The Neptune Award is the flagship prize of Ocean Exchange, a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps accelerate the adoption of ocean-sustainability solutions. Each year it awards three $100,000 USD cash prizes to organizations whose innovations advance ocean health and the blue economy. The money is non-dilutive — Ocean Exchange takes no equity.
Solutions are judged on innovation, impact, and execution, and span areas such as alternative materials, clean energy, data and robotics, and fisheries and marine-habitat restoration. Applicants enter through one of three regional rounds, and finalists present in person at the Ocean Exchange gathering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Benefits & funding
- Three awards of $100,000 USD each, given as non-dilutive grants (no equity taken).
- Additional recognition and exposure to the Ocean Exchange network of investors, corporates, and mentors.
- Finalists are invited to present their solutions at the annual Ocean Exchange event.
Eligibility
- Open to organizations with a working solution that improves ocean health or advances the sustainable blue economy.
- Applicants must have a registered entity and an employee within the region under which they apply.
- Open to solutions worldwide; each applicant selects a home region where it has an established business presence.
- No nationality restriction; judged on the merit of the solution across innovation, impact, and execution.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Applications open around 1 March via the Ocean Exchange website on the F6S platform, with a separate portal for each region.
- 2Submit your solution through the F6S portal for your home region before that region’s deadline.
- 3Around 30 global semifinalists are selected for further review and contacted by 31 August.
- 4Twelve finalists are announced on 25 September and invited to present at the Ocean Exchange event.
- 5Winners of the three Neptune Awards are chosen at the event in Fort Lauderdale.
Program timeline
Applications open on F6S
1 March 2026
Deadline — Asia & Oceania region
12 June 2026
Deadline — Europe, Middle East & Africa region
10 July 2026
Deadline — The Americas region
7 August 2026
Semifinalists contacted
31 August 2026
Finalists announced
25 September 2026
Ocean Exchange event and award ceremony, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
25–27 October 2026