Here at Stardust Startups North Carolina (SSNC), we are thrilled to announce the winners of our inaugural $500 Coastal Idea Challenge – Spring 2024 edition!
Congratulations to Ivan Francis, Libby Ivory, and Garrett A. Mitchell for their outstanding ideas that address the critical challenges and opportunities within North Carolina’s Blue Economy.
Ivan Francis – ARGONETA
Ivan’s innovative concept, ARGONETA, envisions developing shallow-water underwater habitats to empower citizen scientists. These habitats promise to accelerate coral restoration and enhance the contributions of citizen scientists by significantly extending underwater research time. ARGONETA aims to revolutionize how we interact with the marine environment, combining cutting-edge technology with accessible, sustainable exploration.
Ivan Francis is an Open Water Diver, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an M.B.A. from Michigan State; he is also a member of SeaAhead and the Marine Technology Society.
Elizabeth Ivory – Albatross Aerobotics
Libby’s Albatross Aerobotics project introduces a new way to manage offshore wind farm operations. By using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for inspection and maintenance, her approach minimizes the need for vessel traffic, reducing risks to marine life and maintenance personnel. This forward-thinking solution aligns perfectly with the goals of promoting renewable energy while protecting our oceans.
Elizabeth Ivory is a senior at NC State University.
Garrett A. Mitchell – Nautigen Bio
Garrett’s Nautigen Bio project focuses on sustainable bioprospecting within extreme marine ecosystems. His startup aims to develop advanced tools for detecting and cataloging marine microbiomes, paving the way for innovative pharmaceutical applications. This project underscores the importance of marine biodiversity and its potential in the Blue Economy.
Garrett A. Mitchell is a senior geoscientist at Fugro specializing in deepwater geochemical exploration and remote sensing for hydrocarbon seeps and marine habitat characterization.
Continuing the Coastal Idea Challenge
The Coastal Idea Challenge was featured at NC State University’s “Blue Economy Innovation Program” in March 2024, and it will continue to support innovative solutions that align with our mission at SSNC.
Whether you’re a student or not, you’re eligible to participate! Winners not only receive a $500 prize but also gain priority status in our annual microgrant program for startups, offering a significant boost as they move from idea to business.
We are incredibly proud of the creative minds that participated in this challenge and look forward to seeing how these ideas will contribute to sustainable communities and climate action along North Carolina’s coast.
For those interested in participating in future challenges, be sure to check out the terms and conditions to learn more.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities as we continue to empower innovation within the Blue Economy!
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