The final awards event for the three winning projects of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge, the international competition co-organized by the International University of Monaco (IUM), the Oceanographic Institute, the Monaco Impact Association, and the Prince Albert II Foundation, which invites students and professionals from around the world to propose a business plan for new business concepts for a more sustainable ocean, was held at the Conference Room of the Oceanographic Museum of the Principality of Monaco.
Indeed, the goal of the project is to support the next generation in developing innovative ideas that have a positive and measurable environmental impact on the ocean.
From January 16 to March 20, 2023, 47 projects were invited, from about twenty international universities and business schools, for more than 100 students and young entrepreneurs representing nearly 23 different nationalities. Of all the submissions, 6 were selected in the “Student” and “Start-up” categories for the grand final event on June 9, when the finalists had the opportunity to present their project on stage at the Oceanographic Museum’s Lecture Hall to convince the members of the jury.
After careful evaluation, below are the winners, awarded by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco:
- in the “Students” category (undergraduate and postgraduate students of any major, or recent graduates, from schools of business, engineering, science, design, art, communications, etc.) convinced the jury by winning the Bloom team (Babson College, USA) a trip to discover the Arctic for two people, worth 8,000 euros, offered by Nansen Polar Expeditions.
- In the “Start-up” category (open to all entrepreneurs who are starting or have started a business since June 2020), the Pronoe team (France) takes first prize, winning a check for 5,000 euros donated by Monaco Impact and a mentoring program worth 7,000 euros offered by White Castle Partners.
- Coup de Cœur prize, awarded to the Flexisea team (MINES Paris – PSL, International University of Monaco and Universitatea Politehnica din București), which wins 3,000 euros, as well as personalized assistance in setting up a business, with advice and support in finding financing. These prizes are donated by CFM Indosuez Wealth Management, a leading banking institution and pioneer of responsible finance in Monaco, which has joined the companies supporting the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge.
Each winner, will also receive a trophy in the form of an artistic work created especially for the MOPC 2023 Grand Final by jewelry designer Alberto Domenico Vitale, managing director of Vitale 1913 Monte-Carlo, which has been committed to ocean conservation and sustainable trade since 2014.
The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge confirms its mission again this year, then: to support the winners in pursuing their entrepreneurial projects by providing advice and giving them access to contacts and knowledge within the professional networks of partner companies, particularly those involved in incubation, acceleration or financing of start-ups. This a unique opportunity that is fully in tune with the values and goals of the International University of Monaco, which has always been on the side of young talents and future managers of innovation in the field of luxury and sustainability.
(Sixth Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge – barchemagazine.com – June 2023)
