Ocean Exchange Names 10 Collegiate Finalists for 2026

Ocean Exchange, a flagship program of MTS, has announced 10 collegiate finalists who will compete for five $10,000 awards at the 2026 Ocean Exchange event, taking place October 25-27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This year’s event marks the 11th anniversary of the Ocean Exchange Collegiate awards, which recognize emerging innovators developing solutions for healthy oceans and a sustainable blue economy. The 10 finalists represent universities and post-secondary institutions across North America, with solutions spanning clean energy, data generation, water management, fishing, autonomy and robotics, and aquaculture.

The five winners will be chosen—based on the impact, level of innovation, and the ability to execute the presented solution—by delegates representing business, academia, government, and nonprofits.