTrek technology facilitates a wide range of ocean conservation efforts. Recognized as a climate tech startup, SeaTrek’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its clean and renewable energy solutions. With support from investors including Sunstone Management and American Lending Center, SeaTrek is poised for impactful growth in the marine robotics and research space.
plastic-i
Plastic-i revolutionizes ocean surveillance through advanced satellite technology and AI. Specializing in monitoring marine ecosystems, they track ocean plastic pollution and map critical habitats such as seagrass meadows and mangroves. Their innovative solutions provide actionable insights for environmental compliance, policy development, and conservation efforts.
Plastic-i is an award-winning company with a track record of partnerships with leading organizations and is committed to evidence-based decision-making and sustainable ocean management. Co-founded by James Doherty, Donal Hill, and Jack Lidgley, the team combines expertise in Earth observation, data science, and high-tech entrepreneurship to drive positive change in our oceans.
origin by ocean
Origin by Ocean is a platform-driven algae refining company based in Finland with a focus on ocean conservation. The use of microalgae and macroalgae transforms marine blooms into oil-free raw materials for everyday products, combats eutrophication and benefits biodiversity. With a mission aligned with the United Nations Agenda 2030, we work towards Sustainable Development Goals, including eliminating toxic chemicals, promoting economic growth and reducing ocean pollution.
Co-founded by Mari Granström, Heikki Heiskanen and Regi Dratatsch, the company boasts a team of activists dedicated to sustainable values and innovative solutions for ocean health. Origin by Ocean works with partners like Kiilto, Marimekko, and KPMG to create functional products and materials that actively replenish ocean ecosystems.
ocean oasis
Ocean Oasis offers a sustainable solution to freshwater scarcity with an innovative ocean desalination plant. Powered solely by wave energy, these mobile units produce potable water that is scalable to meet the needs of urban and remote communities.
With a zero-emissions approach and flexible deployment, Ocean Oasis aims to revolutionize the desalination industry and provide affordable and environmentally friendly freshwater solutions. Their commitment to sustainability addresses pressing global challenges and brings hope to communities and industries suffering from water stress. Led by a dedicated team, Ocean Oasis represents the future of desalination with a vision to improve access to water while protecting marine ecosystems.
seawater solution
Seawater Solutions fights climate change and restores degraded coastlines. Founded in 2017 by Yanik Nyberg and Nicholas Shell, his company tackles ecosystem loss and salinization affecting coastal communities around the world.
The company’s Regenerative Seawater Agriculture (RSA) system operates in more than four countries, regenerating land within three years and outperforming traditional restoration methods. This circular system efficiently manages water, crops, and indigenous agricultural practices. RSA systems address a variety of climate and environmental challenges, from coastal erosion to carbon emissions, with more than 40 products, including aquaculture and salt-tolerant crops.
leafy
Reefy specializes in coral reef engineering to protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems. The company’s patented Reef Reinforced Breakwater (REB) combines engineering and biology to provide a stable, modular artificial reef that dissipates wave energy while promoting biodiversity.
As rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten coastal communities, Leafy’s solutions meet the urgent need for infrastructure that can withstand climate change. Led by coastal engineer Jaime Asensio and marine biologist Leon Haynes, Leafy’s mission aligns with their core values of large-scale impact and respect for nature. Leafy aims to protect both people and marine life from the effects of climate change by rewilding the oceans.
Anemo Robotics
Anemo Robotics is driving innovative technology to assess marine biodiversity. Monitor species around marine structures up to 40 meters deep using professional underwater cameras and AI fish detection software. Recognized as one of the UK’s best university start-ups, the company’s sustainability efforts are in line with regulatory requirements.
Through successful pilot testing in the UK and Denmark, Anemo Robotics has built strong customer relationships, exemplified by its partnership with ARC Marine. Led by his DTU multidisciplinary team, including CEO Nejc Novak and his AI specialist Simon Madsen, Anemo Robotics aims to enhance informed decision-making for ocean management. Masu.
