Applications are invited for initiatives that develop innovative and future-oriented technologies to protect and conserve the oceans, contribute to reducing waste, or promote sustainable management to protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

A jury of experts from science and research as well as representatives of the Prince Albert II Foundation, the German Ocean Foundation and boot Düsseldorf will then evaluate the entries and select five projects which are practical, involve many people as possible and network with marine activists, before going to the public vote.

HelioRec won the 2022 award with its environmentally friendly electric charging stations (ECS) for the maritime sector based on floating solar power plants. Its drivers were to save land area in a port, provide a clean energy source, establish fast charging stations for electric vehicles and electric boats in the port, and provide new digital services for data prediction and optimisation.