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Launchpad Cohort 2 Application

Developed in 2021, Ocean Visions’ Launchpad program supports selected companies using ocean-based approaches that are competing for the $100M XPRIZE Carbon Removal. Through Launchpad, Ocean Visions provides scientific and technical assistance to these companies to help further the development, optimization, and testing of their technologies.

We are now initiating Launchpad’s second cohort, and are pleased to expand our search profile beyond XPRIZE participants to include all innovators working on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal pathways, as well as those who are enabling or improving our understanding of these pathways. The latter includes innovators working on improving monitoring or measurement (as part of MRV) of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) pathways, as well as addressing knowledge gaps identified in the Ocean Visions Road Maps, such as developing in water tools for autonomous CDR operations or addressing engineering challenges to better deliver or measure ocean-based CDR (for example, here, here and here).

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The goal of the one-year-long Launchpad program is to help innovators optimize their technologies and to fully measure, understand, and minimize negative environmental effects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications to apply?

  • Applicants whose focus is on carbon removal must utilize an approach to carbon removal that uses the power of the ocean to capture and/or store the captured carbon dioxide in the ocean. Example approaches include, but are not limited to: ocean alkalinity enhancement, sinking of terrestrial biomass, microalgae or macroalgae cultivation and carbon sequestration, and electrochemical approaches.
  • Applicants whose focus is on enabling carbon removal must clearly specify how their approach improves either the efficiency or understanding of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal.

What does the actual program look like?

The goal of the one-year-long Launchpad program is to help innovators optimize their technologies and to fully measure, understand, and minimize negative environmental effects. We believe that Ocean Visions can help by connecting innovators with expert advisors drawn from the Ocean Visions Network who have deep experience in areas ranging from oceanography and engineering to commercialization. An example of this can be seen from this Q&A with Launchpad advisor Wim van Rees from MIT. Some outcomes for the teams from Launchpad’s first cohort included a) Building a scientific advisory board and using it to develop a rigorous field research plan, b) Finding a scientific collaborator for proposals to NOAA’s NOPP program, and c) Identifying a location for a field trial and helping with experimental design. We are flexible and will work with you to identify your critical needs and match you with suitable advisors.

What does it cost to participate in Launchpad?

Launchpad is free to the companies that are selected, thanks to support from the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. All Ocean Visions Expert Advisors receive an honorarium and have generally agreed to provide 5-8 hours of support every month. It is important that prospective companies understand the need to put in the time with the advisors to make this experience valuable for everyone.

Will advisors and other experts sign an agreement with Ocean Visions to protect information shared by us (the company)?

Expert advisors are bound by an agreement to not use or share the confidential information outside of the Launchpad program. If the company is willing to let the expert use the information to inform their research or to present the work at meetings or conferences, then they are free to do so but this is solely at the discretion of the company.

What is the evaluation process like?

  • Applicants will have to fill out a brief initial application form (deadline June 8th, 2023)

  • Review of applications will commence

  • Applicants will be evaluated based on the ideas and potential expressed in their application.

  • In some cases, Ocean Visions may return to the applicant with additional questions.

  • Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a detailed application and may be called upon for an interview

  • All applicants will be notified of their status following the review process by September 30th, 2023.

What level of technology development do I need to join Launchpad?

Launchpad is tailored to cater to companies that have already conducted initial experiments in their laboratories, developed a prototype, and are building out plans for field trials.

However, these are not hard and fast rules. What is most important is that your company has a clear plan to address the technical risk in your approach and can articulate the benefits that external advisors can bring to the company in addressing these risks.

Questions?

Please contact Ocean Visions at info@oceanvisions.org if you have questions.