The first edition of the Oceanographic Innovation Marathon was held on November 19 and 20 in the form of an immersive and thematic competition for Brazilian oceanography students. The marathon addressed the core concepts of entrepreneurship and marine innovation in a comprehensive way.
The “Tétis” team from Santa Catarina Federal University was the overall winner of the competition, with a score of 8.77 for Challenge 11: “Find solutions to be implemented by shipping companies to make maritime transport more sustainable.” The winning team looked into shipping’s carbon emissions. In 2018, this industry accounted for 80% of global goods transportation but just 2.89% of total human carbon dioxide emissions (IMO, 2018). However, this figure is projected to rise to 15% by 2050. The CTM Navigator platform, designed by the winning competitors, will be able to manage shipping routes and calculate carbon emissions and fuel consumption data. It will also compare costs between similar vessels, besides encouraging reductions in fuel consumption.
In second place came the “Nauta” team from Rio de Janeiro State University, which scored 8.57. Third place was shared by the “Oceano – CEM” team from Paraná Federal University and the “Our Office Is on the Beach” team from Pernambuco Federal University, which both scored 8.45.
The competition, organized by the Brazilian Oceanography Association (AOCEANO) and sponsored by OceanPact, featured 14 teams from 12 Brazilian universities. The participants were given the mission of proposing practical and viable solutions to real problems related to sustainability, planning and the use of technologies at sea. All their work was overseen by 25 mentors from companies that operate in the area of oceanography. The teams’ proposals were assessed and rated by a judging committee.
During the first event in the Oceanographic Innovation Marathon, AOCEANO presented details about the online competition to the sponsors, including Arthur Kós, OceanPact’s IT and innovation director. Carlos Leandro, OceanPact’s innovation business manager, participated intensely from the time the idea for the marathon first arose and he supported students in their quest for the best solutions to the challenges. Other OceanPact employees were also involved in the marathon: Fernando Barreto and Victor Rodrigues were mentors, assisting the teams throughout the event, while Leonardo Maciel served on the judging committee.
“In order for oceanography to evolve in Brazil, a new generation of professionals familiar with the most innovative new technologies needs to be trained. OceanPact is committed to ocean sustainability issues and it is natural for it to be engaged in the growth of oceanographic science in Brazil and eager to help shape the minds of these professionals who will tackle the great challenges of the next decade,” said Carlos Leandro. Arthur Kós, in turn, said he believes in the potential of the Oceanographic Innovation Marathon to foster entrepreneurship and help train oceanographers in line with current market demands. “Oceanography and scientific study of the sea are very much in line with OceanPact’s mission, to help society and clients understand, use and harness the oceans and their resources, while ensuring their protection and preservation,” he added.