Meet the nominees for the Blue Innovation Awards 2025
On 26 and 27 June, all candidates had the opportunity to present their project, service or product to the jury. All entries were subsequently evaluated based on their innovative character, link with the blue economy, market potential, international ambitions and relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Selection
The quality of the entries was once again exceptionally high. After much deluberation, our expert eventually selected two contenders for each category. Get to know all selected initiatives below:
Blue Innovation Wave (for SMEs).
Go Ocean
A healthy ocean is crucial for biodiversity, economic stability and social well-being worldwide. Go Ocean offers transparent, science-based marine restoration projects that not only promote sustainability, but also deliver tangible benefits.
These projects support companies in achieving their sustainability goals, such as carbon offsetting and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Go Ocean translates scientific impact into tangible business value, where ecology and business objectives go hand in hand.
MAHI Sense (MAHI)
MAHI develops autonomous systems for manned and unmanned vessels that improve operational efficiency, safety and sustainability. Their latest system, MAHI Sense, recently received RINA type approval, which means that the system meets the most stringent international standards.
MAHI Sense is the first autonomous maritime computer system that can be officially installed on ships that meet the IMO classification. This represents a major step forward for the future of the maritime sector.
Corporate Blue Innovation Wave (for corporates)
AquaForest Project (Jan De Nul)
AquaForest is a demonstration project led by Jan De Nul in which dredged sludge is used to create a 50-hectare mangrove area in Ecuador. This not only helps to restore nature, but also provides new insights into ecological construction and nature-inclusive design.
There is close cooperation with local authorities, communities and nature organisations. In 2024, a mangrove island was created with the support of the Flemish government and IUCN. This is carefully monitored so that this approach can be applied quickly and effectively in other places.
Geodrone 6800 (GEOxyz)
GEOxyz uses the GEOdrone 6800 to perform measurements at sea, without the need for a crew on board. The drone is remotely controlled from a control room on land. This makes the work safer, more sustainable and more efficient.
Because fewer people have to go to sea, the ecological impact is also reduced. At the same time, new jobs are created on land and GEOxyz can respond more flexibly to measurement assignments. In this way, the company is helping to build the future of smart, maritime technology.
Blue Innovation Swell (for collaboration initiatives)
Project North C Neutral (ORG, Permanent Modernity, Mantis Consulting and Ortelius)
How do we use the North Sea in a way that is both ecologically and economically responsible? North C Neutral developed a digital toolbox for this purpose that searches for the optimal balance between costs, carbon reduction, nature restoration and social interests.
The tool takes into account national and regional wishes and maps the impact of decisions over time. In this way, North C Neutral helps to better understand complex scenarios, weigh up interests and make sustainable choices for the future of the North Sea.
A Data Driven Whale Routing App (Whale Guardians, Bogerd Martin, Dice Consulting and LuxSpace)
Collisions with ships are one of the biggest threats to whales like the blue whale. Whale Guardians, Bogerd Martin, LuxSpace and Dice Consulting have therefore developed a smart data-driven tool that helps limit that risk.
The software shows where and when whales are likely to be. This allows shipping companies to choose routes that are safer for both humans and animals, without economic disadvantages. This is a great example of how technology and collaboration can make a difference for our oceans.
Award ceremony
The selected entries per category will be presented on Thursday 9 October 2025 at La Maison de la Poste in Brussels during StarWatts. Each nominee will have the possibility to give a short pitch.
Everyone will also get the opportunity to vote for their favorite. After the presentation of the other categories, the winner of the Inspirational Blue Wave (audience award) will be announced.
We would like to warmly thank all organisations that submitted a project, product or service for their participation. Our sincere thanks also go to the jury members for their expertise, time and commitment in evaluating the entries.
